Tudca Vs. Milk Thistle: Can You Take Them Together?
TUDCA and Milk Thistle are two well-known supplements for supporting liver and overall health. TUDCA, a bile acid naturally produced in the human body, has recently gained popularity. In contrast, Milk Thistle is a traditional herb with extensive research backing its efficacy and is believed to have fewer side effects. To learn more about the differences between TUDCA and Milk Thistle, and how to combine them safely, let's explore this article.
Before exploring further, please read the disclaimer located at the end of this webpage.
What is TUDCA and Its Benefits for Health?
Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid (TUDCA), commonly known as TUDCA, is a bile acid that is naturally produced in the human body. TUDCA is derived from another bile acid, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), which combines with a taurine molecule to form this water-soluble bile acid. TUDCA plays a vital role in digestion, particularly in the breakdown and absorption of fats and oils.
TUDCA supports the digestive system by enhancing bile flow, which helps prevent the accumulation of harmful substances in the liver. This bile acid has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine for liver detoxification, highlighting its significance in liver health. In addition to its well-known benefits for the liver, TUDCA offers potential benefits in several other health areas:
- Liver Health: Enhances liver function by promoting bile flow and aiding in cholesterol management [3] [4].
- Retinal Disorders: May improve various eye conditions and support retinal health [2].
- Diabetes Management: Potentially beneficial in regulating blood sugar levels related to diabetes [2].
- Cardioprotection: May protect the heart by reducing endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress [2].
- Gut Health: Preliminary research indicates that TUDCA might support gut health and a healthy microbiome.
- Brain and Eye Health: Shows potential in supporting brain function and maintaining good eye health.
TUDCA is a versatile compound with a broad spectrum of potential health benefits, making it a valuable supplement for overall wellness and maintaining good digestive health.
Explore more: 10 Benefits of TUDCA and Side Effects for Health
What is Milk Thistle and its Benefits for Health?
Milk thistle, a cherished herb in traditional medicine, is renowned for its potent compound, silymarin, which not only supports liver health but also offers a range of other potential benefits.
- Liver Cell Regeneration: Silymarin has been shown to support liver cell regeneration, making it a valuable aid for those with liver damage. It helps in repairing liver cells and promoting overall liver function [1].
- Antioxidant Properties: Silymarin acts as a powerful antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals that contribute to oxidative stress and liver damage. This antioxidant activity supports the liver’s detoxification processes and overall health [1].
- Additional Health Benefits: Beyond liver support, some studies suggest that milk thistle may help manage blood sugar levels, promote healthy skin, and support lactation in breastfeeding mothers. These additional benefits make milk thistle a versatile herb with a broad range of potential health perks.
Tudca Vs Milk Thistle: Which One Should You Choose?
When it comes to enhancing liver health, TUDCA (Tauroursodeoxycholic acid) and milk thistle offer unique advantages, each supported by different aspects of scientific research and traditional use.
TUDCA is renowned for its role in supporting liver function by aiding bile acid regulation and reducing liver stress. This compound is also associated with benefits for metabolic health. Despite its potential, TUDCA is relatively new to the supplement market, and some users may experience side effects such as gastrointestinal discomfort. Due to the limited long-term data on TUDCA, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider before incorporating it into your regimen.
Milk Thistle has a long history of use and is backed by extensive research. Its primary active ingredient, silymarin, is known for its antioxidant properties. Silymarin helps safeguard the liver from oxidative damage and supports overall liver function. Milk thistle is generally well-tolerated, with minimal side effects, making it a reliable choice for many individuals seeking to improve liver health.
Consulting with a healthcare professional will ensure you make an informed decision that aligns with your specific health needs and goals.
Can You Take Tudca And Milk Thistle Together?
TUDCA and Milk Thistle are considered safe to use together as they have no reported interaction. Their distinct mechanisms of action make them compatible for concurrent use.
At their essence, both TUDCA and Milk Thistle serve as hepatoprotective supplements, promoting liver health. Combined, they synergistically enhance each other's effects, offering comprehensive bodily benefits.
How to Take TUDCA and Milk Thistle Together?
To fully leverage the benefits of TUDCA (Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid) and Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum), it's effective to space out their intake throughout the day. This strategy helps maintain stable levels of these supplements in your system, promoting their effectiveness.
Taking TUDCA and Milk Thistle with meals is recommended as it can enhance their absorption and reduce potential gastrointestinal discomfort.
If you want to integrate these supplements into your daily regimen and adhere to the recommended dosages.
Dosage Guidelines:
- TUDCA's dose: 500-1500 mg per day
- Milk Thistle's dose: 80-420 mg per day
When taking Milk Thistle, which is a potent herbal supplement, ensure a minimum gap of four hours between its intake and any other medications. This precaution helps avoid potential interactions and maximizes the herb’s benefits.
Potential Side Effects When Taking TUDCA And Milk Thistle Together?
Although TUDCA (Tauroursodeoxycholic acid) and Milk Thistle are generally safe, it is essential to be mindful of potential side effects.
TUDCA
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Certain individuals may encounter minor gastrointestinal problems like nausea or diarrhea [10].
- Allergic Reactions: In rare cases, allergic reactions may occur, leading to symptoms like itching or swelling [11].
Milk Thistle
- Laxative Effect: Consuming Milk Thistle can cause a mild laxative effect, which may lead to digestive discomfort [12].
- Allergic Reactions: While uncommon, allergic reactions can manifest as a skin rash or respiratory distress
Frequently Asked Questions
Are TUDCA and Milk Thistle Safe for Long-Term Use?
Studies indicate that TUDCA (Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid) is generally well-tolerated and supports liver health effectively over the long term. Similarly, Milk Thistle has a long history of safe and effective use for extended periods. When used together, TUDCA and Milk Thistle can work synergistically to provide comprehensive support for liver function.
