TUDCA (Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid)
A bile acid that thins bile, protects liver cells, and reduces endoplasmic reticulum stress. Useful for cholestasis, liver protection during oral compounds, and gallbladder support.
Strong for cholestatic liver conditions, gallstone dissolution (with ursodiol). Moderate for general liver protection, ER-stress reduction, NAFLD. Effects: 4–12 weeks.
TUDCA is a water-soluble bile acid naturally present in small amounts in bear bile (used in TCM for centuries). Modern supplemental TUDCA is synthesised from cattle bile or chemically. It thins bile (helping it flow and preventing sludge), protects liver cells from oxidative and ER stress, and supports gallbladder function. Used in cholestatic liver diseases, post-gallbladder-removal support, and as protective add-on alongside hepatotoxic oral compounds (oral steroids, certain peptides, alcohol).
- Form
- TUDCA capsules. Bear-bile-derived versions are unethical and avoided; synthetic / cattle-bile-derived are the standard.
- Dose
- 250–500 mg/day. Higher doses (1,000–1,750 mg/day) used clinically for cholestasis.
- Timing
- With food. Often split AM/PM.
- Schedule
- Daily during periods of liver / bile stress.
- Side effects
- Generally well-tolerated. Mild diarrhea (bile-related), GI upset.
- Interactions
- Bile acid sequestrants (cholestyramine, etc.) — reduces absorption; separate by 4 hours. Aluminium-containing antacids — same. Generally clean.
- Contraindications
- Complete bile duct obstruction. Allergy to bile salts. Pregnancy / breastfeeding (limited data).
- Lab markers
- ALT, AST, GGT, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin.
- Food sources
- Not in everyday food.
Pairs with
NAC, milk thistle, glycine (liver-support stack). Bile salts / ox bile (post-cholecystectomy support).
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