Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) supplements have recently gained significant attention concerning liver support.
For centuries, traditional Chinese medicine has valued animal bile, which contains bile acids like UDCA and TUDCA, for its use in pharmacological and clinical applications.
But with so many options on the market, you might ask, “What is the best TUDCA supplement?” This article addresses that question by comprehensively reviewing the top TUDCA supplements available.
We delve into the key features, ingredients, pros, and cons of the best TUDCA supplements to help you make an informed choice. We also discuss what TUDCA is and research around its potential benefits.
Best TUDCA supplement: shortlist
- Double Wood — overall best TUDCA supplement
- Nutricost — best versatile TUDCA supplement
- Nature's Craft — best gelatin-free TUDCA supplement
- Bulksupplements — best affordable TUDCA supplement
- Dealsupplement — best 1000 mg TUDCA supplement
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Comparison of the best TUDCA supplements
This table shows a brief comparison of the best TUDCA supplements.
| Brand | Price | Price per serving | TUDCA dose per serving | Servings per container | Serving size | Gluten-free | Thid-party tested |
| Double Wood | $27.95 | $0.93 | 500 mg | 30 | 2 capsules | Yes | Yes |
| Nutricost | $28.95* | $0.97 | 250 mg, 500 mg | 30, 60 | 1 capsule | Yes | Yes |
| Nature's Craft | $28.99 | $0.97 | 500 mg | 30 | 2 capsules | Yes | Yes |
| Bulksupplements | $48.96 | $0.54 | 500 mg | 90 | 1 capsule | Yes | Yes |
| Dealsupplement | $23.95 | $1.20 | 1000 mg | 20 | 3 capsules | Yes | Yes |
* — Price may vary depending on size
Best TUDCA supplement: an overview
Here, we will delve into the specifics of each product, discussing their features, pricing, pros, and cons. Our goal is to provide a clear review to simplify your decision-making process and ensure you choose a supplement that aligns with your health needs and budget considerations.
Let’s dive in.
1. Double Wood — overall best TUDCA brand
Double Wood TUDCA is a supplement formulated to support liver health. Each serving contains 500 mg of TUDCA, and the product is non-GMO, soy, and gluten-free. Other ingredients in the formulation include gelatin and rice flour.
The supplement is manufactured in the USA and undergoes third-party testing for quality. It is also Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certified, with results for the certificate of analysis and testing available on the brand’s website.
The provider recommends taking two capsules daily on an empty stomach.
Each container with 30 servings costs $27.95, with a 30-day money-back guarantee and free U.S. shipping.
2. Nutricost — the best TUDCA supplement that is versatile
Nutricost TUDCA Capsules product is available in 250 mg and 500 mg doses. For the 250 mg option, you can choose between a one-month supply (30 servings) or a two-month supply (60 servings), depending on your needs.
Other ingredients in the formulation are gelatin (capsule), di-calcium phosphate, magnesium stearate (from vegetable source), microcrystalline cellulose, olive oil, and silicon dioxide. These ingredients do not contribute to the supplement’s primary function but play essential roles in the product’s overall composition and stability. It is non-GMO and gluten-free.
The supplement is produced in a GMP-compliant facility and is third-party tested. The provider recommends taking one capsule daily for the 250 mg and 500 mg TUDCA options.
The one-time purchase price for the 250 mg container with 30 servings is $28.95. The company offers a 60-day money-back guarantee on each product.
3. Nature's Craft — the best TUDCA supplement that is gelatin-free
Nature’s Craft offers a TUDCA supplement designed to support liver health. Each serving contains 500mg of TUDCA and is gluten and gelatin-free. Other inactive ingredients in the formulation include rice flour, microcrystalline cellulose, silica, and vegetable cellulose. These ingredients are often used as fillers, binders, or anti-caking agents and do not contribute to the primary function of the supplement.
The allergen information stated on the product label includes soy, tree nuts, shellfish, fish, peanuts, milk, eggs, and wheat. We advise you to avoid using this product if you are allergic to any of these ingredients to prevent unwanted reactions.
Nature’s Craft TUDCA is manufactured in an FDA-inspected facility and is third-party lab-tested. The provider recommends taking two capsules daily, preferably with meals.
The price for one container with 30 servings is $28.99. It comes with free US shipping on orders above $30 and a 100% money-back guarantee.
4. BulkSupplements — best budget-friendly TUDCA supplement
The BulkSupplements TUDCA is manufactured with good quality standards. Each product is third-party tested and International Standard Organization (ISO) certified, ensuring it meets high safety and quality benchmarks.
