Synopsis

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

Bile acids have traditionally been used in various forms to aid digestion, including the treatment of indigestion (dyspepsia). Historically, animal-derived bile or ox bile extract was incorporated into traditional remedies and, later, certain pharmaceutical preparations to supplement endogenous bile in individuals believed to have insufficient bile secretion. The rationale is that bile acids help emulsify dietary fats, promoting their digestion and absorption in the small intestine, which in turn could alleviate digestive discomfort associated with fat-rich meals or mild biliary insufficiency.

However, the scientific evidence supporting the use of unspecified bile acids for general indigestion is limited and of low quality. While there is clear scientific understanding of bile acids’ physiological role in fat digestion, robust clinical trials demonstrating efficacy of oral bile acid supplementation for nonspecific indigestion are lacking. Most modern guidelines do not recommend bile acids for routine management of indigestion or dyspepsia, except in specific cases such as biliary insufficiency due to gallbladder removal or certain liver diseases. In summary, the use of bile acids for indigestion is primarily justified by tradition and historical practice, with only limited and indirect scientific rationale, and little direct clinical evidence for efficacy in the general population.

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