What is Taurine?

Taurine is called a non-essential amino acid, because it is not required in the diet so long as other protein is present. It can actually be manufactured by the body from the skeletons of other amino acids. Newborn infants are the exception to this rule because they have not yet established the pathways required for making this amino acid, and thus, they require dietary intake to meet their nutritional needs. In older children and adults, the body can still benefit from supplementation as well.

How Does Taurine Work in The Body?

Taurine plays an important role in the metabolism of proteins and neurotransmitters, and in digestion, and in cardiovascular health. The biologically active form of this amino acid is called L-taurine. Natural health practitioners recommend taurine for: heart disease, heart failure, high cholesterol, diabetes, hypoglycemia, epilepsy, anxiety, hyperactivity, and high blood pressure.

Nervous System

Interestingly, taurine can cross the blood-brain barrier, which allows it to directly affect the brain. It can act in the brain and body as a neurotransmitter that inhibits nerve impulses. This allows it to stop unwanted and excess nerve signals like those that cause seizures, hyperactivity and anxiety. Because of this, this amino acid is often added to energy drinks to help prevent the negative side effects of stimulation, such as anxiety, palpitations, and tremors.

Digestion and Weight Loss

Taurine is one of the main components of bile, the compound that is released into the intestine by the liver to help with the digestion of fatty meals. Bile acids emulsify fat and aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins in the digestive tract. Thus, healthy taurine levels are required for proper digestion. Supplementation with this amino acid for other reasons in research studies has been found to coordinate with a reduction in body weight in the same group. Thus, taurine may help promote weight loss in overweight individuals.

Antioxidant

Interestingly, taurine is also a strong antioxidant in the body that can help protect against the oxidative stress caused by exercise. It can also help to protect against the toxicity of heavy metals like lead and cadmium.

Heart Health and Cholesterol

In the heart muscle, taurine regulates contractions and prevents irregular heartbeats. It also regulates potassium levels, which helps to further ensure the regularity of the heartbeat. In addition to helping to regulate the nerve impulses to the heart, this amino acid can also help to reduce the production of apolipoprotein B100, which is one of the major components of VLDL and LDL (“bad” cholesterols). Thus, taurine intake can help to normalize cholesterol levels in the body and prevent cardiovascular disease. Supplementation with this nutrient has also been found to increase the force and effectiveness of heart contractions in those suffering from congestive heart failure.

Taurine Deficiency Signs and Symptoms

When there is not enough taurine in the body, excessive nerve impulses cannot be properly inhibited, and it can result in symptoms of seizures, hyperactivity, and anxiety. A deficiency of this amino acid also leads to damage in the photoreceptors of the eye and can eventually cause visual impairment. Taurine levels are found to be significantly lower in those following a vegetarian or vegan diet. Alcohol consumption can also significantly reduce levels of this amino acid in the body. If you have dietary restrictions or a prolonged intake of alcohol, supplementation with taurine is often advised.

How Can I Get More Taurine?

Taurine is naturally found in animal products, especially meat and seafood. It can also be commonly found as a supplemental powder or in capsules, as well as in formulas for heart health and energy drinks. It is often used with coenzyme Q10 and carnitine for supporting the heart. Take amino acid supplements at least 1/2 hour before or a few hours after a meal to maximize their absorption. If you take an individual amino acid supplement for longer than one month, add an amino acid complex to the protocol to prevent any deficiency of other amino acids.