Taurine Side Effects

Taurine, a conditional amino acid (made by the body itself), is present in large amounts in the heart, brain, retina and blood platelets. It is required for building up of proteins and aids the photoreceptors, which help the eye function. It also helps in sperm motility, blood platelet activity and insulin activity. Taurine benefits comprise nervous system regulation, bile formation, blood pressure lowering, treatment of hepatitis, cystic fibrosis, hypertension and congestive heart failure. Some other uses of taurine are in mental performance, seizure disorders, autism, ADHD and retina disorders. For most people, adequate amount of taurine is prepared by the body itself. A person requires extra taurine during times of physical exertion, illness or injury.

People undergoing IV feedings, baby formula-fed infants and some others, need supplementation or dietary intake of taurine. Infants who are not breastfed, need taurine supplementation as cow's milk does not provide taurine and their bodies have not yet developed the ability to make it. Moreover, people who are fed via tubes also need taurine supplementation. Taurine is available in large amounts in protein rich foods like meat and fish. It is also present in the form of dietary supplements and energy drinks. Excess taurine taken into the body is excreted via the kidneys. While taking taurine supplements, it is quite common for our minds to house the thought, 'is taurine dangerous'? The question 'what are the side effects of taurine' oft disturbs our minds. Let us move ahead and understand the taurine side effects.

Taurine Supplement Side Effects
The ones who are most plagued by questions of the different taurine long-term effects on the body are mostly the body builders. Taurine is helpful to bodybuilding enthusiasts, as it increases nitric oxide production. Nitric oxide is a gas which is present for an instant every time the muscle contracts and blood vessels enlarges. Taurine helps widen the blood vessels, thereby increasing the blood flow to the muscle cells. It increases the efficiency of rigorous workout sessions and ameliorates the overall performance. However, the chronic use of these supplements makes them worry about the various taurine side effects.

Taurine dosage amounts recommended by doctors are usually around 1.5g to 6g on a daily basis. As such, there are no known horrendous taurine side effects on the body till today. Taurine is considered considerably safe for children and adults when taken in appropriate amounts. Taurine has been given to even 4 month old infants. In studies, lasting up to one year on adults, no particular negative effects of taurine were revealed. However, one case was reported where a bodybuilder consumed 14g of taurine along with insulin and anabolic steroids and suffered brain damage. We still do not know if the brain damage was conduced by taurine or some other drugs. Nevertheless, bodybuilding enthusiasts should consult a doctor before consuming these supplements. It is essential to make a note of the body weight, body type and body ailments such as asthma, heart diseases, cancer, arthritis, etc. before starting the use of any supplements.

Moreover, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid consuming these supplements. This is because not much is known about taurine risks and toxicity during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Better safe than sorry! These warnings are for those who are suffering from bipolar disorder too. Some studies reveal that taurine can aggravate bipolar disorder. One 36 year old man with adequately controlled bipolar disorder exhibited symptoms of mania, after gulping down several cans of energy drink over a period of 4 days. Whether the erupted symptoms were side effects of taurine in energy drinks or were the negative effect of inositol, caffeine or other ingredients in the energy drink is still a mystery. Side effects of taurine in energy drinks has still not been studied properly, so it is difficult to say anything in this matter. People allergic to food, dyes or preservatives should keep away from taurine supplements because there are chances of allergy aggravation.

People taking taurine supplements need to be wary about the bottles in which the supplements come. The information provided on the bottle may not always be a reflection of what is inside. Some taurine supplements have been found with heavy metal contaminants or prescription drugs. These contaminants are present in larger concentrations than mentioned on the label. We do not know what kind of taurine side effects can be caused by such contaminants, which is why it is important to purchase the supplements from trusted and reputable manufacturers. Pharmacists are the good resources for obtaining information regarding reputable manufacturers. Take care!