- Please compare the pancreas and the gallbladder for digesting fat-soluble vitamin D (asked Perplexity AI Nov 2024)
- VitaminDWiki – Water-dispersible forms of vitamins A, D, E and K are better
- VitaminDWiki – Gallbladder removal and vitamin D deficiency
- VitaminDWiki – Pancreatitis and Vitamin D - many studies
Please compare the pancreas and the gallbladder for digesting fat-soluble vitamin D (asked Perplexity AI Nov 2024)
The pancreas and gallbladder work together in complementary ways to help digest and absorb vitamin D and other fat-soluble vitamins. Here's how they compare:
Pancreatic Role
Enzyme Production
The pancreas produces lipase, a crucial enzyme that works together with bile to break down fats, enabling the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins including vitamin D 1 2
. Each day, the pancreas produces approximately 8 ounces of digestive juice containing these essential enzymes 2
.Digestive Process
Without sufficient lipase from the pancreas, the body struggles to absorb fats and fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), which can lead to deficiencies 2
Gallbladder Role
Bile Storage and Concentration
The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile produced by the liver, releasing it when needed for fat digestion 4
. It makes bile more potent by removing water and electrolytes, creating a concentrated solution that's more effective at breaking down fats 4
.Fat Emulsification
When food containing fats enters the small intestine, the gallbladder releases bile to emulsify fats into smaller droplets, making them easier for pancreatic enzymes to digest 4
This process is essential for proper absorption of vitamin D and other fat-soluble vitamins 3
Working Together
The effectiveness of fat-soluble vitamin D absorption depends on both organs functioning properly:
- The gallbladder provides concentrated bile for fat emulsification
- The pancreas supplies lipase enzymes to break down the emulsified fats
- Together, they create the conditions necessary for vitamin D absorption in the small intestine 1 4
If either organ is compromised (such as after gallbladder removal or in pancreatic insufficiency), vitamin D absorption may be impaired, potentially requiring dietary adjustments or supplementation 3 4
VitaminDWiki – Water-dispersible forms of vitamins A, D, E and K are better
For best results, many supplements should be taken in water-dispersible forms
such as: all of the fat soluble vitamins, Omega-3, Resveratrol, Glutathione, etc.
1) More bioavailable (see below: +10% to +50%)
2) Not need to take the supplement with a fatty meal
3) Gets the supplement into the bloodstream without the ~12-hour delay of the Lymph System
topical forms, such as Vitamin D nano-emulsions, are even faster
4) Water-soluble form of vitamins are needed for some health problems
5) Water-dispersible forms are more gut-friendly -see below