One serving contains 500 mg of TUDCA. The only additive is the gelatin capsule, and the product is free of added sugar, soy, dairy, yeast, and gluten. This form makes it a suitable choice for individuals with dietary restrictions or sensitivities.
The provider recommends taking one capsule daily and storing it in a cool and dry place.
Each container has 90 servings, and it costs $48.96. It has a 30-day return policy and free shipping on all contiguous U.S. orders over $59.
5. Dealsupplement — best TUDCA supplement with the highest strength per serving
Dealsupplent TUDCA offers the highest strength of TUDCA from our list, with 1000 mg TUDCA per serving. Other ingredients in the product are silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, rice flour, and gelatin (capsule).
The product is dairy, soy, gluten, and GMO-free and is third-party lab-tested. The provider recommends taking three capsules per serving, and each bottle contains 60 capsules for a 20-day supply.
One bottle costs $23.95, and it comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee and free shipping on orders that are $49 and above.
How we ranked the best TUDCA supplement?
Here is a breakdown of the criteria we used:
| Ingredient quality | Third-party testing | Provider reputation | Customer reviews | Ingredient transparency | Price |
| No unnecessary additives | Independent third lab verified for quality | Good history and customer satisfaction | User experience | Detailed product labels | $23.95–$48.96 |
- Ingredient quality. We considered the quality of the ingredients and prioritized supplements that contain high-quality TUDCA without unnecessary additives or fillers. All the supplements we selected are gluten-free.
- Third-party testing. We looked for products that have undergone third-party testing. This independent verification ensures the supplement’s quality.
- Provider reputation. We chose brands that are known for their commitment to quality, safety, and customer satisfaction.
- Customer reviews. We took into account the online feedback of users on brand websites to get insights into customer experience.
- Ingredient transparency. We selected brands that are transparent about the content of their products. This means listing all ingredients on the product label, including additives or fillers.
- Price. Lastly, we considered the price of the supplements and made sure to include options that offer good value for money.
What is TUDCA?
Tauroursodeoxycholic acid, or TUDCA for short, is a kind of bile acid made naturally in your body's liver but only in small amounts. It is also found in much larger quantities in certain animals, particularly bears.
TUDCA is a version of another bile acid called ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), however additionally linked to a compound called taurine. TUDCA is additionally called Ursodoxicoltaurine, sometimes known as taurursodiol.
TUDCA and UDCA play important roles in our bodies. They are involved in the production and release of bile, a substance our bodies use to break down fats. UDCA has been used in medicine for a long time to provide health in certain liver diseases and to help dissolve gallstones.
UDCA was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1987 for the dissolution of gallstones and for primary biliary cirrhosis in 1996.
In 2022, the FDA approved a medication that combines TUDCA with another substance, sodium phenylbutyrate. This medication, called Relyvrio, is used to treat a condition called Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
Researchers are also looking into whether TUDCA could be used to treat other conditions that affect the brain and nervous system, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
Health benefits of TUDCA
TUDCA has become popular recently as a supplement for bile acid health and liver support. Nowadays, these supplements are primarily created in a lab rather than sourced directly from animals. It is more water-soluble and less toxic than UDCA, due to conjugation with taurine. This potentially also allows for the body to absorb and use it more easily.
TUDCA is known for its role in promoting liver health, but it has other potential benefits. It has been associated with various positive health effects, which we will discuss below.
Fostering liver health
Studies have shown that TUDCA may help improve liver health. For instance, it has been found to lower the levels of certain enzymes in the blood that are often elevated in people with liver disease. This was observed in patients with liver cirrhosis who were treated with TUDCA for six months. However, it is important to note that TUDCA did not decrease the levels of markers associated with liver fibrosis in these patients.
In another study involving patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), TUDCA supplementation for six months reduced serum Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) levels compared to baseline. ALP is a type of enzyme that is often elevated in liver disease.
Gallstones
TUDCA, similar to UDCA, is beneficial in gallstone dissolution due to its hydrophilic and less toxic nature. It is used for oral litholysis (dissolution) of small cholesterol gallstones in patients with a functioning gallbladder.
Administering TUDCA at bedtime is recommended as it maintains the hepatic bile acid secretion rate overnight, reducing the secretion of supersaturated bile and increasing the dissolution rate.
However, less than 10% of patients with cholesterol-enriched gallstones are amenable to oral dissolution therapy with UDCA or TUDCA.
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is an essential substance in the body, but when its levels become too high, it can lead to health issues such as gallstones, and increase the risk of cardiovascular complications.
