Do Fatty Foods Increase Bilirubin Levels?

November 17, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the American Liver Foundation, dietary changes are a primary way to manage liver conditions. The answer to whether fatty foods increase bilirubin levels is complex, but generally, high consumption of unhealthy fats can negatively impact the liver and gallbladder, indirectly leading to higher bilirubin concentrations.

Quick Summary

A diet high in unhealthy fats can hinder the liver and gallbladder's ability to process and excrete bilirubin, potentially causing its levels to rise. This can happen through conditions like fatty liver disease or gallstones, which interfere with normal bile flow and processing.

Key Points

Impact on liver: High intake of unhealthy fats can lead to fatty liver disease (steatosis), impairing the liver's ability to process bilirubin.
Gallbladder stress: Fatty foods trigger the gallbladder to release bile; excessive intake can contribute to gallstone formation, blocking bile ducts.
Indirect elevation: Elevated bilirubin is not caused directly by fatty foods but is a consequence of compromised liver and gallbladder function resulting from a poor diet.
Healthy fats help: Swapping unhealthy saturated and trans fats for healthy fats like those in avocados and olive oil can reduce liver inflammation and improve function.
Beneficial diet: A diet high in fiber, fruits, and vegetables supports digestion and detoxification, aiding in the efficient excretion of bilirubin.
Jaundice link: High-fat diets can worsen jaundice symptoms or prolong recovery for those with underlying liver conditions like Gilbert's syndrome or fatty liver.

Understanding Bilirubin and Liver Function

Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment formed during the breakdown of red blood cells. It is normally processed by the liver, incorporated into bile, and then excreted from the body. When bilirubin levels in the blood become too high, a condition known as hyperbilirubinemia, it can lead to jaundice, causing yellowing of the skin and eyes. The liver's health and the gallbladder's function are critical to this process. If either is compromised, the body cannot efficiently eliminate bilirubin, causing it to accumulate.

The Direct and Indirect Links Between Fatty Foods and Bilirubin

While fatty foods do not directly create bilirubin, their impact on the liver and gallbladder can significantly affect how bilirubin is managed. The liver is tasked with metabolizing fats. A diet high in unhealthy fats, particularly saturated and trans fats, can put an excessive burden on the liver, leading to fat accumulation. This condition is known as fatty liver disease (steatosis). An inflamed or damaged liver is less efficient at processing bilirubin, resulting in higher levels in the bloodstream.

Furthermore, the gallbladder, which stores and concentrates bile produced by the liver, plays a crucial role in fat digestion. High-fat meals stimulate the gallbladder to contract and release bile into the small intestine. A consistently high-fat diet can contribute to the formation of gallstones, which can block bile ducts. If the bile duct is obstructed, bile and bilirubin cannot be properly excreted, causing bilirubin levels to spike dramatically.

Unhealthy Fats vs. Healthy Fats: A Comparison

Not all dietary fats are created equal regarding liver health. It's important to distinguish between unhealthy fats and healthy fats and understand their different effects.


Feature	Unhealthy Fats (Saturated & Trans Fats)	Healthy Fats (Monounsaturated & Polyunsaturated)
Sources	Fried foods, fast food, processed meats, high-fat dairy, lard	Avocados, nuts, seeds, olive oil, fatty fish
Effect on Liver	Promote fat accumulation and inflammation, increasing the risk of fatty liver disease.	Can help reduce liver inflammation and support liver function.
Bile Production	Can lead to thicker bile and gallstone formation, blocking bile ducts.	May reduce the risk of gallstone formation and improve bile flow.
Bilirubin Levels	Indirectly increases bilirubin by impairing liver and gallbladder function.	Supports overall liver health, aiding in efficient bilirubin processing.
Overall Health	Associated with obesity, heart disease, and insulin resistance.	Linked to improved heart health, weight management, and reduced inflammation.

The Impact on Underlying Liver Conditions

For individuals with pre-existing liver conditions, the effect of fatty foods is particularly pronounced. Those with Gilbert's syndrome, a genetic liver disorder affecting bilirubin processing, may experience episodes of jaundice triggered by factors like calorie restriction or high-fat diets. In cases of hyperbilirubinemia, medical professionals often recommend avoiding high-fat, processed foods to reduce stress on the liver and aid recovery. For newborns with jaundice, some studies have even explored the relationship between intravenous lipid intake and increased unbound bilirubin, highlighting the sensitivity of the liver to fat processing.

Dietary Strategies to Maintain Healthy Bilirubin Levels

Beyond avoiding unhealthy fatty foods, certain dietary strategies can promote liver health and support normal bilirubin levels. Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber is highly recommended. Fiber aids digestion and can help regulate bile production, reducing the risk of biliary sludge and gallstones. Proper hydration is also essential for flushing toxins and excess bilirubin from the body.

Lists of beneficial foods and those to avoid can provide a clear roadmap for managing diet with liver health in mind:

Foods to include:

Antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables (berries, oranges, spinach)
Healthy fats (avocado, olive oil, nuts)
Fiber-rich foods (whole grains, legumes, oats)
Lean proteins (poultry, fish, tofu)
Herbal teas

Foods to avoid:

Fried and greasy foods
Saturated and trans fats
Processed foods and fast food
Excessive alcohol
High-fat dairy products

Conclusion

While fatty foods do not directly produce bilirubin, a diet consistently high in unhealthy fats can overwhelm the liver and gallbladder, ultimately causing a rise in bilirubin levels. This can occur through the development of fatty liver disease or gallstones, both of which impair the body's natural bilirubin processing and excretion. By choosing a balanced diet rich in healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants and limiting processed and fried foods, individuals can significantly support their liver health and reduce the risk of elevated bilirubin. Consulting a healthcare provider or dietitian is crucial for personalized dietary recommendations, especially for those with existing liver conditions or symptoms of high bilirubin, such as jaundice.

For more detailed information on healthy dietary choices for liver health, you can visit authoritative sources such as the American Liver Foundation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Eating fatty foods does not directly cause jaundice, but a consistently high-fat diet can lead to liver and gallbladder problems, such as fatty liver disease or gallstones. These conditions interfere with the body's ability to process and excrete bilirubin, which can cause jaundice.

If your bilirubin is high, you should avoid or limit high-fat foods, especially fried foods, processed snacks, high-fat dairy, and fatty meats. It is also recommended to reduce sugar and alcohol consumption.

The liver processes bilirubin and produces bile, which the gallbladder stores and concentrates. During fat digestion, the gallbladder releases bile to break down fats. If the liver is damaged or the bile ducts are blocked (e.g., by gallstones), the normal flow is disrupted, causing bilirubin to build up in the blood.

No, not all fats are bad. Healthy fats, such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats found in avocados, olive oil, and nuts, can reduce liver inflammation and support overall liver function. The primary concern is with unhealthy saturated and trans fats found in fried and processed foods.

A diet high in fat can increase the cholesterol content of bile, leading to thicker bile and the formation of cholesterol-based gallstones. These hard deposits can then block the bile ducts, causing bile and bilirubin to back up.

For diet-related causes, such as fatty liver disease, adopting a healthy diet can often improve liver function and help normalize bilirubin levels. However, in cases of more advanced liver disease or blockages, dietary changes are part of a broader treatment plan prescribed by a doctor.

Yes, being overweight or obese is a major risk factor for developing fatty liver disease, which can impair liver function and subsequently lead to elevated bilirubin levels. Losing weight gradually can help improve liver health and reduce bilirubin levels.