Vitamins, minerals and amino acids are important to health and development. Taurine, also called L-taurine, is an amino acid, which is a substance that helps build proteins. You can obtain taurine through your diet or supplementation. It is used to help with a variety of ailments, but it is best to talk with your health care provider before taking a taurine supplement to treat a medical condition.
General Information
Taurine is important for neurological development and helps with regulation of water and mineral salts in the blood. It may also have antioxidant benefits, which may help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Taurine plays a role in development of the central nervous system, helps modulate calcium levels and helps boost immunity, as noted in a 2003 article published in the Federation of European Microbiological Societies' "Microbiological Letters." Adults can naturally produce this amino acid, but infants cannot and must acquire taurine through breast milk or formula.
Benefits and Dietary Sources
Taurine is the most abundant amino acid in white blood cells, which explains its role in strengthening the immune system. This amino acid helps reduce tissue inflammation, maintain the reproductive and cardiovascular systems and may have some antibacterial properties. It may also boost athletic performance, explaining its addition to certain energy drinks. More research is needed to determine the extent of the benefits of this amino acid. Deficiencies of taurine can lead to growth retardation and retinal problems. To ensure you get enough taurine, make sure your diet includes eggs, meats and fish.
Dosing
Different dosages of taurine may be used for different conditions. Rxlist.com states that for the treatment of congestive heart failure, you should take 2 to 6 g of taurine daily, in 2 or 3 divided doses. For treatment of acute hepatitis, take 4 g of taurine three times a day for six weeks. Your kidneys excrete excess taurine, but the long-term effects of excess taurine consumption are not known. Talk with your doctor about appropriate taurine dosages for you.
Considerations
Although this amino acid is naturally found and produced by the body, taurine supplements may interact with medications. If you are taking lithium, taurine may increase the amount of this drug in the body because this amino acid can reduce urine output. Tell your doctor if you are taking lithium and taurine supplements. If you are pregnant, may become pregnant or are breastfeeding, talk with your obstetrician about whether it is safe for you to use taurine supplements.
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