Oral supplementation of TUDCA for two weeks has been shown to reduce serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL cholesterol levels in patients with gallstones. This finding is significant because high levels of these substances can contribute to the formation of gallstones.
Cholestasis
Cholestasis is a condition characterized by the slowing or stoppage of bile flow from the liver. When the flow of bile is disrupted, it can lead to an accumulation of bile in the liver, which may cause liver damage.
TUDCA has been found to be beneficial in addressing this condition. Experiments conducted on rat models of the liver revealed that TUDCA may increase bile flow. By potentially enhancing the flow of bile, TUDCA may help to reduce the accumulation of bile in the liver, thereby mitigating the risk of liver damage.
Blood glucose
Researchers found that when the pancreatic islets of the mice were treated with TUDCA, these cells released more insulin in a glucose-dependent manner compared to untreated cells. This suggests that TUDCA may improve insulin secretion, resulting in better control of blood glucose levels. However, more research is needed to confirm this effect in living organisms.
In an experiment involving old mice, TUDCA injections of 300mg/kg for 20 consecutive days improved glucose tolerance, increased insulin sensitivity, and reduced fed glycemia.
TUDCA vs. other liver health supplements
Other supplements recognized for their potential benefits in promoting liver health include milk thistle and vitamins such as E, D, and B-complex.
Milk thistle is known for its active ingredient called silymarin. It is often used for its potential liver-protective properties and is believed to support liver cell regeneration and reduce inflammation. While it may offer broad-spectrum liver support, TUDCA's potential action on bile salts and cholesterol management provides a more targeted approach to specific liver issues, particularly those involving bile ducts and gallbladder function.
Vitamin E is known for its antioxidant properties, which may help protect the liver from oxidative damage. In addition, vitamin D may help to reduce inflammation and supports our immune system. Also, B vitamins like B9 (folic acid) and B12 (cobalamin) are essential for metabolic processes in the liver. While TUDCA may offer targeted benefits for certain liver conditions like cholestasis, these vitamins provide more general support for liver health and function.
TUDCA use and side effects
According to TUDCA clinical trial safety data, it is well-tolerated up to 2g/day with minimal gastrointestinal side effects. Some mild effects that have been reported include diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, and less frequently, rashes and itching.
TUDCA has been reported to interact with several enzymes and efflux transporters in the body. Therefore, people taking this supplement may face increased risk of drug interactions if the individual is on any medication or using other supplements.
Pregnant or nursing women should not use TUDCA supplements, as there is a lack of research on TUDCA use in these populations.
Best TUDCA supplement: conclusion
TUDCA supplements are a promising option for those seeking liver health support, with additional potential benefits extending beyond liver care. However, as with any supplement, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new regimen.
We recommend prioritizing quality and safety when choosing your TUDCA supplement.
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FAQ
Which is better: TUDCA or bile salts?
While other bile salts may have their unique health benefits, TUDCA has been shown to have fewer gastrointestinal side effects and a higher absorption rate compared to other bile salts like UDCA. However, the choice between TUDCA and other bile salts should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Can TUDCA help with weight loss?
The direct impact of TUDCA on weight loss is not well-established. Researchers found that TUDCA treatment reduced body weight and adiposity in old mice. It is important to note that these results are based on animal studies. More research is needed to fully understand the potential weight loss benefits of TUDCA in humans.
Can TUDCA reverse liver damage?
While TUDCA has been shown in various studies to have beneficial effects on liver health, there is no conclusive evidence that it can reverse liver damage. TUDCA may be helpful in the management of conditions like fatty liver disease and primary biliary cirrhosis.
Can you take TUDCA long-term?
TUDCA is generally considered safe for long-term use when taken as directed. In a clinical study, subjects who took TUDCA daily for six months were able to reduce harmful liver enzymes significantly. However, as with any supplement, long-term use should be under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
6 resources
- NIH. Tauroursodeoxycholate—Bile Acid with Chaperoning Activity: Molecular and Cellular Effects and Therapeutic Perspectives.
- FDA. Drug Trials Snapshots: RELYVRIO.
- NIH. Therapy of gallstone disease: What it was, what it is, what it will be.
- BMC. Tauroursodeoxycholic acid: a potential therapeutic tool in neurodegenerative diseases.
- NIH. Efficacy and safety of tauroursodeoxycholic acid in the treatment of liver cirrhosis: a double-blind randomized controlled trial.
- Springer Nature. The bile acid TUDCA reduces age-related hyperinsulinemia in mice.
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