Question

What is the precursor of bile salts and what is the role of bile salts in the human digestive system

Answer 1

Bile salts are sodium or potassium salts of conjugate form of bile acids. At physiological pH, bile acids exist in their anionic form thus form bile salts with sodium or potassium ions. These are produced in liver and usually conjugate with glycine or taurine.

Cholestrol acts as precursor for synthesis of bile acids and those produced in liver are called primary bile acids. Cholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid are most common bile acids in humans.

Bile salts help in digestion of food in humans by breaking down fats. They solubilize fats and fat soluble vitamins thus improving their digestion and absorption. Bile salts also help to remove toxic compounds and excess cholestrol from body.