Ox Bile Extract
Also known as: bovine bile extract, bile salts, purified bile salts, ox bile powder, dried bile
Ox bile extract is dried, defatted bovine bile that supplies conjugated bile salts such as taurocholate and glycocholate. It is used in digestive formulas aimed at people who have had their gallbladder removed or who report discomfort after fatty meals, on the rationale that supplemental bile salts help emulsify dietary fat for lipase to act on. It is often paired with lipase. No randomized trials of ox bile as a dietary supplement were located in PubMed; the dose range reflects market practice. Because it is a bovine product, sourcing, BSE-status documentation, and Prop 65 review deserve attention.
Research summary
Bile salts emulsify dietary fat into micelles, supporting lipase access and absorption of fat-soluble nutrients. Clinical evidence for supplementation is not established.
Dosage
Daily amounts, of compound.
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| — | 100–500 mg | — | — |
Market doses are 100–500 mg with fat-containing meals; no clinical dose-finding data were located. Loose stools are the most common complaint at higher doses. Not for use in people with bile duct obstruction or active gallstone symptoms.
Standardization: Typically standardized to ≥45% total bile acids (cholic acid basis); supplier dependent
Source material: bovine bile, dried and defatted
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Bitter, hygroscopic, and strongly flavored; capsule or tablet only.
Formulation notes
Bovine-derived: not vegetarian, requires BSE-free sourcing documentation, and may need review for Prop 65 listed contaminants. Laxative effect at higher doses. May alter absorption of some drugs; advise spacing.
- Possible Prop 65 warning
- Laxative effect
Sources
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