Taurine

OVERVIEW

Taurine is often referred to as an amino acid. Amino acids are the building block of proteins. But taurine is actually an amino sulfonic acid. It is not used to build protein but has many other important functions in the body. Taurine is found in large amounts in the brain, retina, heart, and blood cells called platelets. The best food sources are meat, fish, and eggs.

Taurine can be manufactured in the body of most people from other amino acids. But some people cannot make it and need to get taurine from their diet or supplements. Breast milk is rich in taurine, but infants who are not breastfed do not get enough taurine and do not have the ability to make it, so taurine is often added to infant formulas. It is also added to the formulas used for tube-feeding in adults.

People take taurine for congestive heart failure (CHF) and swelling (inflammation) of the liver (hepatitis). It is also used for athletic performance, boosting energy, diabetes, and other conditions, is but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.


CLASSIFICATION

Is a form of:

Amino acid

Primary Function:

Congestive heart failure

Swelling of the liver

Also Known As:

AcideAminoéthylsulfonique, AcideKétoisocaproïque de Taurine, Acid Aminoethanesulfonate


HOW DOES IT WORK?

Taurine has important functions in the heart and brain, including supporting nerve growth. It might improve heart failure because it seems to lower blood pressure and calm the sympathetic nervous system, which is often too active in people with high blood pressure and CHF.


USES

  • Congestive heart failure (CHF). Taurine seems to improve heart function, symptoms, and ability to exercise in people with CHF.
  • Swelling (inflammation) of the liver (hepatitis). Early research shows that taking taurine improves liver function in people with hepatitis.

RECOMMENDED DOSING

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

BY MOUTH:

  • For congestive heart failure (CHF): 1.5-6 grams of taurine has been taken daily, divided into two or three doses.
  • For hepatitis: 1.5-4 grams of taurine has been taken daily for up to 3 months.


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What do taurine supplements do?

Taurine is an herbal supplement that can be used in the treatment for congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cystic fibrosis, and to prevent the buildup of plaque in the arteries throughout the body. Taurine occurs naturally in the human brain.

Does taurine give you energy?

It is also an added ingredient in some energy drinks. Some people also take taurine as a dietary supplement. Taurine is popular in the health community for its potential to help stimulate metabolism.

Is taurine good for anxiety?

L-Taurine – L-Taurine is an amino acid that plays a major role in neurotransmitter regulation, helping to calm and stabilize your mind much like GABA does. By slowing down the release of adrenaline, taurine also protects you from the fight-or-flight response and post-stress anxiety.

When should you take taurine?

Sleep: Taurine 1,000 to 2,000 mg daily before sleep. You can repeat the dose if you wake up at night to help you get back to sleep. 500mg is typically effective with other amino acids when taken before bed.

Is taurine supplement safe?

Taurine has been shown to have several health benefits, such as a lower risk of disease and improved sports performance. It is also very safe and has no known side effects when taken in reasonable doses.

When should you take taurine?

Sleep: Taurine 1,000 to 2,000 mg daily before sleep. You can repeat the dose if you wake up at night to help you get back to sleep. 500mg is typically effective with other amino acids when taken before bed.

What are the symptoms of taurine deficiency?

Other symptoms include lethargy and an unhealthy skin and coat. While these symptoms are very slow to progress, if untreated Taurine deficiency can lead to permanent blindness and possibly death due to heart failure.

Can Taurine cause anxiety?

L-Taurine – L-Taurine is an amino acid that plays a major role in neurotransmitter regulation, helping to calm and stabilize your mind much like GABA does. By slowing down the release of adrenaline, taurine also protects you from the fight-or-flight response and post-stress anxiety.

Is taurine bad for your kidneys?

The role of taurine in the pathophysiology of the kidney

Taurine has been shown to play a role in four different forms of kidney disease: glomerulonephritis, diabetic nephropathy, chronic renal failure, and acute kidney injury (AKI).

Can Taurine cause heart palpitations?

Taurine is a sulfur-containing amino acid and is the most important and abundant amino acid in the heart. Eby recommends may be too much and have heard that such a high level of Taurine can cause palpitations and high blood pressure.

Why is taurine bad for you?

Taurine is a type of amino acid found in many foods and often added to energy drinks. Taurine has been shown to have several health benefits, such as a lower risk of disease and improved sports performance). It is also very safe and has no known side effects when taken in reasonable doses.

Will taurine keep me awake?

Taurine 1000-2000mg daily before sleep. You can repeat the dose if you wake up at night to help you get back to sleep. L-tryptophan, taken with taurine, helps promote sleep. Taurine has a calming effect and L-tryptophan has a more hypnotic effect.

Does taurine increase testosterone?

The results indicated that taurine can enhance the sexual response and mating ability in aged male rats by increasing the level of testosterone and NO, but the exact mechanism of which needs to be further investigated.

Does taurine increase serotonin?

Taurine also increases synthesis of dopamine. 6.2 Serotonergic interactions: It decreases the serotonin turnover in hypothalamus. Taurine induced hypothermia is reduced if brain serotonin content is lowered by p-chlorophenylamine treatment.

Can you take taurine before bed?

Sleep: Taurine 1,000 to 2,000 mg daily before sleep. You can repeat the dose if you wake up at night to help you get back to sleep. 500mg is typically effective with other amino acids when taken before bed.

Is taurine anti-inflammatory?

Taurine has been shown to increase muscle function and importantly to protect muscles from necrosis in the mdx mouse model of DMD. We propose that taurine exerts an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action by preventing damage caused by hypochlorous acid (HOCl) generated by inflammatory cells, particularly neutrophils.

Who should not take taurine?

Stay on the safe side and avoid use. Children: Taurine is LIKELY SAFE for children when used in amounts found in foods. Taurine is POSSIBLY SAFE for children when used as a medicine for up to 4 months. Bipolar disorder: There is some concern that taking too much taurine might make bipolar disorder worse.

What foods are highest in taurine?

The highest amounts of taurine can be found in shellfish, especially scallops, mussels, and clams. High amounts of taurine can also be found in the dark meat of turkey and chicken, and turkey bologna.

What blocks taurine absorption?

When high protein legumes are used in pet food, less animal protein is necessary to meet the formula requirements. Essentially, plant proteins that do not contain taurine and actually block taurine absorption, are being substituted for animal proteins which are high in taurine.

CLINICAL STUDIES