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Is Cholic Acid vegan?

Cholic Acid

Not Vegan

Cholic acid is a primary bile acid synthesised in the liver from cholesterol, found in humans and other animals. It plays a key role in the digestion and absorption of dietary fats and fat-soluble vitamins. In pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications, it is typically sourced from animal bile, making it neither vegan nor vegetarian.

Also known as 3alpha,7alpha,12alpha-trihydroxy-5beta-cholanoic acid, Cholic acid bile salt
CAS number 81-25-4
EC number 201-326-9
Last reviewed 3 June 2026

Sources

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