Last verified: 17 days ago
Ox Bile
Also known as: bovine bile, dried ox bile, bile extract, ox bile extract
Evidence under review. — Not yet rated
Dried animal bile used as a digestive aid. Limited human evidence; most data comes from animal or lab studies.
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What it does
Ox bile is a dried extract from bovine (cattle) bile, which the body naturally uses to break down and absorb dietary fats. In animal and lab studies, it has been shown to stimulate fat digestion...
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Evidence quality
Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
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Clinical dose
No established dose from provided studies
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Found in
NOW Supplements Super Enzymes, Seeking Health Ox Bile 125 mg, Dr. Berg Maximum Strength D3 K2 and 2 more
What the Science Says
Ox bile is a dried extract from bovine (cattle) bile, which the body naturally uses to break down and absorb dietary fats. In animal and lab studies, it has been shown to stimulate fat digestion and influence the release of gut hormones like neurotensin. One poultry study found it modestly improved fat digestibility, though it did not outperform other interventions tested.
What It Doesn't Do
No human clinical trials in the provided data support ox bile supplements for fat digestion, weight loss, or liver support. Not proven to replace bile in people with gallbladder removal. No evidence it improves cholesterol or detoxifies the liver. Marketing claims about 'optimizing digestion' in healthy adults are not backed by the studies available.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Bile salts from ox bile stimulate release of the gut hormone neurotensin in rat intestines.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 0.25–1.5% wt/vol (animal study only)
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Ox bile can emulsify dietary fats in lab and animal settings, aiding lipid breakdown.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 0.4 g/kg in poultry feed (animal study only)
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Absorption & Bioavailability
Unknown — no human pharmacokinetic data in the provided studies. Animal and in vitro data suggest bile salts are active in the gut lumen, but absorption dynamics of supplemental ox bile in humans are not established.
Red Flags to Watch For
- No human clinical trials directly testing ox bile supplements as a standalone digestive aid were found in the provided data
- One rat study found dry ox bile actually REDUCED fat absorption compared to controls — the opposite of common marketing claims
- Widely sold (1,000+ registered products on NIH DSLD) despite very limited human evidence
- Sourced from animal slaughter byproducts — quality and standardization can vary significantly between products
- People with bile acid malabsorption, IBD, or liver disease should consult a doctor before use
Products Containing Ox Bile
See how Ox Bile is used in these analyzed products:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Ox Bile do?
Dried animal bile used as a digestive aid. Limited human evidence; most data comes from animal or lab studies.
What is the effective dose of Ox Bile?
No established dose from provided studies
Is Ox Bile safe?
No human clinical trials directly testing ox bile supplements as a standalone digestive aid were found in the provided data
What doesn't Ox Bile do?
No human clinical trials in the provided data support ox bile supplements for fat digestion, weight loss, or liver support.
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-05-25