The Best Ox Bile Supplements You Can Buy

Edited and medically reviewed by ✔️ Team of BestInSupplements | Written by Katelyn Johnson (B.S. and M.S. in Nutrition Science)

Want to learn more about ox bile supplements, their advantages, and their uses from industry experts in nutrition? Read our list to find the best ox bile supplements you can buy.

Best Ox Bile Supplements

Ox bile, as the name implies, is bile from an ox. Because it is derived directly from the animal, it contains a high concentration of nutrients as well as digestive enzymes needed for proper food digestion. And there is a reason ox bile supplements can help you in this process.

Bile production in the body is needed for the liver, kidneys, gallbladder, and digestive organs to function properly. So, ox bile supplements are commonly used to assist with fat metabolism and improve symptoms related to digestive discomforts such as diarrhea, sore stomach, and nausea.

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Oxen bile can now be consumed in a variety of ways, such as pills, capsules, powders, or tablets. Ox bile supplements have complex compositions, and it is common for digestive enzymes to be mixed with ox bile and different compounds such as amino acids and bile salt.

What Does An Ox Bile Supplement Do?

Let's start with the basics. Ox bile is derived from animal bile and it contains many of the digestive enzymes that humans need 2. Oxen bile supplements are used to aid fat absorption as well as to treat stomach upset and gastrointestinal symptoms. When your digestive process is disrupted in some way, it can have far-reaching consequences for your health and well-being.

In the body, the liver produces bile while the gallbladder is the primary storage component. When we consume fat, our gallbladder is activated to expel the bile that has been retained in our digestive tract. Bile contains salts and minerals that are essential for the metabolism of fat-containing foods like meat and oils.

Gallbladder
The gallbladder is a small hollow organ where bile is stored and concentrated before it is released into the small intestine.

When bile is released, it surrounds fat molecules which will later be broken down by the fat-digesting enzyme, lipase. Digestive enzymes aid in the activation of essential chemical reactions in our bodies. They break down larger molecules in our food and convert them into particles that our bodies can consume and use to help us survive.

Digestive enzymes, including bile, aid in:

  • Treatment of leaky gut and GI disorders (ex: celiac disease).
  • Assisting the body in breaking down difficult-to-digest foods.
  • Relieving acid reflux and irritable bowel symptoms.
  • Boosts nutrient absorption to reverse dietary deficiencies.

When you consume digestive enzyme supplements, they are typically sourced from one of three places:

  • Derived from animals, such as ox bile, which is known as pancreatin.
  • Derived from fruits, such as pineapple-based supplements. Pineapple contains an anti-inflammatory enzyme that breaks down proteins called bromelain.
  • Derived from probiotics, which come from plant sources, such as yeast and fungi.

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In the human body, the pancreas contains bile salts or acids. Electrolytes, amino acids, water, cholesterol, fats, and bilirubin are all contained in bile salts. Bile salts break down the fat in the food you consume, allowing lipase to do its job.

There are some individuals who take a bile salt supplement instead of oxen bile. However, this isn't always the best option.

Who Should Use Ox Bile?

Oxen bile has long been used in ancient traditional medicine practices 3. While many people may benefit from taking ox bile to improve digestion, its extract may be especially beneficial if you suffer from any of the following conditions:

  • Diabetes 4.
  • Pancreatitis.
  • Fatty liver.
  • Menopause.
  • IBS or Crohn’s Disease.
  • Gallstones.
  • Vitamin D deficiency.
  • Skin rashes.

The following are symptoms that indicate low levels of bile and could benefit from supplementing ox bile extract:

  • Fatty or light-colored stools.
  • Foul-odored gas.
  • Vitamin deficiency-induced mood swings, migraines, and/or fatigue.
  • Dry skin and/or Eczema.

The symptoms that indicate low bile levels stem from a lack of adequate nutrient absorption. Because of the lack of absorption, people with low bile levels may have an imbalanced gut microbiome. You can see an improvement in any of these areas if you take one of these supplements.

Reasons You Might Have Problems Digesting Fats

If your gallbladder has been removed, your liver will produce bile and release it before your food reaches your intestines. It's too difficult for the body to break down fat molecules if you don't have the right amount of bile at the right time. In this case, an ox bile supplement, as well as a digestive enzyme containing lipase, can be beneficial.

You consumed a low-fat diet for a long time, which caused your bile to thicken. Your gallbladder did not learn how to extract good bile. In addition to taking a supplement, you can address this problem by consuming a nutrient-dense diet rich in healthy fats.

The short gut syndrome is a rare disorder that can occur if a portion of the small intestine is removed. Its health problems may be reduced by taking bile salts or an ox bile supplement 5. It is important to recognize that, in addition to considering a supplement for this, you should also consider your dietary habits.

Many people consume the Standard American Diet, which may interfere with bile flow. Sugar and processed foods, for example, may contribute to fatty liver. Along with taking an ox bile extract, you may want to consider whether you should avoid sugar and other unhealthy foods.

