Taurine Functions

Taurine is a compound similar to amino acids that's manufactured by cells in the pancreas. It is then used by the liver to produce bile, which is necessary to digest fats in the small intestine. It also appears to activate the neurotransmitter GABA, which inhibits nerve activity; people suffering from seizures often have low blood levels of taurine.

The Production of Taurine

Cysteine is a nonessential amino acid that can by manufactured by various cells in the body. It is needed to synthesize an enzyme called coenzyme A, which is a precursor for taurine, explains Gerhard Meisenberg in "Principles of Medical Biochemistry." Liver cells then use taurine to manufacture bile, a substance stored in the gallbladder and released into the small intestine to break down fats.

Taurine and Bile

Cholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid are called the primary bile acids. They are made within the liver from cholesterol. The amino acids glycine and taurine attach to these primary bile acids and then become a component of the bile. Normally, approximately three times as many primary bile acids attach to glycine as taurine in bile, according to Norton Greenberger, MD in "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine."

Taurine and GABA

According to Dr. Neil Harrison in the February 13, 2008 issue of Cornell University's "Chronicle Online," researchers have determined that taurine activates GABA, a chemical signal sent by neurons in the brain to inhibit nerve activity. Thus, taurine acts like a sedative. The research group was also successful in pinpointing which part of the brain is affected by taurine. Ongoing research is investigating whether taurine is involved in the development of the brain.

Taurine and Seizures

A seizure is characterized by abnormal, uncontrolled electrical signals sent by nerve cells in the brain. Someone suffering from epilepsy has repeated seizures. The disorder can involve just a particular area of the brain, producing partial seizures, or the entire brain, leading to generalized seizures. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that people suffering a seizure have low levels of taurine, but taking taurine supplements has not been proved to decrease the number of seizures.