TUDCA Explained: The Bile Acid Everyone's Talking About
A few years ago, almost nobody outside research labs had heard of TUDCA. Now it's one of the most-searched supplements online. So what is it, and why is everyone talking about it?
What is TUDCA?
TUDCA stands for tauroursodeoxycholic acid. It's a bile acid: a type of compound your body makes to help digest and absorb fats.
Your liver makes bile acids, stores them in the gallbladder and releases them into the gut when you eat, where they help break down dietary fat. TUDCA is a water-soluble bile acid that your body produces naturally, but only in small amounts.
Historically, TUDCA-rich substances were sourced from animal bile. Today, supplement-grade TUDCA is produced in a lab, so no animals are involved.
Why the interest?
TUDCA has been studied for decades. Researchers are interested in it for a few reasons:
- Bile flow: as a bile acid, TUDCA is studied for its role in supporting the healthy flow of bile, which matters for normal fat digestion.
- Liver cell health: laboratory research has looked at how TUDCA relates to the health and function of liver cells.
- Cellular stress: TUDCA is described as a "chemical chaperone". It has been studied for how it relates to a process called endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, a type of stress inside cells.
Much of this research is in its early stages and has been done in the lab or in small studies, so it's worth keeping expectations realistic.
Who takes TUDCA?
TUDCA is popular with people focused on liver and digestive wellness as part of a healthy lifestyle, people who eat diets higher in fat, and health-conscious people in the fitness community who want to look after their liver. It's not a substitute for medical care, and it's not something to self-prescribe for a diagnosed condition.
How to choose a TUDCA supplement
- Single ingredient. Many "TUDCA" products are blends where TUDCA is a small part. If you want TUDCA, check how much is actually in each capsule.
- Clear dose. Common supplement doses are 250mg to 500mg per capsule.
- Third-party testing. Look for independent testing of purity, not just a manufacturer's claim.
GlowBelly TUDCA
Our TUDCA is a clean, single-ingredient formula with 500mg of TUDCA per capsule. It's independently tested by Eurofins, with greater than 99% purity confirmed. Each bottle contains 60 capsules, 60 servings.
Looking to support digestion more broadly? Explore our Gut & Digestive Health range.
Things to know before you start
- Take it with a meal, as bile acids work alongside food.
- Speak to your healthcare professional before use if you have a gallbladder or liver condition, are taking prescription medication, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Don't exceed the dose on the label.
This article is general information only and isn't medical advice. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional.
