Bile Acid Test: What It Is & Why It's Crucial for Your Liver Health

Do you know what is stuck between your liver and your gut? Those are bile acids, and yes, you guessed right; they have many hidden things to say about your overall health. 

The bile acid test is one of the significant blood tests that can accurately check the bile acid levels in your body. If you are talking about what bile acids do for the liver, bile acids are there for fat digestion in the liver. These acids are further processed in the liver and directly stored in the gallbladder. This bile acid will enter your bloodstream when your liver isn't functioning correctly, obstructing the bile flow. And that's where this test for bile acid comes in. As the increased levels of bile acids are indicative of the health condition called intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, which can be risky for a pregnant woman and a child, it is considered a crucial test during pregnancy. In this blog, you will learn everything about the bile acid test, from the normal levels to the key takeaways. 

 What is the bile acid test?

Another name for the bile acid test is the serum bile acid test. This test measures the amount of bile acid in your blood and serves as a diagnostic tool. Vitamins like A, D, E, and K, which are fat-soluble, are absorbed by the liver with their assistance. They are once more absorbed and regenerated by the liver itself after completing their task in the small intestine. Lifestyle changes, unbalanced eating habits, and numerous other outside variables might cause liver damage without you realizing it. Any alteration in liver function will have a direct impact on bile acid secretion, leading to a buildup of bile acids in the bloodstream and disrupting the liver's recycling process. Liver diseases such as cirrhosis, cholestasis, or hepatitis are directly linked to elevated bile acid levels in the body. This bile acid helps with early diagnosis by measuring the high bile acid levels in your body. 

Also Read: Silent Signs Of Liver Diseases Everyone Must Be Aware Of

What Does the Bile Acid Test Do to Your Body?

The bile acid test does a total analysis of liver function. You don't need to worry, as it doesn't harm your body. Only a blood sample is taken from your body, and the levels of serum bile acids are measured accurately. This provides you with clear insight about overall liver health, and if the bile acids are backed up into your blood, then it is a red flag. This test will help you detect these conditions.

This test helps detect:

• Disorders of the liver
• Gallbladder issues
• Cholestasis, or reduced bile flow
• Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP)

Why does the bile acid test matter?

The bile acid test is not as well-known or familiar as liver function tests, but it is essential in detecting problems with bile flow before symptoms worsen over time. It is significant for the following primary reasons: 

• Pregnant women who have premature births or fetal distress are more likely to have raised bile acid levels; hence, this bile acid test is crucial in preventing subsequent difficulties.
• In healthy individuals, this test can help identify bile duct or liver disorders that other standard liver tests may overlook.
• Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) and Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) are two cholestatic liver disorders that are monitored.

What Is the Normal Range of the Bile Acid Test?

 Understanding your report requires knowing the typical range, which is calculated in micromoles per liter. The values are divided as follows: 

Test type	Normal Range
Bile Acid Test (General Adults)	0 – 10 µmol/L
Serum Bile Acid Test	<10 µmol/L fasting
Bile Acid Test in Pregnancy	<10 µmol/L (Normal) 10–19 µmol/L (Borderline) >19 µmol/L (Elevated /ICP Risk)
Bile Acid Blood Test Normal Values	0 – 10 µmol/L

Note: Although these results may differ slightly between labs, you should typically get medical help right away if your levels during pregnancy exceed 19 µmol/L.

Also Read: 10+ Home Remedies to Naturally Detox the Liver.

What Do These Levels Mean for You?

Until your bile acid levels are in the normal range, it is good; this means your liver is functioning properly. But here is what different levels of bile acids tell you about your health: 

• 0–10 µmol/L: Normal
• 10–19 µmol/L: A slight increase; continue to monitor
• >19 µmol/L: May be a sign of cholestasis, particularly in pregnant women.
• >40 µmol/L: Significant risk of problems, particularly for expectant mothers

Increased levels may indicate liver injury or inflammation, blockage in the bile ducts, pregnancy-related intrahepatic cholestasis (ICP), or problems with fat malabsorption.

What to Do If Your Levels Are Not in the Normal Range?

By any chance, if your levels of bile acids do not fall into the standard bracket, then here are some of the steps you should consider taking: 

• In that case, consult the designated doctors (hepatologists or gastroenterologists), as they will help you identify the root cause of the elevated bile acids and suggest any other relevant tests. 
• If you are a pregnant woman and encounter these raised bile acid issues in your body, then it is advisable to consult your gynecologist. Your doctor will help you with a better approach. 
• Avoid alcohol consumption and sugary and processed food resources, and switch to a healthy and balanced diet. 
• Getting a good quality of sleep daily and keeping yourself hydrated will also help.
• Get routine checkups done at regular intervals, monitor any changes, and keep track of your numbers. 
• Maintain contact with your doctors, and discuss medications and lifestyle triggers, especially when you are taking any known drugs or other similar things that directly harm your liver. 

Note: All these small changes can help you address bile acid issues for improved liver health.

FAQs

1. What is a normal bile acid level?

The normal bile acid level in adults is usually between 0 and 10 µmol/L. In pregnancy, levels should also stay below 10 µmol/L to avoid complications.

2. What if bile acid is high?

High bile acid levels can signal liver or gallbladder dysfunction, and during pregnancy, they may indicate Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP).

3. What is the normal content of bile?

Bile typically contains water, bile acids, cholesterol, bilirubin, and electrolytes, with bile acids being crucial for the digestion of fats.

4. How to check the bile acid level in the LFT report?

Bile acid levels are not part of a routine LFT and require a separate 'Serum Bile Acid' test, which your doctor can prescribe.

5. How to detect bile problems?

Bile problems are diagnosed using blood tests (bile acid test), ultrasound, liver function tests, and based on symptoms like itching, nausea, or pale stools.

6. What are the symptoms of foul bile?

Common symptoms include itching, nausea, jaundice, dark urine, light-colored stools, and digestive discomfort.

7. What foods increase bile production?

Foods like beets, leafy greens, bitter herbs (such as dandelion), lemon water, and artichokes help stimulate healthy bile flow.

8. What is the test for bile acid in the liver?

The serum bile acid test is the primary diagnostic test that measures how well your liver processes bile acids into the blood.

Final Takeaway: Don't Ignore the Bile Acid Signal

The bile acid test is more than just numbers or a report; it is more than this; it is a window into your liver's well-being. Especially if you are an expectant lady; in that case, it becomes your lifesaver, as this prevents serious complications during pregnancy. To safeguard liver health, it is essential to understand the inner workings of your body. This bile acid test helps evaluate early-stage and bile duct issues that other regular tests may miss. 

If you are feeling indifferent and experiencing symptoms like nausea and other common health concerns, then it is better to consult your doctor and get your bile acid levels checked. It may seem like a small step, but it can have a significant health impact. You can book your first bile acid test with Redcliffe Labs with just a click. 

Bonus Tip

Use a Test Value Evaluator tool to interpret your bile acid test report and consult experts if your levels fall outside the normal range.