A-Z mental focus Articles

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.

Tyrosine is considered a non-essential amino acid, meaning that your body can make it from another amino acid, phenylalanine. That being said, it can also be found in a variety of foods, including wheat germ, oats, cheese and other dairy products, pork, turkey, chicken, and other wild game. Tyrosine or L-tyrosine can also be taken as a supplement. PKU is a condition in which individuals cannot make this amino acid from phenylalanine; in these cases, supplementation is necessary.

Medicinal Uses For Tyrosine

Neurotransmitter Effects

One of the more important medicinal uses of this amino acid comes from its ability to be converted to the following neurotransmitters: dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters play an integral role in memory, attention and problem solving, depression and mood, as well as our stress response. Studies have shown that tyrosine, most likely due to its ability to increase the levels of the aforementioned neurotransmitters, may have the ability to fight fatigue and improve memory and mental functioning, particularly under the influence of environmental stressors, including sleep deprivation due to stress. It has also been shown to calm anxiety and help to improve mood and outlook.

Thyroid Support

Tyrosine is also involved in the synthesis of the thyroid hormone thyroxine. It is commonly recommended that individuals suffering from thyroid dysfunction supplement with this amino acid to increase metabolic activity and help to alleviate hypothyroid symptoms. As a substance that increases or up-regulates norepinephrine, this amino acid can also cause relatively quick and significant increases in energy, especially useful for individuals suffering from chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia.

Tyrosine Supplement Varieties

Tyrosine can be found in capsule form, either alone or in combination with other amino-acids, or supplements formulated to support thyroid, mood, energy and attention. This amino acid is considered safe at high doses. Some research has shown it has been associated with increased blood pressure in some individuals. If you have moderately high blood pressure or are at risk for high blood pressure, consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before supplementing with tyrosine and have your blood pressure checked regularly.