Taurine Sources

Taurine is a non essential amino acid. This means that it is an amino acid that is produced by using the different juices within the body and that the diet of a person plays a less important role in its production. While it is true that our body is one the best sources, it is also true that sometimes the body may fall short of its taurine reserves or production ability. In such situations, it becomes necessary to increase the level of taurine by way of dietary sources. This Buzzle article has named some of the leading sources of taurine that can help to cover the deficiency of taurine that you may be experiencing.

Sources of Taurine

Taurine is best used when it is coupled with Vitamin B6 as it helps to synthesize taurine from the other nutrients present within the body. In this section, we will introduce you to some of the best sources of taurine that occur naturally. They range from body juices to external chemically processed taurine.

Biosynthesis
The first and most prominent source of taurine is within the adult human body itself. It is a component of the bile within our pancreas. Bile is the digestive juice that helps in the easy and smooth digestion of our food. During biosynthesis, taurine is produced by the following procedure. When the cysteine (the amino acid from which the taurine is formed) passes through the pancreas in the process of digestion, it gets oxidized and results in the formation of cysteine sulfuric acid. This synthesis results in the production of taurine, which further helps to maintain a good metabolic rate of the body.

Meat
Apart from biosynthesis, meat of any kind is also a good dietary source of taurine. Among the different kinds of meats, poultry is a moderate source of taurine. Red meat is one of the best sources of taurine. The meat that you eat will be rich in taurine and can provide adequate nutrition to both humans and animals. Organs like the liver and the hearts of the animals are generally more concentrated in their taurine content.

Eggs
After biosynthesis and meat, eggs are also a good source of taurine. The taurine present in these natural sources helps to increase the mass of the muscles within the body. It also helps for speedy recovery from muscle injuries and the like.

Seafood
Seafood is also one of the major sources of dietary taurine. In fact, compared to other sources of taurine like meat and eggs, seafood is richer in its taurine content. Among the different types of fish, shellfish like clams, shrimp, scallops etc. are the ones that are more enriched with taurine in them.

Supplements
You must have noticed that almost all the sources of taurine mentioned above come from non vegetarian dietary sources. Hence, it is observed that the taurine content in vegetarians and vegans is generally lower than that compared to people who eat meat and eggs. For vegetarians and vegans who wish to increase their taurine intake, there are various taurine supplements available in the form of pills and powders too. You can consume these instead of animal protein.

As you can see, the sources of taurine are fairly limited. As far as meat eaters are concerned, they can still find ample sources, but vegetarians and vegans may find it slightly difficult. You may increase the intake of taurine in your diet only if you have been advised to do so by your doctor. Excess intake of taurine can lead to low blood pressure, low blood sugar level, and may even react with any other medication that you might be consuming. So take care and intake only the required amount of taurine.