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3. Digestive Function

Bile performs two critically important functions: it aids digestion and excretes waste products. Bile acids are derivatives of hepatocyte functions. Cholesterol enters the body and undergoes oxidation to become bile acids. Hepatocytes then temporarily merge these acids with amino acids to create conjugated bile acids or bile salts. Bile acids are responsible for breaking down fat globules into microscopic droplets as part of emulsification. This makes the fats more easily digestible. Bile acids also carry lipids and fat-soluble vitamins.

digestion bile miodrag ignjatovic / Getty Images

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