What is the primary purpose of bile acid sequestrants?

Bile acid sequestrants are primarily utilized to lower cholesterol levels. They function by binding to bile acids in the intestine, which are then excreted from the body. This binding process reduces the amount of bile acids reabsorbed into the bloodstream, leading the liver to convert more cholesterol into bile acids to compensate for the loss. This increased demand for bile acid production results in decreased levels of cholesterol in the blood.

While bile acid sequestrants can influence aspects of digestion, they are not primarily designed for that purpose. Their main therapeutic goal is to manage cholesterol levels, especially in patients with hypercholesterolemia. They don't directly protect the liver or significantly enhance gut motility, so those options do not accurately reflect the primary role of bile acid sequestrants in clinical practice.