Evidence supporting the use of: Ox bile
For the body system: Gall Bladder

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Ox bile is used as a supplement to support the gallbladder and digestive system, particularly in individuals whose gallbladders have been removed (cholecystectomy) or who have difficulty producing or releasing sufficient bile. Bile is a digestive fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, critical for the emulsification and absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins in the small intestine. Scientific literature recognizes the physiological role of bile acids in digestion and supports the rationale for bile salt supplementation in cases of bile insufficiency or absence of a functioning gallbladder. Clinical studies and case reports indicate that ox bile supplements (or purified bile salts) may improve fat digestion and reduce gastrointestinal symptoms such as steatorrhea (fatty stools) in patients with bile acid deficiency or after gallbladder removal. However, the body of evidence is limited, mostly consisting of small studies or expert consensus, and there is a lack of large-scale, high-quality randomized controlled trials specifically evaluating ox bile supplements for general gallbladder "support" in healthy individuals. Thus, while there is clear scientific understanding of the mechanism and rationale for use in specific medical scenarios, the evidence for routine supplementation in the absence of diagnosed bile acid deficiency or gallbladder removal is limited.

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