Most people get enough of the amino acid taurine through their daily diets. A doctor can determine if you have a deficiency and prescribe a course of treatment if necessary. Although some research has been done on taurine as a treatment for anxiety, a strong link between taurine deficiencies and anxiety does not exist; life events and medications are more likely causes.
About Anxiety
Too much stress, an episode of grief or depression, and certain drugs can induce a state of anxiety. Your anxiety may be temporary or it could occur because of a condition like post-traumatic stress disorder or social anxiety disorder. Physical symptoms may include dizziness, rapid breathing, irregular heart rate, twitching and sweating; mentally, you may feel irritated, have trouble concentrating, and have trouble sleeping. Talk to your doctor and a mental health professional if you have a combination of these symptoms.
Taurine Connection
Some studies on rodents -- such as one published in "Annals of Nutrition & Metabolism" in 2007 and one in "Advances in Experimental Medicine & Biology" in 2009 -- have found that taurine helped the rodents reduce anxiety when trying to complete a maze. The 2009 study found that acute injections of taurine were more helpful than chronic taurine supplements, suggesting that taurine therapy for anxiety attacks deserves further study.
Dietary Triggers
A poor diet in general can contribute to anxiety. Deficiencies in vitamin B12, in particular, are linked to anxiety, as are alcohol, caffeine and diet pills. Avoid over-reliance on the latter substances and eat a well-rounded, healthy diet to keep your anxiety under control; relaxation techniques and mental-health treatments can also help. If you do have a taurine deficiency, you can increase your intake by eating more meat and fish.
Warning
In recent years, energy drinks have become a popular choice to combat fatigue. Many of these drinks boast taurine as one of the ingredients, as some believe it may improve athletic performance. However, if you're treating anxiety and a related taurine deficiency as directed by your doctor, energy drinks may not be the best supplementation choice, as their high levels of caffeine and other stimulants could make you feel more anxious.
