You can take TUDCA on an empty stomach, but it would be better if you use it with food. So, how should we use TUDCA effectively?
TUDCA can protect liver cells, and help improve liver function. TUDCA (tauroursodeoxycholic acid) is a potent bile salt with numerous health benefits.
It has been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine. TUDCA was initially sourced from bear bile; it is made synthetically, produced, and sold in many places.
Can You Take TUDCA On An Empty Stomach?
You can take TUDCA on an empty stomach or with food. But if you feel discomfort in your stomach, you should consider taking it with food.
Consuming TUDCA supplements with food is recommended to promote better absorption into your body and potentially reduce the risk of gastrointestinal-related side effects.
While a limited amount of research explicitly addresses the optimal timing of TUDCA consumption about meals, some general principles can be inferred from how bile acids function in the body.
TUDCA can release Bile Acid. The bile acids aid in the digestion and absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins in the small intestine.
Therefore, taking TUDCA with or shortly after a meal containing fats may facilitate its absorption and effectiveness.
Besides, taking TUDCA with food may facilitate better digestion in general. When taken with meals, bile acids can help improve digestive health indirectly by emulsifying lipids and facilitating their breakdown. [1]
- You also read: How Much TUDCA Dosage on Cycle Should You Take?
Does TUDCA Cause An Upset Stomach?
TUDCA generally doesn't cause problems at typical doses. However, some people taking high doses (more than 1,500 mg a day) have reported diarrhea.
This suggests that TUDCA may cause digestive issues at high doses. If you're concerned about an upset stomach, it's best to stick to the recommended dosage.
How Much Should You Take TUDCA to Be Safe?
An average dose is two 300 mg capsules twice daily, taken in the morning and afternoon.
A dose-response study was performed on 24 patients with primary biliary cirrhosis who were randomly assigned to receive 500, 1000, or 1500 mg daily of tauroursodeoxycholic acid for six months.
Serum liver enzyme levels decreased significantly after the first month of improvement with all three doses.
No significant difference between the three doses was found. If you are confused, you can count, based on your weight, a dose of about 10mg/kg body weight/day of TUDCA. [2]
It's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before starting TUDCA or any other supplement, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions or are taking other medications.
When Is the Best Time to Take TUDCA?
The timing of TUDCA intake can vary depending on the reason for taking it. For example, taking TUDCA with meals, particularly those containing higher fat content, may enhance its absorption and effectiveness.
Some individuals may find it beneficial to split their TUDCA dosage throughout the day. This can help maintain more stable blood levels of the compound and optimize its benefits, especially if you're taking higher doses.
But usually, you should use 1 tablet per day after meals.
Do not take TUDCA before drinking alcohol because the combination of alcohol and TUDCA can harm the liver more than drinking alcohol alone.
It's okay to take TUDCA the day after drinking alcohol, but you should skip it on the day you'll be drinking alcohol.
Conclusion
In short, TUDCA is a functional food that supports digestion and is suitable for the liver. You can take TUDCA on an empty stomach, but it works better when you take it with food.
When buying TUDCA supplements, remember to stick with reliable brands. Also, consult a medical professional before beginning a new supplementation plan.
