Taurine Supplements Facts

Taurine is an amino acid that is important for health. Taurine is found naturally in some foods, but is also sold as a dietary supplement. Taurine may be useful in treating congestive heart failure and is often added to energy drinks as a performance enhancer. However, many of the health claims surrounding taurine have not been scientifically substantiated.

Taurine

Taurine is an amino acid. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. According to the Mayo Clinic, taurine supports neurological development and regulates the amount of water and minerals in the blood. Taurine is also a component of bile acids, substances that help the body absorb fat and fat-soluble vitamins. The University of Michigan Health System, UMHS, says taurine also helps to regulate the heart, maintain cell membranes and prevent over-activity of brain cells. Natural sources of taurine include meat, fish and breast milk.

Health Claims

Taurine supplements claim to improve athletic performance. The Mayo Clinic says studies have also suggested that the combination of taurine and caffeine improves mental performance. According to the UMHS, studies have also looked at taurine's role in diabetes, high blood pressure, epilepsy, liver health, iron-deficiency anemia, cystic fibrosis and heart disease.

Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive heart failure, CHF, is a chronic condition that occurs when the heart pumps an inadequate amount of blood. CHF can cause shortness of breath, swelling in the legs, fatigue, abnormal heart rhythms and damage to vital organs.

According to a January 2010 article from the journal Atherosclerosis by researchers at the New York University School of Medicine, taurine may protect against coronary heart disease, a risk factor for CHF. Researchers state that there is evidence that taurine can regulate blood pressure and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Antioxidants destroy harmful substances called free radicals that damage cells and contribute to heart disease and cancer. The University of Maryland Medical Center says more research is necessary, but taurine may help heart muscles contract.

Energy Drinks

Taurine is often combined with caffeine in energy drinks to improve athletic and mental performance. The Mayo Clinic says taurine's ability to enhance mental performance is controversial. Energy drinks should be consumed in moderation because they tend to be high in calories and added sugar but contain few essential nutrients. Over consumption of calories or sugar can contribute to weight gain, obesity, diabetes, dental caries and other chronic diseases. The caffeine in energy drinks can increase heart rate and blood pressure, cause nervousness and mood changes and disrupt sleep.

Dose

The UMHS says doctors have recommended 1.5-6 g of taurine per day to treat medical conditions; however the Mayo Clinic advises less than 3 g per day of supplemental taurine. Excess taurine is excreted in the urine, but little is known about the effects of supplemental taurine when taken in large doses or over a prolonged period.

Considerations

Taurine supplements should be taken according to the manufacturer's directions and dosage recommendations. High doses of taurine should not be taken without supervision by a physician. Consumers should be aware that supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and may have unknown side effects or medication interactions.