A deficiency in bile salt can lead to what physiological deficiency in patients?

A deficiency in bile salts can lead to impaired lipid and cholesterol absorption due to their crucial role in the digestion and emulsification of dietary fats. Bile salts, which are derived from cholesterol, are essential for breaking down large fat globules into smaller micelles, which increases the surface area for lipases to act upon. Without sufficient bile salts, the ability of the intestines to effectively absorb lipids and fat-soluble vitamins (such as A, D, E, and K) decreases significantly, leading to potential deficiencies in these nutrients and overall lipid metabolism.

In contrast, protein absorption primarily relies on enzymes like pepsin and pancreatic proteases, while vitamin C, a water-soluble vitamin, does not depend on bile salts for its absorption. Similarly, mineral absorption typically occurs through active transport and diffusion mechanisms and is not directly affected by bile salt levels. Thus, the primary consequence of a deficiency in bile salts is a compromise in lipid and cholesterol absorption.