Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Bovine-derived ingredients, particularly bovine bile or ox bile extracts, have been traditionally used in some cultures and alternative medicine practices to support gallbladder function, especially in cases where the gallbladder is sluggish or has been removed (cholecystectomy). The rationale behind this traditional use is that ox bile contains bile acids similar to those naturally produced by the human liver and stored in the gallbladder. When the gallbladder is removed, bile flows directly from the liver to the intestine, which may not always be sufficient for optimal fat digestion, leading to symptoms like bloating or diarrhea. Practitioners of traditional and integrative medicine have used bovine bile supplements to mimic the emulsifying action of endogenous bile, aiming to aid fat digestion and reduce gastrointestinal symptoms.

However, while there is a historical precedent and a plausible physiological rationale, robust scientific validation is limited. Clinical trials specifically evaluating the efficacy and safety of bovine bile supplements for gallbladder support or post-cholecystectomy symptoms are scarce. Most evidence is anecdotal or based on small case series. Mainstream medical guidelines do not recommend routine use of bovine bile for these conditions, but it remains a component in some digestive enzyme supplements marketed for gallbladder support. Overall, the use is primarily traditional with modest supporting rationale, but more rigorous research is needed to establish clear benefits and safety.

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Nature's Sunshine Adrenal Support