Bile is generally considered alkaline, although its precise pH can vary.
Understanding Bile's pH
The pH of bile, a fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, is typically alkaline, ranging from slightly alkaline to moderately alkaline depending on several factors. Common duct bile, for instance, usually registers a pH between 7.50 and 8.05, while gallbladder bile tends to be slightly more acidic, with a pH between 6.80 and 7.65. This difference is partially attributed to the concentration of bile in the gallbladder. The longer a person goes without eating, the more acidic gallbladder bile can become, although this process slows when the body is at rest.
Several sources confirm bile's alkaline nature. The New York Times article, "The Damage of Reflux (Bile, Not Acid)," describes bile as an "alkaline fluid consisting of bile salts, bile pigments, cholesterol and lecithin." (https://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/30/health/30brod.html) Further research emphasizes bile's role in stimulating the synthesis of alkaline phosphatase, an enzyme whose activity is linked to bile acid levels (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7202938/, https://www.gastrojournal.org/article/S0016-5085(79)80078-5/pdf, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2296160/). This relationship underscores the alkaline properties of bile and its components.
It's important to note that while bile is primarily alkaline, its composition and pH are not static. Factors such as diet, digestive state, and individual variations can influence its pH. While research highlights bile's alkaline nature, it's also crucial to consider the context and specific circumstances when assessing bile's pH.
While bile itself is primarily alkaline, some studies have explored its interaction with alkaline substances and its response to alkaline environments. For instance, one study examined the vulnerability of keto bile acids to alkaline hydrolysis (https://www.jlr.org/article/S0022-2275(20)40723-0/pdf). This doesn't contradict bile's alkaline nature; instead, it illustrates a specific interaction within a controlled environment.
