Merck, MAK309-1KT, Bile Acid Assay Kit

Twelve different types of bile acids are typically found in mammals, among them two primary types are cholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid. These can be dehydroxylated into secondary bile acids. Finally, these four can be conjugated to either taurine or glycine creating 8 different conjugated bile acids. Bile acid levels in feces, blood, urine, and bile can be used as markers for various diseases such as hyperlipidemia, cholestasis, gall stones, colon cancer, etc. Bile acids also exist as sulfate salt forms known as bile acid sulfates. Sulfation of bile acids increases their solubility and decreases intestinal absorption, thereby enhancing fecal and urinary excretion.