The amino acid taurine supports neurological development and is frequently found in mood-enhancing products sold over the counter. However, its benefits as an agent to boost mood and combat depression are still theoretical as of 2011 due to lack of scientific research. Consult a doctor before taking taurine for depression.
Taurine and Mood
Taurine has some actions similar to mood stabilizers, according to physician Beth Murphy of McLean Hospital in Massachusetts. However, well-designed, controlled studies that examine taurine's effects on mood are limited. That's why researchers at McLean Hospital are investigating whether taurine may improve mood symptoms among people suffering bipolar disorder. Results were not available at the time of publication.
Effects
Taurine may help prevent overactivity by your excitatory neurotransmitters and help you maintain a sense of calm, similar to the amino acids GABA and glycine. While taurine does exhibit anti-anxiety action, the mechanism by which it works is not well understood, according to a 2007 study published in the "Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism." It may work by activating your strychnine-sensitive glycine receptors, note study authors C.G. Zhang and S.J. Kim. Previous theories on taurine's anti-anxiety activity link it to GABA receptors, but the study by Zhang and Kim indicates that this speculation may not be accurate.
Correlation
While its effect on mood has not been pinpointed, there is an apparent link between taurine and depression, according to "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Depression," by Michael B. Schachter and Deborah Mitchell. In fact, as many as 78 percent of chronically depressed people may have a taurine deficiency, the authors state. Taurine is considered a nonessential amino acid, meaning your body can make it on its own. However, humans are more dependent on dietary taurine than other mammals, according to a 2006 scientific review in "Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care." You can gain dietary taurine from fish and meat.
Considerations
You may have a low level of taurine for a variety of reasons. If you are taking estrogen, this can inhibit taurine production in your body. If you are diabetic, you also may have an increased need for this amino acid. Chronic alcohol use and chronic stress also may affect taurine levels in your body. Deficiencies of manganese and zinc can interfere with your body's ability to utilize this amino acid. If you want to supplement, up to 3,000 mg daily is considered safe, according to MayoClinic.com. However, little is known about the effects of long-term or heavy use of taurine supplements so consult a doctor before trying it. If you have ulcers or gastritis, be especially sure to consult a doctor because taurine can promote stomach acid production.
References
- "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Depression"; Michael B. Schachter and Deborah Mitchell; 2006
- "Journal of Biomedical Science"; Dietary Taurine Intake, Nutrients Intake, Dietary Habits and Life Stress by Depression in Korean Female College Students; J.Y. Park, et al.; 2010
- "Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism"; Taurine Induces Anti-Anxiety by Activating Strychnine-Sensitive Glycine Receptor in Vivo; C.G. Zhang and S.J. Kim; 2007
- MayoClinic.com: Taurine in Energy Drinks -- What is It?; Katherine Zeratsky; June 2010
- "Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care"; Is Taurine a Functional Nutrient?; T. Bouckenooghel, et al.; 2006
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Taurine as an Anti-Manic Agent; July 2010
