TUDCA (Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid)New
Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) is a taurine-conjugated bile acid long used clinically (as the closely related ursodeoxycholic acid) for cholestatic liver disease and gallstone dissolution, and separately studied as a molecular chaperone that reduces endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. A small human RCT (Kars et al., Diabetes, 2010) found TUDCA improved hepatic and muscle insulin sensitivity in obese, insulin-resistant adults. Interest in TUDCA's neuroprotective potential grew after the taurursodiol-containing ALS drug AMX0035 (Relyvrio) showed benefit in its Phase 2 CENTAUR trial and won FDA approval in 2023 — but its confirmatory Phase 3 PHOENIX trial failed in 2024, and the drug was voluntarily withdrawn from the market, a cautionary example of how promising early signals in this compound class have not always replicated.
Mechanism of Action
As a hydrophilic bile acid, TUDCA displaces more toxic hydrophobic bile acids in the liver and biliary tree, protecting hepatocytes and improving bile flow. Independent of its bile-acid activity, TUDCA acts as a chemical chaperone that stabilizes protein folding in the endoplasmic reticulum, reducing ER-stress-induced apoptosis — a pathway implicated in insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis, and several neurodegenerative processes. This dual liver-protective and chaperone activity is the basis for its use in cholestatic liver disease and its investigational use in metabolic and neurodegenerative conditions, though the chaperone mechanism has translated to a confirmed human clinical benefit far more consistently in liver and metabolic endpoints than in neurodegeneration.
Dosing Protocol
250mg two to three times dailymg
Standard starting dose based on research
Therapeutic Range
250
Minimum
1500
Maximum
With meals, divided doses
Dosages are general guidelines. Individual requirements vary based on body weight, health status, and specific goals. Start with lower doses and adjust based on response.
Benefits
Primary Benefits
- Liver support
- Bile flow / cholestasis
- Insulin sensitivity
- Cellular stress protection
Secondary Benefits
Safety Information
Contraindications
Do not use if any of the following apply:
- •Biliary obstruction
- •Acute gallstone disease
- •Pregnancy (insufficient data)
Drug/Supplement Interactions
May interact with the following. Consult a healthcare provider before combining:
Potential Side Effects
Some users may experience:
This is not a complete list of interactions or side effects. Individual responses vary. Always start with the lowest effective dose and monitor your response. Report any adverse effects to your healthcare provider.
Quality Markers
Look for these specific quality indicators when sourcing this compound:
- Third-party tested for purity
- Pharmaceutical-grade synthesis (not animal bile-derived)
- Verified TUDCA content (not diluted with UDCA)
Trusted Certifications
Note: Supplement quality varies dramatically between brands. Cheap supplements often contain fillers, incorrect doses, or contaminants. Investing in quality products from reputable manufacturers is essential for safety and efficacy.
Evidence Profile
Evidence Score
5/10
Moderate Evidence
Some clinical trials with positive results, emerging research
Evidence Scale
8-10
Strong
5-7
Moderate
1-4
Emerging
Sample member
Longevity Operator
One number for your longevity journey.
FICO for credit. PHS for longevity. Eight biological domains collapsed into one provable score — intuitive at a glance, rigorous underneath.
- Metabolic
- Hormonal
- Cardiovascular
- Brain / Cognitive
- Sleep
- Musculoskeletal
- Gut
- Immunity / Inflammation