Does TUDCA Contain Milk Thistle?
No, TUDCA and Milk Thistle are separate substances. TUDCA is a bile acid naturally found in the body and is available as a dietary supplement. In contrast, Milk Thistle is an herbal supplement derived from the Milk Thistle plant (Silybum marianum) and contains a group of flavonoids known as silymarin.
What Should You Avoid Mixing with Milk Thistle?
While Milk Thistle is generally considered safe, there are some considerations for potential interactions, such as [13] [14]:
- Anticoagulant medications
- Antidiabetic medications
- Hormonal medications
- Allergy medications
- Cytochrome P450 substrates
How Long Should I Take Milk Thistle and TUDCA to Support Liver Health?
The duration for taking Milk Thistle and TUDCA to support liver health can vary depending on individual health needs, conditions, and goals. Many users start to see benefits after using these supplements for at least two weeks. For personalized advice, consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best duration for your specific situation.
You also may like: 7 Best TUDCA Supplements for Liver & Biliary Health
Conclusion
TUDCA and Milk Thistle are potent supplements that synergistically support liver health through different mechanisms. By regulating bile acid levels, reducing ER stress, possessing anti-inflammatory properties, and promoting liver cell regeneration and detoxification, TUDCA and Milk Thistle provide comprehensive support for optimal liver function. While generally safe, being mindful of potential side effects and adhering to recommended dosages for maximum benefits is essential.
References
- [1] George, T., Pellegrini, M. V., & Patel, R. K. (2024, February 28). Milk Thistle. Nih.gov; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541075/
- [2] Vang, S. (2014). The Unexpected Uses of Urso- and Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid in the Treatment of Non-liver Diseases - Sheila Vang, Katie Longley, Clifford J. Steer, Walter C. Low, 2014. Global Advances in Health and Medicine. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.7453/gahmj.2014.017
- [3] Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid (TUDCA). (n.d.). https://www.alzdiscovery.org/uploads/cognitive_vitality_media/Tauroursodeoxycholic-Acid-Cognitive-Vitality-For-Researchers.pdf
- [4] Lu, Q., Jiang, Z., Wang, Q., Hu, H., & Zhao, G. (2021). The effect of Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) and gut microbiota on murine gallbladder stone formation. Annals of Hepatology, 23, 100289–100289. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aohep.2020.100289
- [5] Zangerolamo, L., Jean Franciesco Vettorazzi, Lucas, Carneiro, E. M., & Helena C.L. Barbosa. (2021). The bile acid TUDCA and neurodegenerative disorders: An overview. Life Sciences, 272, 119252–119252. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119252
- [6] Yeon Yi Lee, Shin Hee Hong, Lee, Y.-J., Sung Soo Chung, Hye Seung Jung, Sang Gyu Park, & Kyong Soo Park. (2010). Tauroursodeoxycholate (TUDCA), chemical chaperone, enhances function of islets by reducing ER stress. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 397(4), 735–739. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbrc.2010.06.022
- [7] Yanguas‐Casás, N., María Asunción Barreda-Manso, Nieto‐Sampedro, M., & Romero‐Ramírez, L. (2017). TUDCA: An Agonist of the Bile Acid Receptor GPBAR1/TGR5 With Anti‐Inflammatory Effects in Microglial Cells. Journal of Cellular Physiology, 232(8), 2231–2245. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcp.25742
- [8] O. Adetuyi, Babatunde, et al. “Pharmacological, Biochemical and Therapeutic Potential of Milk Thistle (Silymarin): A Review.” World News of Natural Sciences, vol. 37, 2021.
- [9] Tickerhoof, L. (2016). Alternative Therapy Use in Liver Transplant Recipients - Lisa Tickerhoof, Marilyn M. Wagener, Thomas V. Cacciarelli, Nina Singh, 2006. Progress in Transplantation. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/152692480601600307
- [10] Ma, H., Zeng, M., Han, Y., Hu, Y., Tang, H., Sheng, J., Hu, H.-P., Cheng, L., Xie, Q., Zhu, Y., Chen, G., Gao, Z., Xie, W., Wang, J., Wu, S., Wang, G., Miao, X., Fu, X., Duan, L., & Xu, J. (2016). A multicenter, randomized, double-blind trial comparing the efficacy and safety of TUDCA and UDCA in Chinese patients with primary biliary cholangitis. Medicine, 95(47), e5391–e5391. https://doi.org/10.1097/md.0000000000005391
- [11] Gao, W., Li, Z., Chu, H., Yuan, H., Hu, L., Yao, L., Zhang, L., Wang, W., Lin, R., & Yang, L. (2022). Ursodeoxycholic Acid in Liver Cirrhosis: A Chinese Perspective. 81–111. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-2615-0_6
- [12] Bhattacharya, S. (2020). Milk Thistle Seeds in Health. Elsevier EBooks, 429–438. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-818553-7.00030-9
- [13] Brantley, S. J., Oberlies, N. H., Kroll, D. J., & Paine, M. F. (2009). Two Flavonolignans from Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) Inhibit CYP2C9-Mediated Warfarin Metabolism at Clinically Achievable Concentrations. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 332(3), 1081–1087. https://doi.org/10.1124/jpet.109.16192
- [14] Kawaguchi‐Suzuki, M., Frye, R. F., Zhu, H., Brinda, B. J., Chavin, K. D., Bernstein, H. J., & Markowitz, J. S. (2014). The Effects of Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) on Human Cytochrome P450 Activity. Drug Metabolism and Disposition, 42(10), 1611–1616. https://doi.org/10.1124/dmd.114.057232
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