Table of Contents

What Is TUDCA & Why Is It Important for Your Health?

Key Takeaways

  • TUDCA (tauroursodeoxycholic acid) is a bile acid with potential benefits for liver function, digestion, cellular health, and neurological protection.
  • It supports fat metabolism, bile flow, mitochondrial health, and gut microbiome balance.
  • TUDCA is being researched for its role in neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic disorders, and cellular stress responses.

Note: Claims about TUDCA's benefits are based on emerging research and are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. Consult a healthcare professional before use.

What Is TUDCA?

TUDCA is a water-soluble bile acid naturally produced in small amounts in the body. It plays a key role in digestion, liver function, and cellular health. Historically, TUDCA was sourced from bear bile in traditional medicine, but modern supplements are ethically synthesized without the use of animal-derived bile.

TUDCA is formed through gut microbial metabolism. Bile salts released into the intestine are converted into ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), which binds with taurine to form TUDCA. While most bile acids are recycled, factors like poor diet, liver dysfunction, and certain medications can impair this process, making supplementation beneficial.

What Does TUDCA Do in the Body?

TUDCA plays a key role in bile production and digestion, helping:

  • Absorb fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K).
  • Break down fats and cholesterol.
  • Maintain gut microbiome balance.
  • Support bile flow and liver cell protection.

Since most bile acids are recycled, a sluggish liver or gallbladder can hinder this process. TUDCA supplementation may improve bile flow, digestion, and liver function, especially when combined with ox bile and digestive enzymes.

Difference Between UDCA & TUDCA

UDCA (ursodeoxycholic acid) is a precursor to TUDCA. When UDCA is metabolized in the intestines, it binds with taurine to form TUDCA. While both compounds have therapeutic benefits, TUDCA may offer enhanced bioavailability in certain contexts and additional protective effects on the liver, mitochondria, and nervous system.

Top 10 Health Benefits of TUDCA

  1. Brain Health – Preclinical studies suggest support for cognition, memory, and mitochondrial function.
  2. Insulin Sensitivity – Animal studies indicate potential for blood sugar regulation and pancreatic function.
  3. Mitochondrial & Cellular Support – Reduces oxidative stress and helps prevent premature cell death.
  4. DNA Protection – Minimizes oxidative damage and promotes cellular stability.
  5. Liver Health – Supports bile flow and liver cell protection, may reduce liver enzyme levels.
  6. Gut Microbiome Balance – May enhance gut integrity and support intestinal barrier function.
  7. Kidney Protection – Preliminary research suggests protective effects on kidney function.
  8. Immune System Modulation – May help regulate inflammatory immune responses under stress conditions.
  9. Eye Health – Animal and retinal cell studies suggest TUDCA protects eye cells.
  10. Bile Flow Enhancement – May enhance bile flow and composition, aiding digestion and cholesterol metabolism (based on animal and preliminary human studies).

How to Increase TUDCA Levels Naturally

While the body produces TUDCA, certain factors may reduce its levels, such as:

  • Microbiome imbalances (parasites, harmful bacteria, yeast overgrowth).
  • Liver stress (toxins, medications, oxidative damage).
  • Chronic inflammation and metabolic disorders.
  • Gallbladder dysfunction or bile flow impairment.

TUDCA Supplementation

  • Dosage: Common supplemental doses range from 250-500 mg/day; higher doses should be medically supervised. Doses vary by condition (e.g., 500-1500 mg/day in some liver studies).
  • Side Effects: Generally well-tolerated, but high doses may cause mild digestive upset.
  • Precautions: Not recommended for pregnant/nursing women without medical supervision.
  • Potential Interactions: May interact with blood sugar medications; monitor glucose levels if diabetic. Consult a healthcare provider before combining with other medications.

Scientific Research on TUDCA

TUDCA in Non-Liver Diseases

TUDCA-ALS Trial Protocol

TUDCA Against Adiposity

TUDCA's Chaperoning Activity

TUDCA and Glucose Homeostasis

TUDCA in ALS Survival

Final Thoughts

TUDCA shows promise as a supplement for liver health, bile flow, and cellular protection. Its ability to support mitochondrial function and reduce cellular stress makes it an interesting compound in the emerging field of bile acid therapeutics. While most evidence comes from preclinical studies, early clinical research—particularly in liver conditions and ALS—suggests potential therapeutic applications. Further large-scale human trials are needed to confirm its broader benefits.

Additional Resources

For more details on this topic, check out the video: What is TUDCA? - Dr. Berg

Video Timestamps:

  • 0:00 What is TUDCA?
  • 0:30 What is TUDCA used for?
  • 1:15 TUDCA benefits
  • 5:38 Bulletproof your immune system free course!

For more details on this topic, check out the full article on the website: ➡️ https://drbrg.co/3FXHzaU