Bile salts are amphiphilic surfactants synthesised in the liver from cholesterol, conjugated by glycine or taurine and excreted in the bile. Intestinal bacteria convert conjugated primary bile salts into secondary bile salts and tertiary bile salts. They make up two-thirds of the organic components of mammalian bile and are reabsorbed back into the liver via the enterohepatic circulation. In the small intestine, they act as micelle solubilisers and are involved in the digestion and absorption of nutrients. In addition, bile salts are powerful signaling molecules in the liver and intestines. At a certain concentration, which is typical for each bile salt, bile salts form aggregates called micelles because of hydrophilic and hydrophobic centres of the bile salts. They play a key role in the digestion and absorption of lipophilic components such as dietary lipids and fat-soluble vitamins. People who have problems with bile salt deficiency can alleviate the problem by taking dietary supplements. It is important to stay hydrated and eat enough vegetables and beetroot.
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