TUDCA
Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid
TUDCA (Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid) is a taurine-conjugated bile acid produced naturally in small quantities by the liver and gut. The non-conjugated form (UDCA / Ursodiol) is FDA-approved as Actigall for primary biliary cholangitis and gallstone management. TUDCA itself is sold as a dietary supplement in the US (in larger quantities than UDCA) and is researched for hepatoprotection, ER stress reduction, and as an adjunct to oral anabolic steroid cycles where hepatic stress is a concern.
With meals containing some fat for optimal bile flow and absorption.
Start here. Every protocol below is ordered lowest-first. Begin at the smallest effective dose, hold about a week to assess tolerance, and step up only if needed.
How it works
TUDCA functions through multiple complementary mechanisms:
ER Stress Reduction
TUDCA acts as a chemical chaperone, stabilizing protein folding in the endoplasmic reticulum and reducing the unfolded protein response (UPR). Excess UPR drives apoptosis in hepatocytes and other cells.
Bile Acid Pool Modulation
Replaces hydrophobic, cytotoxic bile acids (deoxycholic acid, lithocholic acid) with the more hydrophilic, less-toxic TUDCA - protective in cholestatic liver disease.
Mitochondrial Membrane Stabilization
Reduces cytochrome c release and apoptotic signaling in stressed hepatocytes.
Anti-Apoptotic in Multiple Tissues
Extends to neurons (research interest in ALS, retinitis pigmentosa) and retinal photoreceptors.
Bile Solubilization
Improves bile flow and may dissolve cholesterol gallstones (UDCA-class effect).
What to expect
Days 1-7: minimal subjective change.
Weeks 4-8: liver function tests may improve in users with elevated baseline.
Long-term: sustained hepatoprotection during chronic liver stress.
Evidence
Claims we could not support
No abstract we checked supports these for this molecule at this route. That is not the same as saying they are false — it marks where the evidence is missing.
Exact-molecule abstract evidence. ESearch was run and 4 source-candidate PMIDs were EFetch-checked; no usable exact-molecule abstract sentence was found.
Dose/route: 250-500mg; Oral capsule; 1-2x daily. No selected live abstract sentence verified this complete regimen.
Mechanism as written in source JSON. No selected live abstract sentence verified the complete mechanism at the card formulation/route and relevant population/model.
Primary safety claim as written in source JSON. No selected live abstract sentence verified the complete safety claim for this exact formulation and route.
Side effects & safety
Commonly reported
- Mild diarrhea (laxative effect at higher doses)
- Mild GI upset
Less common & notes
- Allergic reaction rare.
- Long-term safety good per UDCA decades of clinical use.
- Bile-acid class effects minimal at supplement doses.
Pharmacokinetics
Post-ingestion
Enterohepatic circulation extends bile-acid pool effect
Oral ~30-50% (bile acid recirculation)
Daily dosing supports steady bile-acid pool modulation
Hepatic and biliary
Storage. Capsule. Stable at room temperature. Keep dry.
Regulatory status
TUDCA is sold as a dietary supplement in the US (DSHEA). UDCA (Ursodiol/Actigall) is FDA-approved for primary biliary cholangitis and gallstone dissolution. EU regulates UDCA more strictly than the US handles TUDCA.
Put it to work
Calculate, log & track
Open TUDCA straight into OnePin with your vial and dose pre-filled, then let it handle the syringe math and remind you before the vial runs out.
Open TUDCA in the app →Go deeper
The guide & community
The complete TUDCA walkthrough, real protocol discussion and coaching live inside the BlessUp community on Skool.
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