Serum bile acids after test meals and oral load of chenodeoxycholic acid

The serum levels of conjugated cholic (CA) and chenodeoxycholic acid (CDA) were studied in 15 healthy individuals before and during 3 h after two different test meals and an oral load of CDA. The solid test meal containing 35 g fat gave less and earlier increases of CA and CDA than the liquid test meal containing 50 g fat. These findings demonstrate that the postprandial pattern of serum bile acids depends on the test meal used. After oral intake of 1 g CDA, serum levels of CDA rose faster than after the test meals, and mean maximal levels were reached after 90 min. The oral CDA loading test was also performed in 11 patients with chronic hepatitis. The results indicate that in patients with normal fasting CDA levels, this test may detect liver dysfunction. The advantages of an oral bile acid load over test meals are pointed out.