I don't understand "bile acid capacity."

Bile acid capacity reflects the microbiome's genetic potential to modify and transform bile acids through microbial enzymes.

Primary functions measured:

1. Deconjugation (BSH activity):

• Removes taurine/glycine from bile acids
• First step in bile acid transformation
• Affects bile acid pool composition and signaling

2. Secondary bile acid formation:

• 7α-dehydroxylation converts primary → secondary bile acids
• Produces deoxycholic acid (DCA) and lithocholic acid (LCA)
• Affects FXR and TGR5 receptor signaling

Dive into more detail with our blog post on this topic.