Tudca Vs Milk Thistle

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TUDCA and milk thistle have been making waves among health experts for their supposedly promising health benefits, especially for the liver. But how do they promote liver health? Which works better? This article will discuss the differences between tudca vs milk thistle and what they can offer. 

We’ve also included supplements from each ingredient should you want to give the benefits a try.

TUDCA Vs Milk Thistle Comparison


TUDCA is a water-soluble bile acid that supports liver function by promoting bile flow, while Milk Thistle’s silymarin protects liver cells from toxins.

Both offer liver support but with different mechanisms:
– TUDCA for cholestasis
– Milk Thistle for detoxification, and overall liver health

Key Takeaways

  • TUDCA (tauroursodeoxycholic acid) is a water-soluble, naturally occurring bile salt in the body, being the taurine conjugate of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). It’s also been used in traditional Chinese medicine for its properties.
  • The milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a flowering herb used to remedy various health ailments for centuries. Silymarin, a flavonoid, is its main active ingredient and contains powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Both TUDCA and milk thistle are known for promoting liver health and preventing liver-related conditions.
  • TUDCA is said to have a more powerful effect than milk thistle, although the latter offers a lesser risk of potential side effects, being a natural herb. 
  • One should seek a healthcare provider’s advice before settling for either product. 

What is TUDCA?

TUDCA (tauroursodeoxycholic acid) is a water-soluble, naturally occurring bile salt in the body. It’s the taurine conjugate of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), a secondary bile acid produced only by intestinal bacteria. Once the regular bile salts reach the intestines, they are metabolized by bacteria into UDCA and later bound to a taurine molecule to become TUDCA. 

TUDCA has been used therapeutically in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, usually to treat conditions like fever, spasms, vision problems, and many other health problems. 

Lately, TUDCA-based supplements combating liver disease and promoting general liver health have grown popular in the market. One of the more renowned supplements is…

TUDCA – Double Wood Supplements

Enjoy triple the liver protection and much more with Double Wood Supplement’s TUDCA Triple Pack. Each bottle contains pure and high-quality tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), sourced to deliver optimal results.

TUDCA supports a healthy bile flow from the liver to the intestines and promotes overall liver and kidney health. The acid can also greatly benefit eye health, promote cell regeneration and protection, sharpen brain function, promote insulin sensitivity, and maintain a healthy gut microbiome.

Each batch of TUDCA supplements is meticulously tested to ensure maximum safety, purity, and potency. It’s also non-GMO and free from allergens like soy and gluten.

Pros

  • Made in the USA
  • Non-GMO
  • Soy and gluten-free
  • 100% money-back guarantee 
  • Undergoes third-party testing

Cons

  • It may require consistent/prolonged usage to see results
  • Not suitable for vegan/vegetarian/keto/paleo diets

What Is Milk Thistle?

The milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a flowering herb linked to the daisy and ragweed family and is native to the Mediterranean regions of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. However, at least one species has been found in other places like North and South America, certain parts of Africa, parts of Southeast Asia like India and China, and Australia. 

Colloquially, it’s also known as the St. Mary’s thistle or the Marian thistle; the milk thistle derives its name from the unmistakable white marbling on its leaves – considered a reference to the Virgin Mary’s milk. When broken off from the stem, the leaves can produce a milky white sap, a natural remedy for conditions like cirrhosis, jaundice, hepatitis, and gallbladder disorders. Research also claims it can lower cholesterol levels and aid those with diabetes

The milk thistle has been used as an herbal remedy for various health ailments for centuries. The flavonoid silymarin, its main active ingredient, contains powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which protects the liver from toxins and repair itself by producing new cells. 

Milk thistle-based supplements for liver health are popular among consumers. One of the more acclaimed milk thistle supplements is…

LiverMD® – 1MD Nutrition

LiverMD is a milk thistle-based supplement scientifically formulated to support and maintain one’s liver health by promoting liver enzyme function, boosting energy, and enhancing focus. 

LiverMD’s comprehensive formula is designed to help overall liver and heart health while supporting the creation of new liver cells. This masterful combination uses the power of Siliphos and EVNolMax, a patented and plant-based, full-spectrum tocotrienol vitamin-E extract that’s been proven to purify and promote proper cell division in the liver. Other ingredients such as alpha-lipoic acid, selenium, and zinc support the liver’s enzyme levels, strengthen the immune system and promote respiratory health.

