TAURINE

Often called an amino acid, taurine is actually an amino sulfonic acid, and is not part of proteins. Taurine can be made by our bodies, but often not in sufficient quantities, and the remainder must come from the diet. Taurine is present in many animal products (e.g. meat, dairy).

Taurine acts as an antioxidant, and is also important in digestion (being a major part of bile), membrane stabilization, and modulation of calcium signaling. Taurine is present at high concentration in muscle, heart, retina, and brain, whereas it is essential for function. Taurine crosses the blood-brain-barrier and acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter.

Since our bodies can synthesize taurine and it is present in many foods, deficiency is rare. However, levels are significantly lower in vegans.

Taurine is used for many purposes, including in disorders of the muscles, heart, eye, brain, and liver. Taurine is a frequent component of energy drinks as can improve exercise performance. Taurine may also help with glucose tolerance.

Taurine is present in animal products, and is generally recognized as safe (GRAS-status). Taurine is present in many energy drinks at amounts as high as 1,000 to 2,000 mg. Taurine might increase blood levels of lithium in people treated with this drug.

Testing is neither generally available nor of apparent clinical utility.