Deoxycholic acid (Deoxycholic acid)

Other names: Sodium deoxycholate, Choleic acid

Deoxycholic acid, also Sodium deoxycholate or Choleic acid, is a secondary bile acid that is formed in the liver through the metabolism of cholesterol. This substance is involved in the digestion and absorption of fats in the body. Deoxycholic acid also has antibacterial properties and contributes to the control of the population composition of the intestinal microflora. However, in case of excessive production or increased concentration in the body, it can cause health problems such as gallstone disease, inflammatory bowel disease or colon cancer.

In the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry, deoxycholic acid is used in several products. Under the brand name Kybella®, Allergan has developed a drug that is used for the non-invasive reduction of double chins by injection. This method is a revolution in aesthetic medicine as it allows fat to be removed without the need for surgery. Deoxycholic acid is also found in some cleaning products and is commonly used in bacteriology laboratories as an agar ingredient to detect bacteria. Deoxycholic acid also has potential for use in the treatment of obesity and related metabolic disorders. However, its effects and safety in these cases are still under investigation.