The Role Of Taurine Supplementation

Taurine is an amino acid present in high amounts in meat, fish and eggs. Although a taurine deficiency is rare, taurine supplements have been associated with a variety of health-related benefits. As with any nutritional supplement, talk to your health-care practitioner before taking taurine.

Taurine Basics

Taurine is found in high amounts in the human brain, retina, skeletal muscles, central nervous system, heart and platelets. Taurine is a conditionally essential amino acid, which means that under normal conditions, your body can synthesize it in adequate amounts and you do not require it in your diet to sustain health. However, certain individuals such as those with extreme illnesses, those with metabolic or genetic disorders and non-breastfed infants require taurine in their diet.

Taurine and Your Body

Taurine is a building block of all the amino acids and it is an important constituent of bile, which is needed for the digestion of fats. According to Phyllis Balch, C.N.C., and James Balch, M.D., in their book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," taurine is also vital for the proper utilization of the minerals potassium, calcium, magnesium and sodium; and it helps to maintain healthy eye function. Taurine also has antioxidant properties and it may help prevent free-radical-induced damage to your cells and DNA.

Taurine Supplement Uses

According to "Natural Medicines: Comprehensive Database," alternative medicine uses taurine supplements for a variety of purposes including the treatment of congestive heart failure, hepatitis, high cholesterol, cystic fibrosis, autism, retinal degeneration, diabetes and alcoholism. Taurine supplementation may also be useful for people with atherosclerosis, edema, high blood pressure and hypoglycemia, a condition characterized by low blood sugar levels, states the Balchs. In addition, taurine appears to have a protective effect on the brain and people use it to treat anxiety, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder and poor brain function. Most of these uses are based on anecdotal reports, not solid scientific evidence.

Taurine in Energy Drinks

Taurine is a common ingredient in many energy drinks. The November 2001 edition of "Psychopharmacology" journal, cited a placebo-controlled study that examined the effects that taurine combined with caffeine has on mental performance in 42 individuals. The caffeine-taurine beverage improved attention, verbal reasoning and reaction time in comparison to the placebo drinks. The study concluded that moderate doses of taurine combined with caffeine appear to improve information processing capabilities.

Considerations

There have been no reported side effects from taurine supplements and excess taurine is excreted by the kidneys, states "Natural Medicines: Comprehensive Database". However, there is some concern that excessive taurine intake may exacerbate bipolar disorder. In addition, taurine may theoretically increase levels of lithium in the body, in individuals on lithium drugs.