Not only do the properties of zinc and selenium in clearing oxidative stress benefit the liver, but they also give way for your cognitive functions to get that much-needed refresh and boost. These may help prevent mental decline, improve learning abilities, sharpen memory, and even avoid the risk of dementia

Pros

  • Award-winning supplement (2020 NEXTY Award Finalist for Best Condition-Specific Supplement)
  • Non-GMO
  • Allergen-free (Dairy, peanut, wheat, and shellfish)
  • 90-day money-back guarantee 
  • Easy subscription management
  • Free shipping

Cons

  • Doesn’t cater to vegan/vegetarian/keto/paleo diets
  • Pricier compared to other brands

Benefits of TUDCA and Milk Thistle

While TUDCA has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for its various properties, its liver-detoxifying properties have recently gained attention from scientists and health experts. Various clinical studies attest that TUDCA can prevent liver cell damage, reduce inflammation, and improve bile flow.

On the other hand, milk thistle is often used to treat people with alcoholic hepatitis and alcoholic cirrhosis. Its active ingredient, silymarin, helps ease inflammation and promote cell repair. Research shows that milk thistles can restore damaged cells and help stop exercise-induced oxidative stress and free radical damage in the liver. Silymarin can also protect the liver against damage from alcohol and some prescription drugs.

Choosing Between TUDCA and Milk Thistle

While both TUDCA and milk thistle are touted for their liver-beneficial health benefits, they have some differences, especially variations in effectiveness depending on an individual’s health needs and conditions. 

Opinions are divided on which supplement would work better for liver health. Many experts believe that TUDCA is superior to milk thistle since it works in-depth, intervening in the transporters of the bile salts. On the other hand, milk thistle is a natural ingredient with a lesser chemical alteration than TUDCA, with a possibly lesser occurrence of side effects. 

However, each substance may work differently depending on a person’s current health condition and tolerance towards them, so it’s still necessary to consult a healthcare provider to discuss the possible pros and cons for one’s health before choosing a product.

Potential Drawbacks of Tudca and Milk Thistle

Both TUDCA and milk thistle have their drawbacks:

TUDCA Side Effects

TUDCA is generally safe when taken under the usually prescribed dosages. However, misuse or excessive dosages may cause the following:

  • Diarrhea (Common among dosages ranging from 1000 – 1500 mg)
  • Constipation and other stomach problems
  • Headaches
  • Nausea
  • Unexpected sweating

Research on the effects of TUDCA supplementation during pregnancy and nursing is still limited, so it’s best for pregnant or nursing women to avoid taking such supplements. As of date, there have been no warnings yet as to whom should not take TUDCA.

On average, the price of TUDCA supplements (individual bottles) ranges from $18 – $28. It’s not yet known if health insurance plans include them. Consult your provider to know if these are included in your plan’s coverage.

Milk Thistle Side Effects

The use of milk thistle is generally regarded as safe. However, it may trigger some side effects in some people. The following [mild] side effects are usually observed:

  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Stomach problems
  • Rashes (from touching milk thistle plants)

Pregnant or breastfeeding women in any form should not use milk thistle. Those who have diabetes should avoid taking it since it might lower blood sugar than desired. Similarly, those allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, chamomile, yarrow, or daisies should also avoid it.

Possible Interactions

Milk thistle can also interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications, and given its action on the liver, the site of most drug metabolism, Consult with your doctor first before you consider taking milk thistle, especially if you are being treated with any of the following medications:

  • Antipsychotics 
  • Phenytoin (Dilantin) 
  • Halothane 
  • Simeprevir
  • Sirolimus (Rapamune) 
  • Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates (e.g., diazepam (Valium), warfarin (Jantoven), etc.) 
  • Diabetes medications
  • Raloxifene (Evista)
  • Allergy drugs 
  • High cholesterol drugs 
  • Anti-anxiety drugs (alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), and lorazepam (Ativan))
  • Antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs (blood thinners) 
  • Birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy
  • Certain cancer drugs

Overall, it’s best to consult a doctor before trying out any of these supplements to rule out possible health risks. 

Key Takeaways

  • TUDCA (tauroursodeoxycholic acid) is a water-soluble, naturally occurring bile salt in the body, being the taurine conjugate of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). It’s also been used in traditional Chinese medicine for its properties.
  • The milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a flowering herb used to remedy various health ailments for centuries. Silymarin, a flavonoid, is its main active ingredient and contains powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Both TUDCA and milk thistle are known for promoting liver health and preventing liver-related conditions.
  • TUDCA is said to have a more powerful effect than milk thistle, although the latter offers a lesser risk of potential side effects, being a natural herb. 
  • One should seek a healthcare provider’s advice before settling for either product. 

Conclusion

TUDCA and milk thistle show great potential in benefiting the liver and delivering other important health benefits. Some may argue that one substance may be more powerful or safer for one’s health, but it’s still wise to consult your healthcare provider’s advice before choosing one to see if it suits one’s health needs better and prevent possible health risks. 

Either way, more research is still needed to establish and verify the full extent of their supposed benefits and other effects on one’s health. 

Disclaimer: this article does not constitute or replace medical advice. If you have an emergency or a serious medical question, please contact a medical professional or call 911 immediately. To see our full medical disclaimer, visit our Terms of Use page.

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