TUDCA
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
TUDCA (Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid) is a dietary supplement with 5 published peer-reviewed studies involving 6,800 participants, researched for Liver Health, Neuroprotection, Metabolic Health.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Liver Health
StrongNeuroprotection
ModerateMetabolic Health
WeakResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Liver Health
To compare efficacy and safety of TUDCA vs UDCA in liver cirrhosis.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind controlled trial
Purpose
To compare efficacy and safety of TUDCA vs UDCA in liver cirrhosis.
Dose
TUDCA 500mg twice daily vs UDCA 500mg twice daily
Participants
200 liver cirrhosis patients
Duration
24 weeks
Results
TUDCA significantly improved liver function tests compared to UDCA. Child-Pugh scores improved. TUDCA was at least as effective as UDCA with comparable tolerability.
How They Measured It
Liver function tests (ALT, AST, ALP, GGT), bilirubin, Child-Pugh score
To assess TUDCA in prevention of TPN-associated liver disease in neonates.
Study Type
Randomised controlled trial
Purpose
To assess TUDCA in prevention of TPN-associated liver disease in neonates.
Dose
TUDCA 30mg/kg/day
Participants
30 neonates on long-term TPN
Duration
4 weeks
Results
TUDCA significantly prevented TPN-associated cholestasis and liver injury. Direct bilirubin remained normal in TUDCA group vs significant elevation in controls.
How They Measured It
Direct bilirubin, liver enzymes, hepatic function
To assess TUDCA safety and efficacy in primary biliary cholangitis.
Study Type
Clinical trial - primary biliary cholangitis
Purpose
To assess TUDCA safety and efficacy in primary biliary cholangitis.
Dose
TUDCA 750mg daily
Participants
55 primary biliary cholangitis patients
Duration
12 months
Results
Improved liver biochemistry and quality of life in PBC patients. ALP significantly reduced. Comparable efficacy to UDCA with equivalent tolerability.
How They Measured It
Liver biochemistry (ALP, ALT, AST), quality of life, symptom assessment
Neuroprotection
To evaluate TUDCA efficacy in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate TUDCA efficacy in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Dose
TUDCA 1g twice daily (2g total)
Participants
66 ALS patients
Duration
12 months
Results
TUDCA significantly slowed ALS functional decline. ALSFRS-R significantly higher in TUDCA vs placebo (p=0.007). Responder rate 87% vs 43% (p=0.021). Well tolerated.
How They Measured It
ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R), disease progression rate
Metabolic Health
To assess TUDCA role in insulin sensitivity via ER stress reduction.
Study Type
Animal study
Purpose
To assess TUDCA role in insulin sensitivity via ER stress reduction.
Dose
TUDCA 500mg/kg intraperitoneal
Participants
Obese mouse models
Duration
4 weeks
Results
TUDCA alleviates obesity-related ER stress in liver and adipose tissue, restoring insulin sensitivity. ER stress markers significantly reduced. Blood glucose normalized.
How They Measured It
Insulin resistance, glucose tolerance tests, ER stress markers
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about TUDCA research
There are currently 95 peer-reviewed studies on TUDCA (Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid), involving 6,800 total participants. Research covers Liver health, Neuroprotection, Insulin sensitivity and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (4 human studies, 1 animal study), and reported outcomes.
TUDCA has been researched for: Liver health, Neuroprotection, Insulin sensitivity, Cholestasis treatment. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 4 out of 95 studies are human trials. The remaining 1 is an animal study. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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