TUDCA
TUDCA (Tauroursodeoxycholic acid) is a bile acid derived from ursodeoxycholic acid, used as a supplement to support liver health and potentially aid in managing certain medical conditions.
Effectiveness and Risk Overview
Condition | Effectiveness | Details |
---|---|---|
Liver Health | TUDCA has been shown to protect the liver from various forms of injury and improve liver function in multiple clinical contexts. | |
Bile Flow Improvement | TUDCA is a bile acid derivative that directly improves bile flow and composition, making it beneficial for conditions related to bile deficiency or impaired bile production. | |
Detoxification | By improving bile flow and composition, TUDCA enhances the liver's ability to detoxify harmful substances. | |
Gut Dysbiosis | While TUDCA's primary action is not directly on gut microbiota, its improvement of bile flow can indirectly support gut health. Evidence is suggestive but limited. | |
May cause gastrointestinal side effects. | TUDCA can cause stomach upset, nausea, and diarrhea in some individuals, particularly when taken in high doses. | |
Can interact with certain medications severely. | TUDCA may interact with certain medications like cholestyramine, potentially reducing their effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. |