What is Taurine

You might have heard about taurine supplements and energy drinks with taurine, which are also used in the treatment of some medical conditions too. Have you ever wondered what is taurine and why is it used in energy drinks and supplements? Scroll down for some information about taurine.

More about Taurine

Even though taurine is sometimes called an amino acid, in the true sense, it is not an amino acid, but, is derived from the sulfur-containing amino acid called cysteine. So, taurine or 2-aminoethanesulfonic acid is classified as a sulfonic acid. It is naturally found in various parts of the human body, like the central nervous system, skeletal muscles, heart muscles, white blood cells, lower intestine, etc. Taurine is one of the important constituents of bile. It is synthesized from cysteine and this process takes place in the brain as well as the liver. It is an organic acid with the structural formula of C₂H₇NO₃S. It was in 1827 that taurine was identified for the first time, by Austrian scientists Friedrich Tiedemann and Leopold Gmelin. It was identified in the bile of ox and hence the name taurine - bull is called Taurus in Latin.

While, breast milk contains high levels of taurine, it is also found in eggs, seafood, meat and fish. Human body can synthesize taurine from cysteine. As infants are not capable of this, they get taurine from breast milk or formulas supplemented with this organic acid. Even though taurine is found in the body of mammals, commercially available taurine is mainly chemically synthesized. It is produced from isethionic acid or through reaction of sulfurous acid with aziridine.

What is Taurine Good For

As a considerable amount of taurine is found in human bile, it is said to play an important role in fat digestion and absorption of fat soluble vitamins. It is said to be essential in infants and animals like cats for eye health. Taurine is also said to play an important role in maintaining the levels of salt and water in the blood. Apart from being an active participant in metabolism, taurine is also said to have antioxidant, diuretic and detoxifying functions. It is also essential for skeletal muscle functioning. In some countries, taurine is used for treating heart arrhythmia and ischemic heart disease. According to some studies, this organic acid may prove beneficial in the treatment of hepatitis and type 1 diabetes. It is said to be beneficial in lowering high blood pressure and to alleviate symptoms of anxiety. It is also suggested that taurine can lower high cholesterol levels and promote gallbladder functioning. This sulfonic acid may also treat seizures and so, is used in the treatment of epilepsy. However, there is no conclusive evidence to prove the efficacy of taurine in treating the above said conditions.

Taurine Side Effects

Apart from its medicinal uses, taurine is also used as an ingredient in health supplements and energy drinks. In this case too, there is no conclusive evidence to for its efficacy in boosting health or energy. Even though most people, including vegetarians, are not found to have taurine deficiency, as per the exponents of taurine products, a deficiency of this compound may arise with overexertion or due to diabetes. So, taurine supplements are required by some people. It is said that intake of taurine is safe, if taken in proper doses. In most cases, the normal range of taurine dosage for adults is said to be between 500 to 3000 mg per day. However, the dosage may vary as per the requirement in individual cases and is decided by the doctor. So, you have to strictly follow the dosage as prescribed by your doctor.

Studies show that the amount of taurine in energy drinks ranges between 100 mg to 2000 mg. So, they are said to be safe (if taken moderately), but, there is no information about the effects of taurine on the human body, when it is taken in combination with other ingredients in the drinks. Another study suggests that there is no chance of taurine side effects, as excess taurine will be excreted by the kidneys. But, this has been contradicted with another report that suggests that very high doses of taurine may lead to encephalopathy and other problems. Even pregnant and breastfeeding women must avoid taurine and taurine products. The same applies to people with bipolar disorder. As per some reports, taurine may also interact with some medication. Dangers of taurine are also linked to its use along with alcohol.

In short, it is always better to use taurine, as per the instructions of your doctor. Even if you want to use health supplements with taurine, seek the opinion of the doctor. In case of energy drinks, avoid intake in large amounts.