TUDCA (Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid): Benefits, Dosage and Safety
TUDCA is a bile acid that the body makes in small amounts and that is closely related to ursodiol (UDCA), a prescription drug for some liver and gallstone conditions. As a supplement it is marketed for liver and gallbladder support. Human evidence is limited: small studies suggest it may improve some liver tests and insulin sensitivity, while a large trial in ALS found no benefit. It is usually well tolerated.
Last reviewed 2026-10-17. Educational information, not medical advice.
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Check price on AmazonWhat is TUDCA?
Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) is ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) joined to the amino acid taurine. Both are water-soluble bile acids, which are less harsh on cells than many other bile acids. Humans have only small amounts of TUDCA naturally; bear bile was its traditional source.
Modern TUDCA supplements are made synthetically, without animal bile. In the lab, TUDCA reduces a type of cell stress called endoplasmic reticulum stress and protects cells from dying, which is why it is studied in liver, eye, metabolic and nerve diseases.
TUDCA is a supplement in the US. Its close relative UDCA (ursodiol) is a prescription medicine for primary biliary cholangitis and for dissolving certain gallstones; TUDCA is not a substitute for that treatment.
Typical uses
Liver health and bile flow
Small trials, mostly in people with chronic liver diseases such as primary biliary cholangitis, found that TUDCA improved some liver enzyme results similarly to UDCA. Evidence for healthy people or for "liver detox" is lacking.
Insulin sensitivity
A small study in adults with obesity found that 1,750 mg per day for 4 weeks improved insulin sensitivity in liver and muscle. It has not been confirmed in larger trials.
ALS and neurological diseases
An early small trial suggested slower ALS progression, but a larger trial of TUDCA, and the later trial of the TUDCA–sodium phenylbutyrate combination, did not show a benefit. TUDCA is not a treatment for ALS.
Liver stress from oral steroids
TUDCA is popular among bodybuilders to "protect the liver" during steroid use. There is no good human evidence for this, and it does not make such drugs safe.
How strong is the evidence?
- LimitedLiver tests in chronic cholestatic liver disease. Small trials, often compared with UDCA.
- LimitedInsulin sensitivity. One small 4-week study.
- InsufficientALS. Larger trials did not confirm benefit.
- InsufficientGeneral liver "detox" or protection. No good human data.
Typical doses
| Context | Dose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Common supplement dose | 250–500 mg per day | Often taken with meals. |
| Clinical studies | 750–1,750 mg per day | Usually split into 2–3 doses, for weeks to months, under supervision. |
- Take TUDCA with food; bile acids work in digestion.
- Check whether a product is pure TUDCA or a blend with milk thistle and other herbs, which contains less TUDCA per serving.
- People with liver disease should use TUDCA only with their doctor, who may prefer prescription UDCA.
Safety, side effects and interactions
Safety
- TUDCA is generally well tolerated in studies lasting up to about a year.
- The most common side effect is diarrhoea, especially at higher doses; nausea and stomach discomfort are also reported.
- Because bile acids affect digestion and fat absorption, people with gallbladder or bile-duct problems should get medical advice first.
- Supplement quality varies, and long-term safety in healthy people has not been studied.
Interactions
- Bile acid sequestrants (cholestyramine, colestipol) and aluminium antacids can bind bile acids; separate doses by several hours.
- Ciclosporin and other drugs whose absorption depends on bile: TUDCA could alter levels.
- Prescription UDCA (ursodiol): avoid doubling up without medical advice.
Who should avoid it or ask a doctor first
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding, unless prescribed.
- Blocked bile ducts, acute gallbladder inflammation or severe liver disease without medical supervision.
- Children.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between TUDCA and UDCA?
TUDCA is UDCA bound to taurine. UDCA (ursodiol) is a prescription drug with strong evidence for some liver conditions; TUDCA is sold as a supplement and has fewer human studies.
Does TUDCA detox the liver?
There is no good evidence that TUDCA "detoxes" the liver in healthy people. It has been studied mainly in specific liver diseases.
Can TUDCA help with gallstones?
UDCA is used to dissolve certain cholesterol gallstones under medical care. TUDCA has not been well studied for this; see a doctor about gallstones.
How long can I take TUDCA?
Studies have used it for weeks to about a year. Long-term use in healthy people has not been studied.
Is TUDCA made from bear bile?
Bear bile was the traditional source, but supplements today are made synthetically. Check the label or ask the brand.
Choosing a TUDCA supplement
- Check the milligrams of TUDCA per serving; blends with milk thistle often contain less.
- Choose brands with third-party testing and a certificate of analysis.
- Start low (250 mg) to see how your digestion responds.