Could your diarrhea & gut symptoms be bile acid malabsorption?

Bile acid diarrhea (BAD), also known as bile acid malabsorption (BAM), is a prevalent cause of chronic diarrhea. This condition arises when bile salts, which normally aid in the digestion of fats, are not effectively reabsorbed in the small intestine for reuse but instead move into the large intestine. Consequently, this leads to a substantial influx of water and salts into the bowel, resulting in watery diarrhea.Types of Bile Acid Diarrhea CausesType 1ExamplesTerminal ileitis (e.g., Crohn’s disease)Following resection of terminal ileum (Crohn’s Surgery)Type 2No definable underlying cause or abnormality(this would apply to chronic diarrhea in those that respond to the medication- bile acid sequestrants)Type 3Post gallbladder removalPost vagotomyCeliac diseaseBile Acid Malabsorption in IBDBAD occurs in 40% of cases of Crohn’s disease – this is because the ileum plays an important role in bile acid reabsorption. When it is resected or inflammation occurs in the ileum, bile acid malabsorption can occur causing diarrhea, fat malabsorption, and floating stool. Also, 35% of individuals suffering from microscopic colitis may suffer from BAD. Those with ulcerative colitis or overlapping IBS and IBD can also be affected.Fat malabsorption that occurs in BAD can also complicate the absorption of fat-soluble nutrients like Vitamin A, E, D, and K. Bile […]