Faecal Bile Acids and Neutral Steroids in Patients with Ileal Dysfunction

Qualitative analysis of faecal bile acids and neutral steroids are described in patients with ileal dysfunction. Only primary bile acids, chenodeoxycholic acid and cholic acid, together with smaller amounts of other 3, 7 di-substituted and 3, 7, 12 tri-substituted bile acids were found. In the neutral steroid fraction only cholesterol and the plant sterols, p-sitosterol and campesterol, were detected. These results are discussed in relation to the concept that bile acids may be the cause of diarrhoea associated with ileal dysfunction.