Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA)

Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) is a bile acid. Researchers study it in liver and bile-duct conditions, and the biohacking scene promotes it as a supplement to slow aging and extend lifespan. Convincing benefit for that specific purpose has not been shown in people: there are no quality clinical trials on TUDCA taken for longevity. What actually affects how long and how well people live are well-established habits, namely enough sleep, regular physical activity, a diet low in ultra-processed food, not smoking, and keeping blood pressure, glucose, and weight in check.

TUDCA is sold in the biohacking segment as a «gold standard liver shield» for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD/MASLD). Human evidence base is small: isolated small phase II RCTs in 20–40 patients showed improved insulin sensitivity and reduced endoplasmic reticulum stress markers, but hard outcomes (fibrosis, portal hypertension, liver mortality) were not assessed. AASLD 2023 and EASL-EASD-EASO 2024 list as first-line in NAFLD/MASLD: 7–10% weight loss, Mediterranean diet and physical activity; confirmed NASH includes resmetirom (Rezdiffra, FDA 03/2024), pioglitazone in T2DM, GLP-1 receptor agonists semaglutide. TUDCA is not in NAFLD international guidelines. If TUDCA was recommended for NAFLD instead of dietary correction, physical activity and workup (HbA1c, lipid panel, FibroScan), consider seeking a second opinion from a hepatologist.