Bile acids are metabolites of which substance?

• A. Glucose
• B. Fatty acids
• C. Protein
• D. Cholesterol

Answer: (D)

Bile acids are made from cholesterol in the liver. Cholesterol serves as the starting material, and through enzymes in the 7-alpha-hydroxylase pathway, primary bile acids such as cholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid are produced. These acids are then conjugated with glycine or taurine to form bile salts, stored in the gallbladder, and released into the intestine to help emulsify fats. This explains why bile acids are metabolites of cholesterol rather than of glucose, fatty acids, or protein.