bile

a viscous, bitter fluid produced by the LIVER and stored in the GALL BLADDER . It is an alkaline solution of bile salts, pigments, some mineral salts and CHOLESTEROL , which aids in fat digestion and absorption of nutrients. Discharge of bile into the intestine is increased after food, and of the amount secreted each day (up to one litre), most is reabsorbed with the food, passing into the blood to circulate back to the liver. If the flow of bile into the intestine is restricted, it stays in the blood, resulting in jaundice.