What is the LCA/DCA RATIO?

LCA and DCA are secondary bile acids formed from CDCA and CA in the colon. The ratio when high or low has been found useful to check risk for several conditions such as colorectal cancer and gall stones.

——-

LCA and DCA are secondary bile acids.

What are bile acids?

Bile acids are the final product of cholesterol metabolism in the liver. They play an important role in fat digestion and absorption. The primary bile acids are chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) and cholic acid (CA).

These bile acids can be converted into secondary bile acids in the colon.

CDCA is converted into lithocholic acid (LCA) and CA is converted into deoxycholic acid (DCA).

What are secondary bile acids?

These secondary bile acids are associated with disease. An LCA:DCA ratio greater than 1 is associated with increased risk of gallstones, breast cancer, and colorectal cancer. 

Colonic bacteria metabolize primary bile acids to secondary bile acids. Dietary fiber and bacteria flora determine the rates of metabolism for the secondary bile acids, lithocholic acid (LCA) and deoxycholic acid (DCA).

The LCA:DCA ratio may be an important discriminating marker in colorectal cancer susceptibility. An elevated secondary bile acid ratio is associated with an increased risk of breast and colorectal cancer. Elevated levels may also occur in patients with gall stones and after cholecystectomy.

References:

– Steroids and cancer: faecal bile acid screening for early detection of cancer risk. – [L]

– Rye Bread Improves Bowel Function and Decreases the Concentrations of Some Compounds That Are Putative Colon Cancer Risk Markers in Middle-Aged Women and Men [L]

– Fecal steroids and colorectal cancer. [L]

– A prospective study of serum bile acid concentrations and colorectal cancer risk in post-menopausal women on the island of Guernsey [L]

WHAT DOES IT MEAN IF YOUR LCA/DCA RATIO RESULT IS TOO LOW?

The ratio when high or low has been found useful to check risk for several conditions such as colorectal cancer and gall stones.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN IF YOUR LCA/DCA RATIO RESULT IS TOO HIGH?

The ratio when high or low has been found useful to check risk for several conditions such as colorectal cancer and gall stones.

Disclaimer:

Test results may vary depending on your age, gender, health history, the method used for the test, and other things. Your test results may not mean you have a problem. Ask your healthcare provider what your test results mean for you. 

The information on healthmatters.io is NOT intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice.