TUDCA (Tauroursodeoxycholic acid) is a bile acid that occurs naturally in bodies. It has the potential to improve digestion and reduce inflammation. [1]
Moreover, studies on TUDCA have shown that it may treat cholestasis, and help with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s. [1]
If you want to learn more about TUDCA keep reading the blog!
What is TUDCA?
TUDCA (Tauroursodeoxycholic acid) is a water-soluble bile acid naturally formed in the body. Bile acids are steroidal molecules that regulate glucose metabolism and control energy homeostasis. [2]
TUDCA is a conjugated bile acid derived from UDCA. It is formed when Taurine (another chemical found in the body) binds to ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), an FDA-approved treatment for certain cholestatic liver diseases. 3 It has a half-life of around 2.1 hours.
How does TUDCA Work?
TUDCA works in different ways. It helps reduce stress in the liver and improve bile flow. Furthermore, it prevents the buildup of toxic bile acids and aids with liver health.
TUDCA also supports mitochondrial function, preventing cell death (apoptosis) and promoting energy production. Besides, TUDCA also has neuroprotective properties, which shield neurons from inflammation and oxidative damage.
Furthermore, in most cases, they present rather low toxicity to the body and are able to cross the blood-brain barrier.
Most of these effects have to do with the liver, indicating the ability of TUDCA to improve overall liver health.
Potential TUDCA Benefits
Here are some of the potential benefits associated with TUDCA:
Reduces Cholestasis caused by liver injury
Cholestasis occurs when bile flow from the liver is impaired or blocked. In a pre-clinical study, TUDCA has been shown to reduce cholestasis. The study suggested that TUDCA may counteract the toxicity of regular bile acids.
Improves liver enzyme levels
Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) are two important liver enzymes.
Their elevated levels can indicate liver diseases like hepatitis or PBC (a chronic disease in which the bile ducts in your liver are slowly destroyed).
In a clinical study involving 12 women with PBC, TUDCA treatment (750 mg/day for 2 months) has been shown to reduce liver enzymes by 51%. The authors of the study noted that TUDCA exhibited a tolerable safety profile and may benefit long-term therapy in PBC.
Another study involving 23 patients with PBC reported that TUDCA significantly improved enzyme levels (AST, ALT, and two others). TUDCA was administered at 500 mg/day.
Improves Hepatitis C symptoms
In a multi-center placebo-controlled study, TUDCA treatment (500 mg or 700 mg/day) improved the biochemical expression of chronic hepatitis C virus infection. No significant side effects were reported in the study and a constant decrease in AST serum levels was reported.
Reduces disability in ALS patients
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare neurological disease. It affects the nerve cells responsible for controlling the muscles that we choose to move. ALS is a fatal disease, with patients typically living up to five years after diagnosis.
In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 34 ALS patients were assigned either placebo or TUDCA (1 g twice daily for 54 weeks) for 3 months. After one year, ALSFRS-R levels (whose higher scores indicate less disability with ALS) improved. The TUDCA treatment was well-tolerated.
May improve insulin sensitivity
A four-week study involving people with insulin resistance has shown that a daily dose of TUDCA may improve insulin sensitivity by 30%.
May Improve retinal health and vision
TUDCA may improve visual acuity by supporting the breakdown and absorption of vitamin A. Vitamin A has been known to improve eye health.
Potential TUDCA Side Effects
TUDCA has minimal to no side effects. However, taking TUDCA in high doses may cause mild stomach issues.
TUDCA Dosage Guidelines
In clinical studies, different TUDCA dosages were tested, including 10-13 mg, 500 mg, 1000 mg, and 1500 mg/day. One study also reported that 60 mg/kg/day was well-tolerated. A maximum of 1750 mg TUDCA dosage was tolerated for up to 4 weeks.
Here are the recommended doses of this dietary supplement in different studies:
- Improve Liver Function: 10-15mg/day
- While on cycle: 500mg–2,000mg/day
Where to Buy TUDCA?
If you’re looking for high-quality TUDCA, here are some recommended vendors:
| Vendor | Rating | Buying Link | Verdict |
| PureRawz | 4.8/5 | Buy TUDCA from PureRawz | High-quality, trusted vendor |
| Behemoth Labz | 4.7/5 | Buy TUDCA Capsules from Behemoth Labz | Convenient capsules, reputable source |
| Iron Mountain Labz | 4.6/5 | Buy TUDCA Capsules from Iron Mountain Labz | Reliable vendor, consistent quality |
| RCD Bio | 4.6/5 | Visit Rcdbio.co | Pure powder form, excellent reputation |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is TUDCA Used for?
TUDCA (Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid) is primarily used for liver health. It may also aid in bile flow and protect liver cells from damage caused by toxins, bile acid buildup, and oxidative stress. It is commonly used to support individuals with cholestatic liver diseases, fatty liver disease, and liver damage from alcohol or medications. Additionally, TUDCA has neuroprotective benefits, making it a potential treatment for neurodegenerative conditions like ALS and Parkinson’s disease. It also supports mitochondrial function, gut health, and insulin sensitivity, making it beneficial for metabolic disorders.
2. How Does TUDCA Supplement Help With Liver Problems?
TUDCA supplement may help promote bile flow, which in turn alleviates liver issues. It also reduces toxicity and protects liver cells from oxidative stress and damage. It works by preventing the buildup of harmful bile acids that can cause cholestasis (bile flow obstruction) and liver stress.
3. Does TUDCA Affect Brain Health?
Yes, TUDCA affects brain health by providing neuroprotective benefits. It helps reduce oxidative stress, inflammation, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, which are linked to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and ALS. TUDCA also supports mitochondrial function, preventing neuronal cell death (apoptosis) and promoting brain cell survival.
4. Is TUDCA Expensive?
Yes, TUDCA is relatively expensive because it undergoes rigorous quality control testing during manufacturing.
Conclusion
TUDCA (Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid) is a bile acid that supports liver health, cellular protection, and brain function. It helps promote bile flow, reduce liver toxicity, and protect against oxidative stress.
Additionally, TUDCA has neuroprotective properties, aiding in conditions like ALS, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s by preventing cell death and reducing inflammation.
It also supports mitochondrial function, gut health, and insulin sensitivity, contributing to overall metabolic well-being.
While widely used as a supplement, its medical applications continue to be studied for various diseases.
References
- Zangerolamo, L., Vettorazzi, J. F., Rosa, L. R. O., Carneiro, E. M., & Barbosa, H. C. L. (2021). The bile acid TUDCA and neurodegenerative disorders: An overview. Life Sciences, 272, 119252.[R]
- , A., Coll, O., García-Ruiz, C., París, R., Tiribelli, C., Kaplowitz, N., & Fernández-Checa, J. C. (2001). Tauroursodeoxycholic acid protects hepatocytes from ethanol-fed rats against tumor necrosis factor-induced cell death by replenishing mitochondrial glutathione. Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.), 34(5), 964–971.[R]
- , P., Scheinberg, A. R., & Levy, C. (2018). Cholestatic liver diseases: new targets, new therapies. Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology, 11, 175628481878740.[R]
