Diabetes is a common metabolic disease that, according to the American Diabetes Association, affects over 7 percent of Americans and is frequently associated with heart, kidney, eye and nerve complications. Conventional treatment is based on oral antidiabetes drugs and insulin injections. Alternative medicine treatments include various supplements, such as the amino acid taurine along with other nutrients, herbs and an individualized diet.
Identification
Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. Proteins are essential nutrients for our life and health and are a large component of our bodies. The body takes amino acids like taurine from food and use it to create proteins. In the body, taurine is found in the muscles, including heart muscles, as well as in white blood cells and the brain. It is also a component of the bile, aiding in the metabolism of fats and controlling cholesterol levels. Thus this amino acid is important for diabetics because diabetes is often associated with high cholesterol levels and impaired fat metabolism.
Research
According to a review by M. Merhem, M.D., and colleagues, published in the October 2007 issue of "Diabetes Care," research indicates that diabetes as well as complications of diabetes affecting eyes, nerves and kidneys have been linked with a deficiency of taurine. The same source states that supplementation with taurine in experimental studies helped improve insulin sensitivity, lowered blood pressure, improved heart and kidney function, decreased nerve damage and even reduced risk of death from complications of diabetes. However, more research is needed to confirm these clinical finding and fully assess the benefits of taurine in diabetes.
Sources and Dosage
Taurine is found is animal sources such as eggs, fish, meat and milk. Most vegetable proteins do not contain taurine, so vegetarians may not obtain adequate amounts of taurine from the diet. Taurine can be also produced in the body from two other amino-acids, cysteine and methionine. Taurine supplements in the form of capsules, powders and tablets are available in nutrition stores. For diabetics, James Balch, M.D., author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," recommends 500 mg of taurine two times daily, along with the amino-acids L- carnitine, L-glutamine and other nutrients.
Considerations
If you are a diabetic, talk to your alternative health care practitioner to find out if you may benefit from supplementation with taurine or other supplements. A healthy diet and regular exercise are also essential for better control of this condition. Taurine does not replace in any way the medications you are currently on. Talk to your doctor before beginning supplementation with taurine.
References
- Diabetes Care: Taurine Intestinal Absorption and Renal Excretion Test in Diabetic Patients
- American Diabetes Association: Diabetes-Statistics
- "Prescription for Dietary Wellness"; Phyllis Balch, CNC; 2003
- "Prescription For Nutritional Healing "; James Balch, MD and Phillis Balch, CNC; 2002
