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Living with Bile acid CoA ligase deficiency and defective amidation

A rare genetic condition affecting bile acid production, causing poor fat absorption and slow growth in babies.

Understanding Bile acid CoA ligase deficiency and defective amidation

Bile acid CoA ligase deficiency and defective amidation is a rare condition in which the body does not make bile acids normally.

It is seen in newborns and infants. Features include poor fat absorption, bile flow trouble in newborns (cholestasis), and slow growth.

Signs & symptoms

GARD describes these main features:

  • Poor fat absorption (fat malabsorption)
  • Poor bile flow in newborns (neonatal cholestasis)
  • Slow growth

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include digestive system specialists and genetic specialists.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
Digestive system specialists (gastroenterologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Is genetic testing available to confirm the diagnosis?
How will you check my child's liver and growth?
Which specialists (liver, nutrition) should be on our team?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startNewborn and as an Infant

Changes in genes cause this condition. GARD doesn't name a specific gene yet.

GeneticGastrointestinalInherited Metabolic

Also known as: bile acid coenzyme a ligase deficiency and defective amidation

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Bile acid CoA ligase deficiency and defective amidationGARD ID 21041 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

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