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    Joint and Recovery IngredientsSemi-Synthetic

    TUDCA

    Also known as: Tauroursodeoxycholic acid, TUDCA

    Conjugate of taurine and ursodeoxycholic acid; reduces cytotoxic bile acid pool, protects mitochondria, and inhibits ER stress-induced apoptosis.

    Last reviewed: 2026-06-23 · 1 indexed study

    Evidence Score
    56/100
    Liver healthBile flowCholestasisCellular health
    Data Completeness3/4 · 75%
    Evidence ScoreDosageSafetyLinked Studies

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    Overview

    Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) is a taurine-conjugated bile acid that supports bile flow, reduces ER stress, and is used as a hepatoprotector during oral hormone cycles.

    Mechanism & Function

    Mechanism of Action

    Replaces toxic bile acid pool with hydrophilic species, supports bile flow, reduces ER stress in hepatocytes and other cells, and provides anti-apoptotic effects.

    Physiological Role

    Used in oral-hormone (PED) and methylated-supplement cycles for hepatoprotection; clinical evidence in cholestatic liver disease.

    Primary Pathways

    Bile acid pool modulationER stress reductionMitochondrial protectionFXR modulation

    Performance / Health Relevance

    Clinical evidence in primary biliary cholangitis and cholestasis; emerging data in ER-stress conditions.

    Evidence Review

    Overall56/100
    Human Clinical58/100
    Meta-Analysis45/100
    Mechanistic80/100
    Real-World55/100
    Safety80/100

    Practical Use & Dosage

    Minimum Effective Dose
    250 mg/day
    Optimal Range
    500–1000 mg/day in divided doses
    Upper / Caution Level
    ~1750 mg/day short-term
    Timing
    With meals
    Best Format
    Capsule
    Bioavailability
    ~30–50% oral bioavailability.
    Absorption Considerations
    Active intestinal transport; enters enterohepatic circulation.

    Safety & Interactions

    Side Effects

    • •Mild GI upset
    • •Diarrhoea at high doses

    Contraindications

    • Bile duct obstruction

    Drug Interactions

    • •Cholestyramine
    • •Aluminium antacids

    Who Should Avoid

    • •Acute cholangitis

    Monitoring

    Liver enzymes during use.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Auto-generated from indexed evidence — dosage, safety, interactions, and more.

    When is TUDCA typically used or indicated?

    TUDCA is most commonly used for: Liver health, Bile flow, Cholestasis, Cellular health. Used in oral-hormone (PED) and methylated-supplement cycles for hepatoprotection; clinical evidence in cholestatic liver disease.

    How does TUDCA work?

    Replaces toxic bile acid pool with hydrophilic species, supports bile flow, reduces ER stress in hepatocytes and other cells, and provides anti-apoptotic effects.

    What is the recommended dose of TUDCA?

    The optimal range is 500–1000 mg/day in divided doses. with a minimum effective dose of 250 mg/day. Best taken: With meals. Upper / caution level: ~1750 mg/day short-term.

    What are the side effects of TUDCA?

    Reported side effects include: Mild GI upset; and Diarrhoea at high doses. Monitoring: Liver enzymes during use.

    Does TUDCA interact with medications?

    Known or theoretical interactions: Cholestyramine; and Aluminium antacids. Always check with a clinician before combining with prescription medication.

    Who should avoid TUDCA?

    TUDCA is generally not recommended for: Acute cholangitis; and Bile duct obstruction.

    How strong is the evidence for TUDCA?

    Evidence level: Moderate (overall score 56/100), based on 1 indexed study on SuppIndex.

    Research & References (1)

    TUDCA in cholestatic liver disease: clinical review

    Systematic Review2017Moderate
    PubMed

    Significant improvement in cholestatic markers and patient symptoms.

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    Research Overview

    Moderate Evidence
    1Total Studies
    0Human Trials
    0Meta-Analyses
    2017Latest Study
    0Animal / In Vitro
    0Athlete Studies
    Primary data sourceClinical Patients
    Pooled evidence (meta-analysis / systematic review)Yes

    Cite this ingredient

    One-click citation export in APA, MLA, Chicago, BibTeX, or HTML. The URL below is stable and safe to link.

    Stable URL

    https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/tudca

    SuppIndex. (2026). TUDCA: Evidence summary, dosage and clinical studies. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/tudca

    Based on 1 indexed studies · Evidence level: Moderate.

    Goal Ratings

    Recovery
    General Health

    Stack Compatibility

    Pair with milk thistle, NAC, omega-3 for liver stack.

    Silymarin Milk ThistleNACOmega-3 (EPA/DHA)