What happens to bile salts once they assist in fat digestion?

Bile salts play a critical role in the digestion and absorption of dietary fats. After they have facilitated the emulsification of fats in the small intestine, they are largely reabsorbed. This process occurs primarily in the ileum, the final segment of the small intestine, where bile salts are taken back into the bloodstream. Once absorbed, they can be transported back to the liver, where they are recycled and secreted again into the bile for future digestion of fats.

This reabsorption process is efficient, allowing the body to conserve bile salts and minimize the need for continuous production. Bile salts do not enter the urine in significant amounts nor do they convert into glucose. Additionally, while bile salts do undergo some metabolism in the liver, the immediate fate of the bile salts post-digestion primarily involves their absorption back into the body rather than being metabolized at that stage. This recycling of bile salts is essential for maintaining the body’s ability to digest fat effectively over time.