Description
What is TUDCA??
Tauroursodeoxycholic acid is a highly hydrophilic tertiary bile acid, which is produced in low concentrations in humans. It is a taurine conjugate of ursodeoxycholic acid with comparable therapeutic efficacy and safety, but a significantly higher hydrophilicity. Normally, hydrophilic bile acids regulate hydrophobic bile acids and their cytotoxic effects. Tauroursodeoxycholic acid can reduce the absorption of cholesterol in the small intestine, thereby reducing the absorption of dietary cholesterol and cholesterol content in the body.
Tauroursodeoxycholic acid works on this, the bile acid- and lower cholesterol levels. It reduces cholesterol levels and increases bile levels in the gallbladder, to prevent the formation of gallstones.
Tauroursodeoxycholic acid has anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory properties. These findings led to investigations into the possible therapeutic use of tauroursodeoxycholic acid in neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Other studies suggest, that tauroursodeoxycholic acid promote angiogenesis and adipogenesis from adipose tissue mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can inhibit. Anti-osteoporosis effects of tauroursodeoxycholic acid have also been documented, as it appeared to improve the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow-derived MSCs.
How does it work??
Approximately 90 % of gallstones are formed from cholesterol, which may be caused by altered gut microbiota due to a high-fat diet and other factors. The intestinal microbiota regulates the metabolism of bile acids. Therefore, altered gut microbiota composition can significantly alter the bile acid pool and influence cholesterol secretion.
Although the exact mechanism of action of tauroursodeoxycholic acid in reducing and preventing the formation of gallstones is not clear, Tauroursodeoxycholic acid can achieve this effect in various ways. A recent mouse study suggests, that tauroursodeoxycholic acid inhibits intestinal cholesterol absorption and lowers cholesterol levels in the liver, by increasing the excretion of bile acids from the liver to the gallbladder. Tauroursodeoxycholic acid lowers cholesterol saturation in the gallbladder and thus increases the solubility of cholesterol in bile. It can also maintain a specific composition of the gut microbiota, to promote the synthesis of bile acids and reduce liver inflammation due to lipopolysaccharides in the blood. Ultimately, tauroursodeoxycholic acid increases the synthesis of bile acids in the liver and reduces serum and liver cholesterol levels.
Tauroursodeoxycholic acid inhibits cell apoptosis, by disrupting the mitochondrial cell death signaling pathway. She works, by inhibiting the production of oxygen radicals, the endoplasmic reticulum (IS)-Stress improves and the response to unfolded proteins stabilizes. Other anti-apoptotic processes, which are mediated by tauroursodeoxycholic acid, include the release of cytochrome c, the activation of caspases, the fragmentation of DNA and nucleus, as well as inhibition of p53 transactivation. It is believed, that tauroursodeoxycholic acid acts on multiple cellular targets, to inhibit apoptosis and activate survival pathways.
Benefits for the body and health
- Take care of your liver. The use of steroids, including anabolic steroids, which are often abused in bodybuilding to accelerate muscle building, can have harmful effects on the liver. Long-term or excessive use of these medications can lead to liver damage or even liver disease. TUDCA is a very effective remedy for maintaining liver health, especially during the cycle.
- TUDCA lowers cholesterol and prevents gallstones.
- TUDCA helps digest protein- and fat components of food. Bodybuilders often consume high-protein diets, to support muscle growth. Although protein is necessary for muscle growth, Excessive protein intake, as well as other foods and supplements, can put strain on the liver over time.
- Supports insulin sensitivity. TUDCA may improve insulin sensitivity, by improving insulin signaling pathways and reducing cellular stress, which is potentially beneficial for conditions such as type 2 diabetes and obesity, where insulin resistance is common.
- Energy production: The liver regulates blood sugar levels, by storing excess glucose as glycogen. During intense exercise or between meals, the liver converts this stored glycogen back into glucose, to maintain energy levels. This energy is crucial for supporting muscle contractions during exercise and helps build muscle.
- Supports the production of IGF-1, Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1).
When the pituitary gland releases growth hormone, it stimulates the liver to produce IGF-1. This hormone then promotes the growth and development of cells in various tissues in the body, especially in muscles and bones.
IGF-1 is a crucial factor in muscle development and repair. It helps, stimulate protein synthesis and promote satellite cell proliferation, which is responsible for repairing and regenerating muscles after damage (like the micro-cracks, that occur during strength training) are crucial.
Maintaining a healthy liver is crucial for the production of IGF-1, because if liver function is impaired, They may not produce adequate amounts of IGF-1 in response to growth hormone stimulation, which could have implications for muscle growth and repair.
A weak or damaged liver cannot produce IGF-1, which can limit muscle growth and worsen athletic performance.
Dosages
- To maintain a healthy liver – 500 mg
- To treat a damaged liver (chronically elevated liver enzymes, Cholelithiasis, Thickening of bile, also during the cycle) – 1000-1500 mg
It is recommended, TUDCA to be taken before bed.
Side effects of TUDCA
In general, side effects of TUDCA are extremely rare, but may include the following:
- Digestive problems: Some people may experience digestive problems such as diarrhea, Experience stomach pain or nausea.
- Allergic reactions: Although rare, can cause allergic reactions such as skin rash, Itching or swelling (especially on the face, on the tongue or in the throat) appear.
- Disturbance of bile flow: Since TUDCA is a bile acid, it can affect the flow of bile, what for people with certain liver- or gallbladder disease could be problematic.
How is it used??
If your goal is simply that, to support the liver during intense training sessions and increased nutrition and to prevent gallstones, it's enough, before bedtime TUDCA in courses or continuously in a dose of 500 mg to take, if you have thickening of bile, Bile duct dyskinesia and other conditions, which results from intensive training, increased diet and use of steroids can worsen.
If you use a large amount of steroids, particularly high androgens or 17-alpha-alkylated oral steroids, or already have poor liver enzyme tests, the TUDCA dosage should be at 1000 mg and increase as needed.
FAQ
Is TUDCA similar to UDCA ?
TUDCA is a taurine-conjugated form of UDCA. That means, that TUDCA has an additional taurine amino acid attached to the UDCA molecule.
Conjugation with taurine makes TUDCA more water soluble compared to UDCA. This can influence, how each is absorbed and used in the body.
Medical studies show identical positive effects on the liver of UDSA and TUDSA.
Is TUDCA safe for long term use?
There is limited research on long-term use of TUDCA in humans. In the studies conducted, TUDCA is generally well tolerated, when used in recommended doses during long-term use.
Can TUDCA be used in combination with other dietary supplements or medications?
And, TUDCA can be combined well with other medications and dietary supplements. In people with mild non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are combinations of TUDCA (UDC) and metformin very common.
Is TUDCA suitable for everyone?
There is limited research on the safety of TUDCA in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Therefore, it is typically not recommended for use in these groups.
People, who already have large gallstones, should use TUDCA carefully. It is important, Consult a doctor before using TUDCA if you have any existing health problems.