Chenodeoxycholic Acid Unit Converter

Chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) is one of two primary bile acids made by the human liver directly from cholesterol. Along with cholic acid, it makes up the majority of the bile acid pool in your body.

Bile acids act as biological detergents that help break down and absorb dietary fats and fat-soluble vitamins. Before entering bile, CDCA is attached to either glycine or taurine to improve its solubility.

Measuring CDCA levels in the blood helps evaluate liver function and bile flow. When the liver is damaged or bile flow is blocked, CDCA accumulates in the bloodstream.

CDCA is synthesized exclusively in liver cells from cholesterol. After production, it is stored in the gallbladder and released into the small intestine during meals. About 95% is reabsorbed in the terminal ileum and returned to the liver for reuse, completing a cycle known as enterohepatic circulation.