The liver is involved in protein, carbohydrate and vitamin metabolism, and synthesizes and stores nutrients. It also plays a role in detoxifying drugs and toxic substances by secreting ‘bile’. It is for this reason that several experts recommend taking ‘UDCA (Urdeoxycholic Acid)’ for liver health.
To protect the body’s chemical factory ‘liver’
UDCA is a kind of bile component, and it is known that it washes out hepatocytes by increasing the secretion of tertiary bile acid, which has a cytoprotective action. It also helps improve liver function by preventing cholesterol accumulation in the liver, removing free radicals, and increasing antioxidant enzymes. In addition, it is worth noting that it promotes the absorption of ‘vitamin D’, an essential vitamin for modern people.
From skeletal formation to immune enhancement, the role of vitamin D
Vitamin D is a key component in regulating the functions of major systems in the body. It helps in the production of immune cells, contributes to the enhancement of immunity, and is involved in the formation of the skeleton. In addition to insulin regulation and immune regulation, it is also involved in serotonin synthesis and plays a role as a hormone that regulates cell growth. Recently, domestic and foreign studies showing that vitamin D deficiency increases the infection and severity of COVID-19, raising interest.
What is important is the absorption rate. Even though vitamin D has such a variety of benefits, it is of no use if it is not properly absorbed by the body. In fact, obesity or chronic kidney disease patients, etc., the absorption rate of vitamin D is lowered and is easy to suffer from deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency can increase the risk of various diseases, including rickets, osteoporosis, osteomalacia, as well as autoimmune diseases.
UDCA to promote vitamin D absorption
UDCA can be an alternative to this problem. In fact, in the Journal of the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy, a study result (1992) was published in which hemodialysis patients took UDCA and vitamin D together to increase the absorption of vitamin D. In a clinical study comparing the concentration of 25(OH)D in the blood when vitamin D was administered alone and when vitamin D and UDCA were administered together, the concentration of 25(OH)D in the blood was significant in the group administered with UDCA. confirming that it has increased significantly. Shigeru Yumita, who conducted the study, explained, “Administering UDCA improves the composition of bile acids and is thought to affect the absorption of lipids or fat-soluble vitamins.”
The recommended daily intake of vitamin D according to the Korean Nutrition Society is 400 IU. However, it is not easy for modern people who do not have much time to see sunlight to meet this. Eating vitamin D-rich foods such as salmon, tuna, and mushrooms, while at risk of vitamin D deficiency, taking UDCA and vitamin D supplements together is a good way to keep your health.