What Is TUDCA & Why Is It Important for Your Health?
Key Takeaways
- TUDCA (tauroursodeoxycholic acid) is a bile acid with powerful benefits for liver function, digestion, cellular health, and neurological protection.
- It supports fat metabolism, detoxification, mitochondrial health, and gut microbiome balance.
- TUDCA is widely researched for its role in neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic disorders, and immune function.
What Is TUDCA?
TUDCA is a water-soluble bile acid naturally produced in small amounts in the body. It plays a crucial 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 detoxification.
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 has superior bioavailability and protective effects on the liver, mitochondria, and nervous system.
Top 10 Health Benefits of TUDCA
- Brain Health – Supports cognition, memory, and mitochondrial function.
- Insulin Sensitivity – Helps regulate blood sugar levels and pancreatic function.
- Mitochondrial & Cellular Support – Reduces oxidative stress and prevents premature cell death.
- DNA Protection – Minimizes oxidative damage and promotes cellular stability.
- Liver Health – Supports detoxification and may reduce liver enzyme levels.
- Gut Microbiome Balance – Enhances gut integrity and reduces the risk of leaky gut.
- Kidney Protection – Helps protect kidney function and reduce inflammation.
- Immune System Support – Modulates immune response and may combat pathogens.
- Eye Health – Research suggests TUDCA protects eye cells and improves vision.
- Bile Flow Enhancement – Increases bile production by up to 250%, aiding digestion and cholesterol metabolism.
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: 250-1500 mg/day, best taken with meals.
- Side Effects: Well-tolerated, but high doses may cause mild digestive upset.
- Precautions: Not recommended for pregnant/nursing women without medical supervision.
Scientific Research on TUDCA
TUDCA in Non-Liver Diseases
- Article: Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid in the Treatment of Non-liver Diseases ↗
- Summary: This article discusses TUDCA’s role in treating non-liver diseases, including neurodegenerative conditions like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Huntington’s disease.
TUDCA-ALS Trial Protocol
- Article: Tauroursodeoxycholic acid in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: The TUDCA-ALS trial protocol ↗
- Summary: This study protocol outlines a phase III clinical trial investigating TUDCA’s efficacy in ALS patients.
TUDCA Against Adiposity
- Article: Insights by which TUDCA is a potential therapy against adiposity ↗
- Summary: This review highlights TUDCA’s potential in treating obesity by inhibiting ER stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in adipocytes.
TUDCA’s Chaperoning Activity
- Article: Tauroursodeoxycholate—Bile Acid with Chaperoning Activity ↗
- Summary: This article discusses TUDCA’s chemical chaperone activity, which helps alleviate ER stress and stabilize the unfolded protein response.
TUDCA and Glucose Homeostasis
- Article: The bile acid TUDCA reduces age-related hyperinsulinemia in mice ↗
- Summary: This study demonstrates TUDCA’s ability to improve glucose homeostasis in models of type 2 diabetes and obesity.
TUDCA in ALS Survival
- Article: Effect of tauroursodeoxycholic acid on survival and safety in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis ↗
- Summary: This exploratory study suggests that TUDCA may prolong survival in ALS patients.
Final Thoughts
TUDCA is emerging as a powerful supplement for liver detoxification, neurological support, and metabolic health. Its ability to enhance bile flow, protect mitochondria, and regulate cellular health makes it a valuable tool for anyone looking to optimize their well-being. As research continues, TUDCA’s role in functional medicine is becoming increasingly recognized.
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 ↗