Question 1

i've heard of bile acid secuestrants as an alternative to statins for high cholesterol. what are the negatives to using them?

Accepted Answer

Partly helpful.: While bile acid sequestrants can help lower cholesterol, statins not only lower the LDL ("bad cholesterol"), but also have what are termed "pleiotropic effects" upon endothelial function, the stability of atherosclerotic plaques, decreasing oxidative stress and inflammation, and inhibiting the clotting response.  Statins seem to have antitumor and other effects as well.

Question 2

my b12 is at 200 ng/l lab reference is 130-800. i have bile acid malabsorption. is this level acceptable for everyone, or could i benefit from more ?

Accepted Answer

Could use more: It would be prudent to consult your doctor for the need to take supplemental vitamin B12. It can given as an injection, a pill to be swallowed or a pill kept under the tongue. Your doctor who knows more about your health would be able to advise better.

Question 3

what is the definition or description of: serum bile acid elevated?

Accepted Answer

Maybe big trouble: We check for several nonspecific liver tests like ast, alt, alkphos, bili and one specific GGT test for alcoholism (and others). We worry when these increase 2x, 3x, 4x etc.  Bile acid (bilirubin) can increase in a newborn and cause jaundice, which is temporary and treatable. In adults, an elevate bili can be ominous possible heralding hepatitis, disease, or blockage of some type.

Question 4

what are the diseases associated with the presence of bile acid and acetone bodies in urine?

Accepted Answer

Reflux,Atresia,DKA: Bile is a greenish golden color secretion, produced by the liver ; is stored in gallbladder.Bile leaves from gallbladder through bile duct and helps in absorption of fats. Bile duct may be obstructed, causing gallstones. Biliary atresia, biliary cirrhosis, biliary cholangitis, pancreatitis ; bile reflux are bile related conditions. Acetone bodies are ketone bodies and can cause dka, ketoacidosis.

Question 5

can eating before a bile acid blood test affect the results. when testing for pregnacy cholesatsis ?

Accepted Answer

Cholestasis: It is not necessary to be fasting before serum bile acid testing for cholestasis of pregnancy. Not all patients with cholestasis will have abnormal blood work. Some physicians will try a medication called Ursodiol in patients with suspected cholestasis. If the itching resolves on this medication then this can confirm the diagnosis.

Question 6

pregnant 26+5 by scan.bile acid sent was 11.9 reported .started on udca tab .any effects on baby ?baby wt estimate d by scan 750g and told ?iugr .????

Accepted Answer

Cholestasis: Your pregnancy is at risk due to fatty liver, so there is a strong chance your baby will deliver prematurely if this does not improve soon. The ursodeoxycholic acid you are taking helps to reverse that trend, so hopefully this will get better. Trust your OB, and stick to the diet they likely put you on to help, and hopefully your liver gets better soon...

Question 7

cold burning from anal area all the way up to bladder area in 4 day bouts. gallbladder removed so could this be bile acid irritation? prostate ok.

Accepted Answer

No: Only if you have post gallbladder removal diarrhea wouldthis be considered. Se colon rectal surgeon.

Question 8

i have a previous history of severe alcoholic hepatitis but all bloods have normalised except for raised bile acid, which is causing distressing all over itching. what could be the cause of this? thanks

Accepted Answer

Bilirubin: If you had jaundice and the serum bilirubin level is still elevated, itching would be common. Ursodiol has been used to relieve the itching. A hepatologist or gastroenterologist can advise you best.

Question 9

does eating before a bile acid blood test affect the results?

Accepted Answer

Depends...: ...on the reasoning behind the test: e.g. non-fasted blood draw to rule out Gilbert's would alter results.

Question 10

coeliac d trying to gain weight,there is fat malabsorption, is there any way to ameliorate this other than bile acid sequester? thank you any tips ?

Accepted Answer

Time: If you have truly avoided all gluten, the small intestine will eventually heal up and start absorbing the nutrients within a few months at the latest.  Just give it time. If you still fail to gain weight after 3 months, check with your GI again to see if there may be something else causing your weight loss issue.

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Doctor answers about:

Welchol bile acid reducer

A member asked:

I've heard of bile acid secuestrants as an alternative to statins for high cholesterol. what are the negatives to using them?

A member asked:

My b12 is at 200 ng/l lab reference is 130-800. i have bile acid malabsorption. is this level acceptable for everyone, or could i benefit from more ?

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: serum bile acid elevated?

A member asked:

What are the diseases associated with the presence of bile acid and acetone bodies in urine?

A member asked:

Can eating before a bile acid blood test affect the results. when testing for pregnacy cholesatsis ?

A member asked:

Pregnant 26+5 by scan.bile acid sent was 11.9 reported .started on udca tab .any effects on baby ?baby wt estimate d by scan 750g and told ?iugr .????

A member asked:

Cold burning from anal area all the way up to bladder area in 4 day bouts. gallbladder removed so could this be bile acid irritation? prostate ok.

A member asked:

I have a previous history of severe alcoholic hepatitis but all bloods have normalised except for raised bile acid, which is causing distressing all over itching. what could be the cause of this? thanks

A member asked:

Does eating before a bile acid blood test affect the results?

A member asked:

Coeliac d trying to gain weight,there is fat malabsorption, is there any way to ameliorate this other than bile acid sequester? thank you any tips ?

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