Cholic acid

Cholic acid is a bile acid, a type of steroid acid. It is naturally produced in the liver of vertebrates, including humans, and aids in the digestion and absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins in the small intestine. It can be sourced from animal bile or produced synthetically.

Cholic acid is not widely used as a food additive in the UK. When used, it may function as an emulsifier, helping to blend ingredients that would normally separate, such as oil and water. It is sometimes found in certain baked goods.

Cholic acid is not listed as an authorised food additive on the UK Register of Food Additive Authorisations. Bile acids are naturally occurring substances involved in digestion. Regulatory bodies such as EFSA have evaluated bile acids in the context of their natural occurrence and physiological roles. There is ongoing research into the role of bile acids in various metabolic processes.