Last verified: 17 days ago
Ox Bile Extract
Also known as: bovine bile extract, bile salts, ox bile, dried bile, desiccated bile
Evidence under review. — Not yet rated
Digestive aid from animal bile. Traditionally used to support fat digestion, especially after gallbladder removal.
-
What it does
Ox bile extract is a dried concentrate of bile from cattle. Bile is a digestive fluid the body naturally produces to break down dietary fats and absorb fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K....
-
Evidence quality
Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
-
Clinical dose
No established dose
-
Found in
NOW Supplements Super Enzymes, Seeking Health Ox Bile 125 mg, Dr. Berg Maximum Strength D3 K2 and 1 more
What the Science Says
Ox bile extract is a dried concentrate of bile from cattle. Bile is a digestive fluid the body naturally produces to break down dietary fats and absorb fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K. People who have had their gallbladder removed, or who have low bile production, sometimes take ox bile supplements to compensate for reduced bile availability during meals. Its use is largely based on physiological reasoning and traditional practice rather than robust clinical trial data.
What It Doesn't Do
Not proven to cause weight loss. No solid evidence it 'detoxifies' the liver. Won't replace a functioning gallbladder entirely. No clinical proof it improves energy levels or metabolism in healthy people. Not a treatment for any diagnosed digestive disease.
Evidence-Based Benefits
May support fat digestion in people with low bile production or after gallbladder removal.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established dose
May help absorb fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) when bile production is insufficient.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established dose
Absorption & Bioavailability
Unknown — bile salts are active in the gut lumen; systemic absorption of supplemental ox bile has not been well characterized in provided studies.
Red Flags to Watch For
- No clinical trials or systematic reviews were found in the provided data — evidence base is very thin
- People with intact gallbladders may experience diarrhea or cramping from excess bile salts
- Not appropriate for people with bile duct obstruction or active gallstones without medical supervision
- Sourced from animal tissue — quality and purity can vary widely between manufacturers; look for third-party testing
- May interact with certain medications including cholesterol-lowering drugs and some antibiotics
Products Containing Ox Bile Extract
See how Ox Bile Extract is used in these analyzed products:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Ox Bile Extract do?
Digestive aid from animal bile. Traditionally used to support fat digestion, especially after gallbladder removal.
What is the effective dose of Ox Bile Extract?
No established dose
Is Ox Bile Extract safe?
No clinical trials or systematic reviews were found in the provided data — evidence base is very thin
What doesn't Ox Bile Extract do?
Not proven to cause weight loss.
Research Sources
- General knowledge
- Limited published research available
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