Taurocholsäure

Taurocholsäure is a bile acid. Bile acids are steroidal acids produced in the liver from cholesterol. Taurocholsäure is a conjugated bile acid, meaning it is linked to an amino acid, in this case, taurine. This conjugation increases its water solubility.

The primary function of bile acids, including taurocholsäure, is to aid in the digestion and absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins in the small intestine. They achieve this by emulsifying fats, breaking them down into smaller droplets, which increases the surface area available for digestive enzymes to act upon. Taurocholsäure also plays a role in the elimination of cholesterol from the body, as it is synthesized from cholesterol and ultimately excreted in the feces.

In the body, taurocholsäure is synthesized in the liver, conjugated with taurine, and then secreted into the bile. Bile is stored in the gallbladder and released into the small intestine after a meal. After performing its digestive functions, taurocholsäure is reabsorbed in the ileum and transported back to the liver, a process known as enterohepatic circulation.

Taurocholsäure is also found in other mammals and has been studied for its potential therapeutic applications, although its primary significance lies in its physiological role in digestion and metabolism.