What is the function of bile in digestion?

Bile plays a crucial role in the digestion and absorption of fats within the digestive system. Its primary function is to emulsify fats, which means it breaks down large fat globules into smaller droplets. This process increases the surface area of the fats, making them more accessible to digestive enzymes, such as lipases, that further break down the fats into fatty acids and glycerol.

The emulsification provided by bile is essential, as fats are not soluble in water and would otherwise remain undigested. By allowing fats to mix with water-based digestive juices in the intestines, bile facilitates the efficient digestion and absorption of dietary fats. Once digested, the fatty acids can be absorbed through the intestinal walls into the bloodstream, where they are transported to cells for energy production or stored for later use.

Other functions mentioned in the options have distinct roles in nutrition but do not accurately describe the specific action of bile in digestion. For example, bile is not involved in carbohydrate breakdown, protein synthesis, or exhibiting anti-inflammatory properties. Instead, its primary contribution lies in the effective management of dietary fats, making option B the correct choice.