bile pigments
Last reviewed 01/2018
The bile pigments are a range of substances derived from compounds containing haem e.g.:
- haemoglobin
- catalase
- peroxidase
- cytochromes
- myoglobin
They are produced in the liver and excreted in bile. They impart colour to bile - bilirubin and bilverdin - and faeces - urobilin and stercobilin.
Interference with bile pigment excretion can lead to jaundice.