Question

How does bile helps in absorption of fats?

Answer 1

• Bile is a complex fluid containing water, electrolytes and organic molecules like bile acids, cholesterol, phospholipids and bilirubin.
• Bile acids help in the digestion and absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins in small intestine.
• They are derivatives of cholesterol synthesized in hepatocytes (liver cells).
• They are amphipathic i.e they contain both hydrophobic and hydrophilic faces.
• Bile acid have detergent action on particles of dietary fat ( triglycerides) which causes the breakdown of fat globules (emulsification).
• They are lipid carriers and solubilize many lipids by forming micelles.
• Due to micelles formation, surface area for the action of enzymes is increased.
• Triglycerides breakdown to monoglycerides and 2 fatty acids.
• These are easily absorbed by villi on the intestine walls.