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Generic Taurine Review – 8 Essential Things to Know

By Sasha de Beausset Aparicio, MSc

Reviewed by Rebecca Williams, MD, MA, MB, BChir

Last Updated:

Evidence Based | Summary | Nutrition Facts | Health Benefits | Precautions | Cost | How To Use | Does it Work

Taurine is an organic acid found in animal tissue. It is known to have essential biological roles in oxidation processes, osmo-regulation and modulation of calcium signaling, and membrane stabilization. It is fundamental for a healthy cardiovascular function, the development and function of skeletal muscle and for the proper functioning of the central nervous system.

Low levels of Taurine in humans have been identified as the cause for several diseases such as eye problems and cardiovascular disorders. However, research on the health benefits of Taurine supplements is limited.

Some clinical studies support its effectiveness in reducing high blood pressure, combating diabetes and diabetes- related complications, providing anxiety relief, fighting against heart diseases.

Taurine is mostly used as an ingredient in energy drinks.

Summary

1) What is Taurine?

Taurine is an amino acid naturally found in a variety of foods such as fish and meat. The substance is manufactured by the body and can be found in large amounts in the brain, heart, retina, and some blood cells. Some people take Taurine supplements as medicine to treat disorders such as congestive heart failure, hepatitis, high cholesterol, etc.

Most commonly, Taurine is found in many energy drinks, since evidence suggests it is able to enhance athletic abilities and boost energy levels.

There is insufficient research on the safety of Taurine in pregnancy and during breast-feeding, therefore using it in these cases should be avoided. Side effects are mild and rare.

Nutrition Facts

2) Taurine Nutrition Facts

Not applicable.

3) Does Taurine Work and it is Safe?

Taurine is a type of amino acid that is stated to help with the functions of the brain as well as the development of it. Studies indicate that it helps to maintain the amount of water and salt that are found in the bloodstream too. There are quite a few reports indicating Taurine is a powerful antioxidant, but additional researches are required in that area.

This amino acid is found in a variety of foods including fish and meat. Children that are breastfed get it from their mother’s milk. However, it is important to point out that to obtain the right amount of Taurine, a healthy diet is required.

Taurine can be found in many energy drinks. Scientific evidence suggests that this amino acid can enhance athletic abilities, making it a perfect marketing ploy for such supplemental products.

The daily recommended dose of any Taurine supplement can be up to 3,000 milligrams. It will depend on the product that someone is taking, though. However, it is believed that the kidneys remove any extra of it so that there aren’t any health problems. Still, consumers shouldn’t exceed the daily recommended dose of any such product they happen to choose to take.

Health Benefits

4) Taurine Health Benefits

  • Essential amino-acid for human body
  • Fundamental for development of fetus and new born babies
  • Clinically proven benefits in blood pressure control, anxiety release, enhancing antioxidant processes.

Precautions

5) Precautions of Taurine Use

  • Side effects reported such as itching, nausea, headache, and dizziness
  • Limited number of clinical tests on Taurine supplements

Cost

6) How Much Does Taurine Cost?

For the most part, Taurine supplements are believed to be very inexpensive. However, the price can often depend on the brand name. The number of servings that are in a bottle can also affect the price. Don’t assume a larger bottle is necessarily a better value either, as some of them have a daily recommended dose of 2 capsules, while others can be up to 6 capsules per day.

It is very likely that you can find various Taurine supplements at your local retailers. You can also buy it online but keep in mind that you will have shipping costs and also a wait time before you can start to use it.

How To Use

7) How to Use Taurine

However, one concern refers to Taurine’s diuretic capacity. This means that it might decrease the body’s ability to dispose of lithium, potentially causing serious side effects.

Does it Work

8) Bottom Line – Does It Really Work?

Taurine is a substance naturally secreted by the human body which plays a fundamental part in many biological processes (such as regulation of nerve-cell activity and detoxification).There are many providers of Taurine supplements and nutritional formulas, their most important claimed benefits being in help to improve mental focus, boost energy levels, protect heart and eyes, decrease risk of muscular damage and improve body composition.

Although Taurine is considered a safe ingredient in dietary supplements and benefic to human body on many levels, a fairly limited number of clinical trials have been conducted. In order to determine a safe and effective dosage we advise consumers to consult a healthcare professional.

4.5/5 - (2 votes)
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Roslyn

TAURINE GAVE ME NECESSARY NUTRIENT AD VEGETARIANS DO NOT GET TAURINE IN THEIR DIETS! ALSO HAS A CALMING EFFECCT ON BOTH MY HUSBAND AND M

Javier

aurine taken daily can sometimes be helpful to type two diabetics. I know this because this product helped me. One thing to note – taurine can build up in your system over time, and it can cause low blood sugars or, if you are very insulin resistant, make you quite hungry as this happens. Thus, you may have to experiment with the dose that is right for you.

Christina

Taurine is in baby formula of their has been little clinical trials on this product why are we putting this stuff in our children’s formulas? I am very disturbed by this!