Taurine

Required for normal heart and brain function

Features & Benefits

Important regulator of calcium and neurotransmitters within the heart, muscles and brain*1

Strengthens and protects healthy cell membranes*4,5

Key component in olfactory neurons and basal cells*2,3

Helps calm the nervous system by regulating neurotransmitters*2,3,5

Essential for maintenance of vision and protection of the retina*3,4

Helps to maintain and, in some cases, improve heart and cardiovascular function*4,6,7

Facts about Taurine

Identified over 150 years ago, the amino acid taurine is synthesized in the human body from methionine and cysteine. Its basic function is to maintain healthy cell membranes by removing toxic substances and by reducing mineral and water loss from damaged membranes.*5 It is not known exactly how taurine does this.

Taurine is an essential nutrient for babies’ development 3,4,5 and is conserved by the mother’s body.* In fact, taurine excretion by the mother during pregnancy and lactation is so slight, it’s almost non-existent.*3 In one clinical study, 21 children and 23 adults fed an artificial, taurine-deficient diet developed clinical symptoms of taurine deficiency, including kidney and eye problems. Their taurine levels averaged only 47% of normal.*4 

Taurine helps maintain a steady and even heart beat, by helping to regulate the concentration of calcium ions.*3,4,7 It increases calcium concentration in the heart when plasma calcium is low and protects against calcium overload when calcium is abundant.*4

Taurine also functions as a neuroregulator and nerve cell growth factor.*1,2,5 It promotes a calming effect by inhibiting the release of norepinephrine and acetylcholine, and stimulating the release of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).*5 Taurine increases the production of serotonin and melatonin by stimulating the activity of N-acetyltransferase, resulting in normalization of sleep and nerve functioning.*3,5

Taurine is found in large amounts in the smell center of the nose2 although the exact function of taurine in maintaining our sense of smell is not known. Taurine is also plentiful in the retina where it helps protect cone cells.*1

Taurine binds with bile acids to keep them soluble for excretion.3,4,5 Since bile acids bind to cholesterol, taurine is involved in the metabolism of cholesterol.*5

Ingredient Highlights

Structurally, taurine is a unique beta-aminosulfonic acid, widely distributed throughout the body, although the highest concentration is found in the muscles and the brain.5 It is not an essential amino acid, since it can be synthesized from cysteine, aided by vitamin B-6.4 Its structure is similar to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and choline which are both important in the brain and nerve tissue.*3,5 Perhaps because of its structure, taurine is found in some peptides, but is not a component of any known protein.*3,4,5 No toxicity or adverse side effects from taurine supplementation have been recorded.6,7 Taurine is most commonly, and abundantly, found in animal protein (especially certain seafoods). Vegetarians, therefore, can benefit from taurine supplementation.*4

References

Barbeau, A. The Brain, The Heart and Taurine. Can J Neurol Sci 1975;2(4):346.

Ashinara, M. Immunohistochemical Study of The Human Olfactory System. Nippon Jibiinkoka Gakkai Kaiho 1992;985(6):851-9.

Gaull, B.E. and Rassin D.K. Taurine in Development and Nutrition. Sulphur in Biology Ciba Foundation Symposium, 1980.

Hayes, K.C. Taurine Requirement in Primates. Nutr Rev 1985;43(3):65-70.

Chapman, G.W. and Greenwood, C.E. Taurine in Nutrition and Brain Development. Nutri Res 1988;8:955-68.

Azuma, J. et al. Therapy of Congestive Heart Failure with Orally Administered Taurine. Clin Ther 1983;5(4):398-408.

Azuma, J. et al. Usefulness of Taurine in Chronic Congestive Heart Failure and its Prospective Application. Jpn Circ J 1992(56);95.