Is Taurine Bad for You?

Athletes, bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts often consume energy drinks to boost your endurance and energy levels. If you ever take a look at the ingredients of energy drinks, you are most likely to see taurine amongst them. Wondering what is taurine and why is it commonly used in energy drinks? Is taurine bad for you? If this question lurking in your mind right now, then scroll down to find out more about the health benefits and side effects of this organic acid.

What is Taurine?

Taurine, which is chemically referred to as 2-aminoethanesulfonic acid, is basically an organic compound that is derived from cysteine, which in turn, is a sulfur-containing amino acid. Though taurine is synthesized within the body from amino acids, its chemical composition is different from amino acids. The major difference between amino acids and taurine pertains to the absence of carboxyl group in taurine. This organic acid cannot be synthesized in newborns, but their body's requirement is met with the help of breast milk. Since fish and meat are rich sources of taurine, people who include seafood and meat in their diet, are not likely to suffer from a taurine deficiency. Considerable amounts of taurine are found within bile, which is a digestive juice produced by liver and stored within the gallbladder. Though the positive effects on metabolism and mood stabilization are well-known, many fitness enthusiasts are keen to find out about taurine dangers. Can the use of taurine supplements or having energy drinks that contain taurine have an adverse effect on one's health? Let's first find out what is taurine good for.

Is Taurine Good For You?

Taurine is present in the skeletal muscles, white blood cells, heart muscle and the central nervous system. It is sometimes referred to as a non-essential amino acid. Popularity of most of the amino acid supplements is due to their effect in building muscle strength and muscle mass, and this holds true for taurine as well. Certain animal studies have revealed that taurine may play a positive role in healthy functioning of skeletal muscles. This is the reason why taurine is used in energy drinks and also marketed as a bodybuilding supplement. Since the tests on the animals revealed the ability of this organic acid to remove fatty deposits from the liver, it may help in the treatment of liver cirrhosis and prevention of liver disease. Certain studies also reveal that taurine may help in the treatment of high blood pressure and promote good cardiovascular health. However, there still isn't enough conclusive evidence on some of these health benefits as well as the dangers of taurine on the body.

Side Effects of Taurine

Excess of anything is bad, and this holds true for taurine supplements as well. Since taurine forms a part of many energy drinks, one must exercise caution while consuming energy drinks. Though most of the drinks contain small amounts of taurine that may not have an adverse effect, the body's need for taurine may already be met from dietary sources. So, there is a need to cut down on excessive intake of energy drinks. There isn't much clarity on whether the side effects associated with energy drinks are due to taurine or other ingredients. Energy drinks also contain ingredients such as caffeine, sugar, guarana or creatine. Though one may feel energized on drinking them, these ingredients may cause dehydration, restlessness or rapid heart rate.

The need for synthesized taurine or taurine supplements would arise only if one is suffering from a taurine deficiency. However, instances of such a deficiency are not very common. Manufacturers of synthetic taurine may make claims of vegetarians being susceptible to a taurine deficiency, but this hasn't been proved by evidence. However, low levels of taurine may be seen in diabetics or people suffering from deficiency of cysteine and methionine. Taurine levels may also drop when one indulges in high-energy consuming activities. Under such circumstances, one may take supplements as per the prescribed dosage. Since the effects of taurine on pregnant women or nursing mothers are not known, they must also refrain from using such supplements.

There is a lot of speculation regarding the effects of taurine on the body. Many of the taurine dangers as well as benefits have still not been proven. However, the side effects that one may experience may be attributed to an overdose of taurine supplements or due to excessive intake energy drinks. So, make sure that you cut down on your intake of energy drinks and have the supplements as per the doctor's advice.