Taurine

Taurine Benefits

Taurine is a sulphur-containing amino acid that is widely available in protein foods. It is mainly concentrated in the brain, eyes, heart, and skeletal muscles. Unlike essential amino acids, which the body cannot produce in large enough amounts, Taurine is a conditionally essential amino acid. Conditionally essential amino acids, as the name implies, only become necessary in times of illness and stress. Let's explore the benefits of taurine.

In the body, taurine is responsible for maintaining proper hydration and electrolyte balance, the production of bile salts, regulating minerals such as calcium within cells, supporting the central nervous system, regulating immune function, and supporting antioxidant defences. Taurine is also anti-inflammatory, plays a critical role in energy production, and is well known for improving exercise performance.

The primary sources of taurine are animal proteins (meat, seafood, and dairy), as well as, to a lesser extent, plant proteins. This is why those on vegan and vegetarian diets tend to have lower taurine levels.

Benefits of Taurine

• Enhances Athletic Performance
• Helps Regenerate Brain Cells
• Improves Insulin Resistance
• Lowers Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, & Triglycerides
• Reduces The Risk Of Heart Disease

Who Benefits From Taurine?

A quality taurine supplement may be recommended to help regulate glycemia and prevent or control diabetes, pre-diabetes, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and overweight, as well as to facilitate weight loss and weight maintenance. Taurine also protects against diabetes-related complications such as nerve damage, kidney damage, and heart disease.

Taurine has long been a staple of sports nutrition. It is often suggested to those looking to improve their exercise performance, delay muscle fatigue, increase oxygen uptake by the body, accelerate recovery times, and improve strength and power in athletes and hard trainers. Taurine supplementation may also be recommended to benefit eye health, protect against neurodegenerative conditions, promote liver health, and treat periodontal disease.

Taurine Supplements

Taurine supplements are widely available in capsule and powder form, in doses ranging from 500 to 1,000 mg per serving. A typical daily dose hovers between 1 to 3 g daily, depending on the intended use. It is usually recommended to start with a lower amount and work your way up to assess your tolerance and find the most appropriate dose for you.

Final Thoughts on Taurine

Taurine supplements are generally recognized as safe, well tolerated, and without significant side effects. However, research shows that doses over 3 g daily can have specific side effects, including headache, liver pain, nausea, stomach ache, and vomiting.

If you are on antidepressants, antiepileptic drugs, warfarin, or statins, speak to your doctor before taking taurine supplements, as it may interfere with these medications’ metabolism.