Function of bile salts in digestion
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Bile salts are produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. They play a crucial role in digestion by breaking down fats in the small intestine. Bile salts emulsify (break down) large fat globules into smaller droplets, which allows digestive enzymes to more effectively break down and absorb fats. This process increases the surface area of the fats, making them more accessible to enzymes for digestion and absorption. Additionally, bile salts help in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K.