Bile acid metabolism and fiber.

Studies in experimental animals and in humans have shown a definite interaction of dietary fiber with bile acid metabolism. In experimental animals, some types of fiber have been shown to increase bile acid excretion as well as increase pool size and turnover of bile acids. In man, increases in bile acid excretion have been observed but not consistently. Alternations in excretion and biliary bile acid levels indicate an influence of dietary fiber in bile acid metabolism. In vitro experiments have attempted to determine the nature of the fiber-bile acid interaction. Some types of fiber and some components of fiber have been shown to bind bile acids and bile salts in appreciable quantities. The capacity for various types of fiber to bind bile acids or bile salts is quite variable, and a high capacity seems to correspond with a hypocholesteremic effect. A great deal of research is still needed for elucidation of these interactions of fiber and bile acid metabolism and the resultant beneficial effects on cholesterol metabolism and the disease-related abnormalities in cholesterol metabolism.