What percentage of bile is reabsorbed daily in the body?

In the human body, bile acids play a crucial role in the digestion and absorption of dietary fats. After bile is secreted into the intestines, a significant portion is reabsorbed back into the bloodstream. The majority of bile acids are reabsorbed through the enterohepatic circulation, which refers to the recycling process of bile acids between the liver and the intestine.

Approximately 90% of bile acids are reabsorbed daily. This high percentage is due in part to the efficient absorption mechanisms in the terminal ileum, where bile acids are actively and passively transported back into the bloodstream. Once reabsorbed, these bile acids return to the liver to be reused in the synthesis of bile. This process is not only economical but also essential for maintaining the proper concentration of bile acids in the body.

Reabsorbing 90% of bile acids ensures that the liver can efficiently utilize these compounds for digestion and minimizes waste, highlighting the importance of enterohepatic circulation in the digestive system.