Energy drinks often are used by athletes, college students and others who are physically active. Taurine is an ingredient found in most energy drinks. It has received a reputation for causing negative effects on the body. However, research shows taurine by itself is safe when taken at the correct dosages. The danger comes from combining taurine with alcohol and caffeine.
The Basics
Taurine is a non-essential amino acid, meaning the body produces all it needs. Taurine is found throughout the body, but is most concentrated in muscle and nerve tissue. It is believed to aid in neurological development as well as regulate heartbeat, muscle contractions, water balance and energy levels. Taurine plays an important role in bile acid metabolism by aiding in the emulsification of dietary fats. As a supplement, taurine is used to increase athletic performance and increase mental alertness.
Research
Researchers at Cornell University discovered that taurine binds to sites in the thalamus area of the brain. Located deep in the brain's center, the thalamus helps regulate behavioral states. The thalamus controls information traffic between the brain stem, the senses and executive functions of the cortex. Taurine also might have a sedative effect on the brain and might be responsible for the crash people often feel after drinking caffeinated beverages.
Taurine Combined with Caffeine and Alcohol
Mixing energy drinks with alcohol can have dangerous consequences on the body. Dehydration can occur as both energy drinks and alcohol are diuretics, and dehydration puts added stress on the heart. Mixing a stimulant with a depressant can cause abnormal heart rhythms as well. Several deaths have been reported about people who had just drunk Red Bull, which contains taurine, though no definitive link between the deaths and Red Bull had been established.
Food Sources
Natural food sources of taurine include meat, fish, poultry, eggs and dairy. Beans and nuts contain cysteine and methionine, which can be converted into taurine in the body. Taurine can be found in supplement form. According to the Mayo Clinic, up to 3,000 mg/day of supplemental taurine is considered safe. Moderation is important, as little is known about the long-term effects of heavy or long-term taurine consumption. Consult your physician prior to starting a taurine supplement plan.
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