From the Research
Gallstones are primarily caused by imbalances in the substances that make up bile, with the most common type being cholesterol stones, which form when the liver produces bile with excessive cholesterol that cannot remain dissolved, as supported by the most recent and highest quality study 1. The formation of gallstones is a complex process that involves multiple factors, including:
- An imbalance in the composition of bile, leading to the precipitation of one or more of its components 2
- Excessive secretion of cholesterol or bilirubin conjugates, and/or deficient secretion of bile salt and lecithin, which are the solubilizers of these otherwise insoluble lipids 3
- Risk factors such as obesity, rapid weight loss, high-fat and high-cholesterol diets, female gender, age over 40, family history, and certain medical conditions like diabetes or Crohn's disease 1 The gallbladder's decreased efficiency in emptying bile can also contribute to stone formation as bile becomes more concentrated, and understanding these causes can help in adopting preventive measures such as:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Eating a balanced diet low in fat and high in fiber
- Regular physical activity It is essential to note that the most common type of gallstones are cholesterol stones, which are more common in Europe and North America, and are associated with obesity and diets containing a high proportion of refined carbohydrates and fat 2. Pigment stones, the second type, develop when bile contains too much bilirubin, often due to liver disease or blood disorders, and can be further classified into black and brown pigment stones, which have different chemical compositions and formation mechanisms 3. Overall, the causes of gallstones are multifactorial, and understanding these factors can help in the prevention and management of gallstone disease.