What Is Taurine?
Taurine is a type of amino acid found throughout the body. It is particularly concentrated in the brain, eyes, heart and muscles.
Unlike most other amino acids, it is not used to build proteins in the body. It is classified as a “conditionally essential” amino acid.
Your body can produce some amount of taurine, and it is also found in some foods. However, certain individuals may benefit from taking a supplement.
Those with specific illnesses or diseases, such as heart issues or diabetes, may also benefit from additional taurine intake.
Despite common belief, this amino acid is not extracted from bull urine or bull semen. The name is derived from the Latin word taurus, which means ox or bull, so that may be the source of the confusion.
Taurine has traditionally been classified as a non-essential amino acid, but by strict chemical definition it is actually an amino sulfonic acid. As a derivative of another amino acid (cysteine), taurine is synthesized by humans in both the brain and the liver. However, its most important role in humans is its role in digestion, since taurine is a major component of bile acid.
In recent years taurine has become a common ingredient in energy drinks, partly due to findings in mice that it alleviates muscle fatigue during strenuous workouts. However, these findings have not been duplicated conclusively in humans. Taurine levels in the body also remain relatively constant so typical oral dosages have little effect on overall body levels.
Presently, despite being included in many energy drinks, taurine has not been proven to be energy-giving or beneficial in generally healthy non-deficient adults. For that reason it is not currently provided as part of the Rev3 products.
As always, USANA scientists will continue to monitor the best available research on this subject.
Benefits of Taurine
- One of the most abundant amino acids in the body
- Called one of the most essential substances in the human body
- Thought to help regulate central nervous system
- Shows cardiovascular and neuroprotective properties
- Promotes system-wide health
Taurine has been extensively studied, with widespread benefits. Unfortunately, production markedly declines as we age. According to published clinical trials, taurine has been shown to support:
- Insulin sensitivity and glucose utilization.
- Proper utilization of minerals including calcium.
- Healthy eyes.
- Central nervous system regulation.
- Cell membrane stability and water balance (osmoregulation).
- Bile salt formation.
- Cognitive function and neuron integrity.
- Liver function.
- Heart health.
Taurine Side Effects & Safety
Taurine is POSSIBLY SAFE for adults and children when taken by mouth in appropriate amounts. Taurine has been used safely in adults in studies lasting up to one year. It has been given safely to children for up to 4 months. People enrolled in research studies have not reported any side effects connected with the use of taurine. However, there is one report of brain damage in a body-builder who took about 14 grams of taurine in combination with insulin and anabolic steroids. It is not known if this was due to the taurine or the other drugs taken.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the safety of taurine in pregnancy and during breast-feeding. Avoid using it.
Bipolar disorder: There is some concern that taking too much taurine might make bipolar disorder worse. In one case, a 36-year-old man with adequately controlled bipolar disorder was hospitalized with symptoms of mania after consuming several cans of an energy drink containing taurine, caffeine, inositol, and other ingredients (Red Bull Energy Drink) over a period of 4 days. It is not known if this is related to taurine, caffeine, inositol, a different ingredient, or a combination of the ingredients.
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