What Are the Benefits Of An Ox Bile Supplement?

There are a lot of potential benefits of consuming ox bile, including:

  • Promotes a healthy functioning liver via toxin removal.
  • Improves absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K.
  • Reduces chronic GI inflammation.
  • Relieves GI discomfort and/or disease symptoms.
  • Reduces gallstone occurrence.
  • Improves gut-brain connection which supports enhanced mental status.
  • Removes cholesterol to promote healthier and cleaner stools.

An ox bile extract can aid in the reduction or elimination of gallstones, also known as cholelithiasis. By removing gallstones, you can reduce your chances of needing gallbladder removal. In addition, if you do not have a gallbladder, you are deficient in bile acids.

Taking an ox bile supplement will help you compensate for this:

Healing Infections within the Small Intestine

If you have a lot of gut trauma, you might have the leaky gut syndrome. Bacteria invade the bloodstream from a leaky intestine, causing systemic infections and autoimmune symptoms.

Oxen bile contains bile salts, which can protect you from bad bacteria and reduce gut bacterial overgrowth.

Detox

There are many toxins that we eat and that reach our bodies on a daily basis through our food, drugs, and the environment. The liver is in charge of breaking down the majority of these toxins, which are then forced to the gut as bile and eventually removed via stool. This method can be made more effective and reliable by using ox bile extract.

Psoriasis or Skin Disorders

If you have psoriasis, you can have an excess of toxins in your blood, which contributes to inflammation. This can lead to bile deficiency.

You can restore balance to your gut microbiome with an ox bile extract, which will minimize inflammation and help protect you from toxins in your gut.

Healthy Liver

Oxen bile can be beneficial for a number of liver-related conditions. Chronic diseases such as primary biliary cirrhosis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease fall under this category.

Taking an ox bile supplement can help to improve liver function, reverse liver damage, and lower liver enzymes.

Weight Loss

There is some evidence that bile acids, such as those found in an ox bile supplement, can increase fat metabolism and help reverse or avoid obesity. Bile acids increased insulin sensitivity and helped protect the cardiovascular system in animal research, in addition to assisting in weight loss.

Side Effects Of Supplementing With Ox Bile

Is there anything to be concerned about while using ox bile? First and foremost, always consult with your doctor before beginning any supplement regimen.

Digestive symptoms such as constipation or diarrhea can occur in some people. Taking an ox bile supplement can sometimes exacerbate gut inflammation, but only in people with high deoxycholic acid levels.

The Best Ox Bile Supplements You Can Buy

We compiled a list that consists of the best ox bile supplements on the market. Take in mind that ox bile is a digestive enzyme; bile is a bodily fluid that aids in the absorption of fat and fat-soluble vitamins 1 and that taking digestive enzymes can aid in the treatment of leaky gut and the alleviation of irritable bowel syndrome symptoms.

Supplementing with those can also help increase nutrient absorption. Let’s see the best ox bile supplements you can buy right now:

NutriCology Ox Bile

NutriCology’s Ox Bile is derived from bovine sources and can be used to complement the liver's bile production.

Review of NutriCology Ox Bile

Bile acids are formed in the liver through a series of enzymatic reactions and conjugated with either glycine or taurine to form bile salts. These bile development processes occur continuously in the liver. Following food consumption, the bile is transported and deposited in the gall bladder before being released into the small intestine.

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Bile acids form micelles by encircling very small droplets of fat. This action is significant because it allows lipase, which is formed by the pancreas, to efficiently digest fats later in the digestive process. Normal digestion of fats and oils from the diet requires healthy bile development. It aids in fat digestion and absorption, including fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K.

This brand of supplements is known to use only the purest raw materials with strict quality control since 1979. Their supplement is hypoallergenic and a good option for consumers following the keto diet due to its ability in breaking down dietary fat sources.

Ancestral Supplements Grass Fed Gallbladder with Ox Bile

Ancestral Supplements created this supplement, called Grass Fed Gallbladder With Ox Bile, with the concept that consuming sources of liver and gallbladder will support the consumer's gallbladder and liver health.

Review of Ancestral Supplements Grass Fed Gallbladder with Ox Bile

Their supplement contains all of the necessary building blocks, such as gallbladder-specific proteins, peptides, and cofactors. Additionally, their supplement contains molecular bio directors (DNA instructions) to trigger healthy tissue formation. Bile flow is critical for proper digestion, gut health, and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K.

The gut–bile link, like many other interconnected organ networks, is a two-way street; a leaky gut can contribute to gallbladder disease and bile backup. However, a lack of intestinal bile may cause a leaky gut.

Consumers say that Ancestral Supplements Ox Bile Supplement significantly improved their digestive health. It has also been shown to aid in the treatment of acid reflux and GERD.

