What percentage of bilirubin is utilized for bile production?

Bilirubin, a breakdown product of hemoglobin from red blood cells, is primarily processed by the liver. During its metabolism, a substantial portion of bilirubin is converted into bile acids, which are then secreted into the bile and stored in the gallbladder. The actual percentage of bilirubin utilized for bile production is approximately 2%. This relatively low percentage reflects the overall balance in the processing and elimination of bilirubin, as the majority is typically processed for excretion rather than being converted into components of bile. Understanding this percentage is crucial for comprehending the liver's role in both the degradation of old red blood cells and the digestion process, particularly in how it manages bilirubin levels to avoid conditions like jaundice.