Excess Bilirubin in the Bile
Bilirubin is an orange-yellow pigment that is formed in the liver through the breakdown of aged red blood cells. The broken down substance (bilirubin) is then extracted from the blood, excreted in bile and passed out through stools. Bilirubin can become excess if: too much red cells are broken down before the end of their natural life cycle, the liver is not working properly, the biliary tract is infected and if there is a blood disorder. Excess bilirubin in the bile causes the formation of gallstones. A bilirubin level above 1.2 milligrams per deciliter, is considered high. [2]
