Ursodeoxycholic Acid details
What Ursodeoxycholic Acid shows
Ursodeoxycholic acid is a minor bile acid normally present in only small amounts in the body, notable also because a synthetic, purified version of this same compound is used as a medication (often called ursodiol) to treat certain liver and gallbladder conditions, including some forms of cholestatic liver disease and gallstone prevention. As part of a detailed bile acid panel, measuring it contributes to a fuller picture of bile acid composition and liver/bile flow function, and levels can also reflect ursodiol medication use if someone is taking it.
Tests that include Ursodeoxycholic Acid
This test measures the levels of primary, secondary, and tertiary bile acids in the blood. Bile acid measurement is crucial for detecting pregnancy-related cholestasis, ensuring proper absorption of cholesterol & fat-soluble vitamins, and maintaining a healthy gut microbiome. It also reports ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), so it is the version to choose if you take ursodiol.
- Chenodeoxycholic Acid One of the primary bile acids made by your liver to help digest fat. Measured as part of detailed bile acid panels assessing liver and digestive function.
- Cholic Acid One of the primary bile acids made by your liver to help digest fat. Measured as part of detailed bile acid panels assessing liver and digestive function.
- Deoxycholic Acid A secondary bile acid formed by gut bacteria breaking down primary bile acids. Measured as part of detailed bile acid panels.
- Bile Acids, Total Measures the total bile acids in your blood, which the liver uses to help digest fat. Elevated levels can indicate liver dysfunction or impaired bile flow.
- Ursodeoxycholic Acid A minor bile acid, also used in medication form to treat certain liver conditions. Measured as part of detailed bile acid panels.
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