Taurine is one of the few amino acids that contain sulfur. Many energy drinks contain this ingredient, perhaps because it may help athletes to perform better. Although scientists are still researching taurine to determine what roles it plays and what health benefits it has, it appears to have a number of beneficial effects.
Function
Taurine may act as an antioxidant. It helps with brain function and regulating the amount of mineral salts and water in your blood. Taurine is used to form bile acids and proteins, maintain the stability of your cell membranes and keep your heartbeat regular. It may also be involved in insulin activity, retina function, sperm motility and regulation of your nervous system.
Sources
Your body makes most, if not all, of the taurine you need as long as you get enough of the amino acid cysteine in your diet. Many foods also contain taurine, including breast milk, fish and meat. If you think you need more taurine, you can also purchase taurine supplements, although most healthy individuals do not have to worry about taurine deficiency.
Possible Health Benefits
Taurine may help treat high blood pressure, according to a study led by J.D. Militante published in the journal "Amino Acids" in 2002. Another study led by J. Azuma published in 1992 in the "Japanese Circulation Journal" found that taurine may also be helpful in treating those with congestive heart failure. Other conditions for which taurine may be helpful include iron deficiency anemia, epilepsy, hepatitis, diabetes and cystic fibrosis, though researchers are still looking into how taurine works. Taurine may also improve your mental performance when you take it in conjunction with caffeine, but more research is necessary to prove this possible effect, according to MayoClinic.com.
Safety
Taurine supplements are safe for most healthy people and are not likely to cause side effects. The safety of taurine supplements for pregnant or breastfeeding women hasn't been studied. Since excess taurine is simply excreted by the body, there isn't a strong risk for toxicity. Amounts up to 3,000 mg per day are safe, according to MayoClinic.com.
References
- eMedTV; Taurine; Kristi Monson, PharmD, et al.; July 7, 2008
- Cornell University Chronicle; Scientist's Close in on Taurine's Activity in the Brain; Feb. 13, 2008
- MayoClinic.com; Taurine in Energy Drinks: What is it?; Katherine Zeratsky, R.D.; June 2010
- University of Michigan Health System; Taurine; Dec. 23, 2009
- "Amino Acids"; Treatment of Hypertension with Oral Taurine: Experimental and Clinical Studes; J.D. Militante, et al.; 2002
- "Japanese Circulation Journal"; Usefulness of Taurine in Chronic Congestive Heart Failure and its Prospective Application; J. Azuma, et al.; January 1992
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