Uses for Taurine

Taurine is an amino acid located in the nerves and muscles. Usually the body produces sufficient taurine, but you can obtain more by eating high-protein foods including meat, fish, eggs and dairy products, or by taking supplements. Up to 3,000 mg per day of supplemental taurine is generally safe, at least on a short-term basis, according to the Mayo Clinic. Consult with a qualified health care provider before taking supplemental taurine.

Supports Bodily Functions

Taurine is essential for basic functions in the body, as explained by eMedTV. Amino acids are building blocks for protein production, and taurine has its own specific role, supporting nervous system regulation, insulin activity, blood platelet activity, bile formation and function of the retina.

Enhances Athletic Performance

Taurine is a common ingredient in energy drinks and other energy-boosting supplements, and some research indicates that taurine improves athletic performance, according to the Mayo Clinic. A study published in the March 2004 issue of "Amino Acids" investigated the effects of taurine supplementation on oxidative stress due to exercise. Eleven men, ages 18 to 20, performed identical bicycle exercises with and without taurine supplementation. Significant improvements occurred in various measurements after taurine supplementation, including increased maximal workload and time to exhaustion.

Enhances Mental Performance

Many energy supplements include both taurine and caffeine, and some research indicates that this combination improves mental performance as well as athletic performance, according to the Mayo Clinic. A study appearing in "Amino Acids" in 2000, Vol. 19, No. 3-4, found that a drink containing taurine and caffeine boosted cognitive performance and increased feelings of well-being. By the end of this nighttime experiment, motor reaction time was significantly longer in the placebo group but did not change for the energy drink group. Feelings of well-being, assessed by indicators such as vitality and socially extroverted behavior, significantly decreased in the placebo group but not in the energy drink group. Another study published in the March 2001 issue of this journal investigated the effects of Red Bull Energy Drink, which contains taurine, caffeine and glucuronolactone. Participants drinking Red Bull Energy Drink experienced significantly improved aerobic endurance and anaerobic performance during cycle exercises, as compared to those using control beverages. In addition, significant improvements in choice reaction time, concentration and memory occurred.

Heart Failure Therapy

Taurine supplements may benefit patients with congestive heart failure, according to eMedTV. It may lower blood pressure, reduce fluid retention and have positive effects on calcium in the heart. A study published in the January 1992 issue of "Japanese Circulation Journal" found that 3 g of taurine per day was associated with significant improvement in heart function after six weeks. Another study, this one appearing in "Clinical Therapeutics" in 1983, Vol. 5, No. 4, found that taurine was effective in 19 of 24 congestive heart failure patients taking 2 g twice per day.

Cystic Fibrosis Therapy

Taurine also may have benefits for people with cystic fibrosis, who can have poor fat absorption, resulting in excess fat in their stools. Symptoms include frothy, oily, foul-smelling stools, a condition known as steatorrhea. During research published in the June 1985 issue of "Pediatric Research," 22 children with cystic fibrosis taking 30 mg of taurine per kg of body weight per day were able to decrease their steatorrhea by an average of 17.6 percent.