Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.
| Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) | TUDCA (Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid) | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Supplements | Supplements |
| Standard Dose | 300-600mg R-ALA daily | 250-500mg daily |
| Timing | On empty stomach, 30-60 min before meals. Split doses for higher amounts. | With meals for liver support. Some protocols recommend before meals to prime bile flow. |
| Cycle Duration | ongoing or cycle 12 weeks on, 4 weeks off | Cycle 4-8 weeks for liver support; ongoing at low dose for chronic liver conditions under supervision |
| Evidence Level | strong_human | Moderate-Strong |
ALA is a dithiol compound that functions as a cofactor for mitochondrial alpha-keto acid dehydrogenases (pyruvate dehydrogenase, alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase). Both ALA and its reduced form DHLA are potent antioxidants capable of regenerating other antioxidants including vitamin C, vitamin E, and glutathione. ALA activates AMPK, improving glucose uptake via GLUT4 translocation, and modulates NF-kB-mediated inflammatory signaling. It chelates redox-active metals (Fe2+, Cu2+).
300-600mg R-ALA daily
On empty stomach, 30-60 min before meals. Split doses for higher amounts.
ongoing or cycle 12 weeks on, 4 weeks off
TUDCA is a water-soluble bile acid conjugate (taurine + ursodeoxycholic acid) with potent hepatoprotective and cytoprotective properties. It inhibits the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis by preventing BAX translocation to mitochondria and cytochrome c release. TUDCA reduces endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress by acting as a chemical chaperone, assisting protein folding and reducing the unfolded protein response (UPR). It protects hepatocytes by stabilizing cell membranes, displacing toxic hydrophobic bile acids (chenodeoxycholic, lithocholic) from biliary epithelium, and promoting choleresis (bile flow). Additionally, it has neuroprotective effects via reduction of ER stress in neurons and modulation of the TGR5 bile acid receptor.
250-500mg daily
With meals for liver support. Some protocols recommend before meals to prime bile flow.
Cycle 4-8 weeks for liver support; ongoing at low dose for chronic liver conditions under supervision
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