Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid
1 What is TUDCA?
Tudca is actually an abbreviation for Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid. TUDCA is found in the bile excreted by our liver and stored in the gallbladder.TUDCA is the Taurine conjugate form of Ursodeoxycholic Acid (UDCA).There is very small amounts in human bile but it makes up about 50% of the bile from bears. Infact,TUDCA has been used in chinese medicine for more than 100’years before it was synthesized successfully, this ingredient was actually derived from bear bile.
2 What does TUDCA do?
We’re going to be completely honest with you; it is not verified exactly how TUDCA does what it does but numerous studies have shown very interesting results.TUDCA is actually FDA certified for the treatment of liver diseases such as cholestasis, which is a condition where the production or flow of bile from the liver slows or stops. Supplementing with TUDCA can assist the body in restoring and increasing bile production.
The main benefit of TUDCA is improving liver health & function.Studies have cited very impressive results of liver enzymes being reduced after supplementation with TUDCA. Elevated liver enzymes are an indication of poor liver health and function and respectively, low liver enzymes indicate a healthy and functioning liver. Supplementation with TUDCA showed significant reductions in key liver enzymes representing an improvement in liver health.
These improvements in liver health is what makes TUDCA so appealing to users of anabolic substances, especially oral anabolic substances.These substances can take a big toll on our livers health and function which is why ‘On’ and also ‘Off’ cycle support supplements are always recommended to be taken, on top of getting regular blood work to monitor health. TUDCA is regarded as one of the best liver health supplements available today.
The mechanism of cholestasis is based mainly on a limited outflow of bile from the liver to the duodenum caused by the decrease in the production of bile (intrahepatic cholestasis) or the obstruction of bile ducts (extrahepatic cholestasis). Intrahepatic cholestasis is associated mainly with the activity of substances damaging hepatocytes, which often leads to alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver. Extrahepatic cholestasis concerns bile ducts
TUDCA improves the flow of bile and stimulates its production, and also protects choloangiocytes (the epithelial cells of bile ducts) and hepatocytes from the toxic effects of other hydrophobic bile acids, which can accumulate in the liver as a result of cholestasis.
Deposits of bile in the case of gallstones are typically made of cholesterol. TUDCA facilitates cholesterol dissolution and thus contributes to the dissolution of gallstones, which may result in their painful excretion via urine.
It has been observed that TUDCA may support the regulation of the carbohydrate metabolism. As it turns out, this substance improves the sensitivity of cells to insulin and also supports protection against hyperglycaemia.
Studies have also shown improvements in both muscle and liver insulin sensitivity as well as a positive effect on thyroid health. One study using animals and a very large dose of TUDCA showed improvements on neuroprotection from age-related memory loss. These studies were unable to conclusively explain the mechanisms of how TUDCA does this. More studies in humans are required to get more conclusive results and dosages.
3.How Much TUDCA should I Take?
There have been a wide variety of doses studied for the benefits of TUDCA. Starting from as little as 10-13mg of a TUDCA supplement each day for 3 months in patients with chronic liver disease showing significant reduction in liver enzymes. Doses of up to 1,750mg daily have been shown to have benefits towards fatty liver disease, improving both muscle and liver insulin sensitivity. An animal studied showed dosages up to 4,000mg (human equivalent) to have a positive effect on neuroprotection from age-related memory loss.
Despite these extreme dosages, there appears to be a happy medium of between 500mg and up to 1,500mg per day to yield the effects from TUDCA. Most supplements appear to have formulas that contain between 100 - 250mg of TUDCA per serve with multiple serves to be taken per day. As with a lot of these ingredients, more studies need to be conducted to get some concrete numbers.
4.When Do I Take TUDCA?
TUDCA can be taken at any time of the day, preferably taken with food to aid with the absorption.As most supplements will have a dose between 100 - 250mg per serve. It’s recommended to spread the dosing of TUDCA across the day, taking 2, 3, 4 or even 5 serves per day.
5.How Long Does TUDCA Take To Work?
TUDCA is not going to work overnight. Studies have reported the various effects of TUDCA being shown after 1, 2, 3 and even 6 months of supplementation. From the studies available, it would safe to say that a minimum of 30 days (1 month) of supplementation is needed to see the improvements and benefits. However, consistent and long term use will yield the greatest benefits from TUDCA supplementation.
Recommended Products