Taurine is an amino acid, also known as tauric acid, that is commonly included in energy drinks and sports nutrition supplements for its purported energy and endurance-enhancing benefits. Taurine can also be found in protein-rich foods such as beef, but you may find additional supplementation of this amino acid beneficial for weight loss. Taurine itself does not produce weight or fat loss, but it may help. Consult a doctor before using supplements or starting a diet.
Weight Loss Effects
Taurine does not directly produce weight loss like other supplements might, as it does not promote increased energy expenditure, or calorie-burning. Additionally, research published in the August 2008 edition of "Journal of Applied Physiology" found that taurine supplementation didn't produce improved fat or carbohydrate burning during exercise, a mechanism that can also promote weight loss.
Taurine and Endurance
While using taurine alone will not produce weight loss, it may help you get the most out of your exercise sessions. A 2009 study published in the journal "Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology" found that taurine consumption could promote increased endurance. This can help you exercise longer and burn more calories, which would be beneficial for weight loss.
Taurine and Testosterone
One mechanism through which taurine may aid in weight loss is by influencing increases in hormonal release. A study from the June 2010 edition of "Amino Acids" found that taurine supplementation promoted increases in testosterone level. While testosterone does promote muscle-building, it can also reduce body fat, which aids in weight loss.
Taurine-Rich Foods
Taurine, as with all amino acids, is a building block of protein, so it can be found in high-protein foods. Concentrations of taurine vary, but research from the March 2004 issue of "Meat Science" indicates that lamb and beef are both rich in taurine. You can find taurine levels in individual foods by using the USDA's searchable nutrient database, listed in the Resources section.
References
- "Journal of the Applied Physiology"; Seven Days of Oral Taurine Supplementation does not Increase Muscle Taurine Content or Alter Substrate Metabolism During Prolonged Exercise in Humans; S.D. Galloway et al.; August 2008
- "Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology"; Effects of Taurine Administration on Exercise; Y. Yatabe et al.; 2009
- "Amino Acids"; CSD mRNA Expression in Rat Testis and the Effect of Taurine on Testosterone Secretion; J. Wang et al.; June 2010
- "Meat Science"; Concentrations in Beef and Lamb of Taurine, Carnosine, Coenzyme Q10, and Creatine; R.W. Purchas et al.; March 2004
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