Gallensäurmischung

Gallensäurmischung refers to a mixture of bile acids. Bile acids are steroid acids produced in the liver from cholesterol. They are then secreted into the bile, a fluid that aids in the digestion and absorption of fats in the small intestine. Bile acids are crucial for emulsifying dietary fats, breaking them down into smaller droplets, which increases the surface area for digestive enzymes to act upon. They also play a role in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

The primary bile acids synthesized in the liver are cholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid. These are then conjugated with glycine or taurine before secretion. In the intestine, bacteria further modify these primary bile acids into secondary bile acids, such as deoxycholic acid and lithocholic acid. The term "Gallensäurmischung" encompasses this complex mixture of primary and secondary bile acids, both conjugated and unconjugated forms, found in bile and the digestive tract.

The composition and function of bile acid mixtures are vital for healthy digestion. Disruptions in bile acid metabolism or circulation can lead to various gastrointestinal disorders. Pharmaceutical preparations often use bile acid mixtures to treat conditions like malabsorption syndromes or to dissolve certain types of gallstones. The precise composition of these mixtures can vary depending on the intended therapeutic use.