Taurokoolihappoa

Taurokoolihappoa, also known as taurocholic acid, is a bile acid found in the bile of mammals. It is a conjugated bile acid, meaning it is formed by the conjugation of cholic acid, a primary bile acid, with taurine, an amino sulfonic acid. Taurokoolihappoa plays a crucial role in the digestion and absorption of dietary fats and fat-soluble vitamins in the small intestine.

In the liver, cholic acid is synthesized and then conjugated with taurine to form taurokoolihappoa. This conjugated bile acid is then secreted into the bile and stored in the gallbladder. When food enters the small intestine, the gallbladder releases bile, and taurokoolihappoa is released into the intestinal lumen. There, it acts as an emulsifier, breaking down large fat globules into smaller droplets. This process, called emulsification, increases the surface area of fats, making them more accessible to digestive enzymes like lipase.

Taurokoolihappoa also aids in the formation of micelles, which are small structures that transport digested fats and fat-soluble vitamins across the intestinal lining for absorption into the bloodstream. After performing its digestive functions, taurokoolihappoa is reabsorbed in the ileum and transported back to the liver via the enterohepatic circulation, where it can be re-secreted into the bile. This efficient recycling process minimizes the need for constant synthesis of new bile acids. Its presence is essential for efficient nutrient absorption and overall digestive health.