Taurine & Heart Rate

Taurine, also referred to as L-taurine, is the second most abundant amino acid found in your muscles behind glutamine, according to ExRx.net. It's a common ingredient in many energy drinks, and the claim by these manufacturers is that taurine helps to support strength and power, especially for athletes. It also plays a role in heart health, particularly in treating blood pressure. Always consult your doctor before taking any sort of supplement, such as taurine.

Cardiac Arrhythmias

Premature atrial contractions are also referred to as cardiac arrhythmias. This condition is when your heart rate does not beat at a constant, steady pace. According to a 2006 study conducted by George Eby and William W. Halcomb on the effects of taurine and heart health, people suffering from taurine deficiencies effectively lowered instances of PAC by supplementing 10 to 20 g of taurine per day.

How It Works

The aforementioned study conducted by Eby and Halcomb found that taurine helped to restore calcium, sodium and potassium levels in the bloodstream. This helped to regulate cardiac function to normal levels in patients suffering from cardiac arrhythmias. Taurine may also have antioxidant properties, according to Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D., of the Mayo Clinic. Antioxidants are substances that help eliminate free radicals from your body, such as carcinogens from smoking, thereby further supporting a healthy heart.

Dosages

According to ExRx.net, the dosage recommendation for taurine varies greatly as of 2011 due to the fact that it's a relatively new type of supplement only recently found to offer possible health benefits. Zeratsky says 3 g per day is considered safe, and excess taurine is excreted from the body by the kidneys. However, Eby and Halcomb state that 10 g to 20 g may be beneficial in a heart patient looking to regulate his heart rate and reduce instances of cardiac arrhythmias. Talk to your doctor before supplementing taurine as part of a heart-healthy diet.

Risks

As of June 2011, no studies have been published on the effects of long-term taurine supplementation. The research seems to support that taurine is generally recognized as safe when consumed in moderation and for a short period of time. As with any supplement, it's best to consult your doctor before taking taurine. Also, natural dietary sources are a better choice than commercial supplements. Dietary sources of taurine include dairy products, meat, eggs, fish and chicken.