Seeking Health Ox Bile Digestive Enzyme Supplement

The Ox Bile Digestive Enzyme supplement from Seeking Health is derived from free-range oxen and contains no synthetic hormones or antibiotics. Every cellulose capsule of Seeking Health contains 125 mg of ox bile, standardized to 40% cholic acid.

Review of Seeking Health Ox Bile

Bile acids, including cholic acid, are important components of bile. Bile is a fluid formed in the liver that is largely responsible for proper lipid (fat) digestion in the small intestine. Good bile production is important for maintaining optimal health, nutritional status, and proper energy metabolism as part of the normal digestive process.

The digestive process is critical to optimal health and wellbeing. The first move toward maintaining adequate nutritional status and normal energy metabolism is a proper nutrient breakdown from food. Bile acids are needed for normal absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K since they are required for fat processing and digestion.

Vital Nutrients Pancreatin and Ox Bile Extract

Vital Nutrients Pancreatin and Ox Bile Extract aids in the digestion and absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins in the small intestine. Both Pancreatin and Ox Bile are excellent digestive aids.

Review of Vital Nutrients Pancreatin and Ox Bile Extract

Lipase, protease, and amylase are among the digestive enzymes found in pancreatin. These enzymes, which are normally formed by the pancreas and small intestine, aid in the safe breakdown of food components such as fats, peptides, and starches in the small intestine.

Vital Nutrients Pancreatin and Ox Bile supplement is tested by third-party inspectors and is free of wheat, dairy, soy, and sugar. Their supplement contains digestive enzymes that are naturally sourced and promote optimum endocrine function to aid in nutrient absorption.

When choosing pancreatic enzymes, it's important to remember that full-strength pancreatin is the best option because it's free of lactose. Lactose is a popular filler that can aggravate digestive issues in a large proportion of the adult population who is lactose intolerant.

Horbaach Ox Bile 1000 mg

Ox bile aids in the digestion and absorption of fat. It also aids the body's waste elimination. Horbaach's supplement is gluten-free and contains 1,000 mg of oxen bile per recommended dose. Ox bile has also been shown to support proper liver function and detoxification. Bile is a beneficial supplement to incorporate into every health and wellness regimen.

Review of Horbaach Ox Bile 1000 mg

The most popular bile supplement is ox (oxen) bile, which contains a variety of beneficial factors. Bile is a required bodily fluid formed by the liver that aids in the digestion of fats and fat-soluble vitamins. With Horbaach Ox Bile, you get a high-quality bile supplement that is Non-GMO, free of gluten, lactose, and preservatives, and tested in a United States-approved facility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ox bile is exactly what it sounds like: bile from an ox. It’s sourced directly from the animal and offers nutrients and enzymes necessary for effective digestion. Ox bile supplements can improve fat digestion and digestive issues like diarrhea, nausea, and stomach distress.
The main ingredients in the best Ox bile supplements are ox bile extract powder or salts. These are often combined with various digestive enzymes, like Pancreatic Amylase or Lipase, Papain, Bromelain, or Betaine HCL. Also, digestive supporting herbal extract may be added.
Choose ox bile supplements with natural or organic formulas. The best Ox Bile Salts Supplements are manufactured by reputable brands. They may be pricier, but the product quality is more dependable. Research reviews and customer feedback of products you’re interested in buying.
Ox bile supplements are available to purchase in many forms, including pills, capsules, powders, tablets, and extracts. Regardless of form, the best ox bile supplements will be an effective digestive aid that helps with fat metabolism and serves as whole-body detox.
When it comes to buying the best ox bile supplement, avoid ones that aren’t non-GMO or do not incorporate digestive enzymes in their formulas. Avoid brands that do not manufacture in GMP-certified facilities or use third-party testing for quality and purity.
It is very unlikely that you will experience any side effects from an ox bile supplement. Some consumers complain of digestive issues like diarrhea or constipation. On very rare occasions, some have experienced an increased inflammation of their GI tract.

References

  1. Griffiths, W. J., & Sjövall, J. (2010). Bile acids: analysis in biological fluids and tissues. Journal of lipid research, 51(1), 23–41. https://doi.org/10.1194/jlr.R001941-JLR200
  2. Bile: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002237.htm
  3. Wang, D. Q., & Carey, M. C. (2014). Therapeutic uses of animal biles in traditional Chinese medicine: an ethnopharmacological, biophysical chemical and medicinal review. World journal of gastroenterology, 20(29), 9952–9975. https://doi.org/10.3748/wjg.v20.i29.9952
  4. Prawitt, J., Caron, S., & Staels, B. (2011). Bile acid metabolism and the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. Current diabetes reports, 11(3), 160–166. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11892-011-0187-x
  5. Kapral, C., Wewalka, F., Praxmarer, V., Lenz, K., & Hofmann, A. F. (2004). Conjugated bile acid replacement therapy in short bowel syndrome patients with a residual colon. Zeitschrift fur Gastroenterologie, 42(7), 583–589. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2004-813059

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