TUDCA vs NAC: What’s the Difference?

TUDCA vs NAC – what’s the difference between the two popular supplements? Well, that’s a question many people ask, so we’re answering it today in this article.

TUDCA is a supplement taken to back up nasty bile acid in the liver. In contrast, NAC is used in a medical setting to treat acetaminophen overdose, but is also used to reduce symptoms of respiratory conditions, reduce mental health disorders, and may improve liver health.

Now, that’s quite the mouthful and a lot to digest. So, this blog post will explain the difference between NAC and TUDCA, helping you understand how they work and why you may choose to supplement them into your diet and existing supplement routine.

What is TUDCA?

TUDCA is a water-soluble bile acid (salt) found naturally in the body. You can also supplement this, as you likely already know.

However, the main role of the supplement is to reduce nasty bile acid from backing up in the liver – this can cause membrane and cell damage.

Many people choose to take TUDCA as a precautionary supplement, supporting optimal live health (before any issues actually occur).

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What are the benefits?

There are many reported benefits of regular supplementation of TUDCA. But current research is limited – just something to keep in mind – it’s also not a wonder “drug.”

Nevertheless, potential benefits of TUDCA supplementation include:

  • Reduced cell stress
  • Protects the liver 
  • Liver rehabilitation 
  • Decreased cholesterol 

Are there any downsides? 

Okay, now that we’ve discussed the benefits, what about the downsides?

Potential downsides include:

  • An upset stomach
  • Fatigue
  • Digestive issues
  • Mental health disturbances 

These are just a few of the potential cons, as mentioned by Self Decode. But side-effects differ from person-to-person (we’d recommend speaking to a medical professional before supplementing). 

What is NAC?

NAC, known as N-Acetyl Cysteine, is a semi-essential amino acid created by the body. Cysteine can be found in foods rich in protein, including cheese, meat, and eggs. 

N-Acetyl Cysteine, on the other hand, is the supplement form – often taken by capsule or tablet.

Regular supplementation of NAC may provide many health benefits, including improved brain health, reduced symptoms related to respiratory issues, and more (keep reading to discover more benefits of NAC).

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What are the benefits?

Potential benefits of regular NAC supplementation include:

  • It May help protect against kidney and liver damage
  • Might help improve mental health conditions 
  • Relieve some symptoms from respiratory issues
  • Improved brain health

These are just some of the numerous benefits of NAC, but there are others, as showcased by WebMD.

What are the downsides? 

According to Medical News Today, there are also a few potential cons of regular supplementation. These include:

  • Diarrhea
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Eye irritation
  • Vomiting 

As previously mentioned, with many supplements, some people will experience no side effects, while others may encounter one or two.

But what’s the difference between TUDCA vs NAC? 

Good question! To begin with, they are different supplements that target different roles in the body.

Although they both have some effect on the liver, TUDCA is much more liver-based, while NAC is used more for respiratory issues and other health conditions.

When taken together, you can expect better liver function and overall health – it’s why many people choose to pair these supplements.

Frequently asked questions 

TUDCA and NAC are commonly taken together. Therefore, we’ve put together a short FAQ section below to address your queries: 

Can you take NAC and TUDCA together?

Yes, you can take NAC and TUDCA together. In fact, many TUDCA supplements also contain NAC.

Is NAC the same as TUDCA?

NAC is not the same as TUDCA – they are different, although both have some effect on improving liver health.

Is TUDCA anti-inflammatory? 

Current research suggests TUDCA to be an anti-inflammatory, potentially useful for treating/reducing the symptoms of several liver disorders (and other conditions).

Does TUDCA heal the liver? 

TUDCA is known to combat bile acid toxicity and backup in the liver. But does it actually heal the liver? The results are still out on that one, but current evidence would indicate improved liver function and health when supplementing TUDCA.

In fact, it’s a popular supplement and often prescribed for those entering rehabilitation from alcohol abuse.

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