Taurine or also called 2-aminoethanesulfonic acid is a nonessential amino acid. As a compound it can be found in the tissues of many animals and in small doses in fungi, some particular plants and certain bacteria. In function of amine the taurine has a fundamental role in various metabolic processes of the human body. Its ability to stabilize the cell membranes in the electrically active tissues is invincible and has a great impact towards the heart and brain. What is taurine? While its functions are less known, the taurine has also a big influence towards the functions of the eyes, gallbladder and blood vessels. The taurine is used as an antioxidant which makes it a great power weapon which we can use it because of its detoxifying properties.
If you have ever wondered about the effectiveness of the energy drinks and why they are good in reducing the fatigue, it is not just because they contain caffeine, glucuronolacton and other constituents. They contain taurine and because of it, their action in improving the mood and endurance is outstanding. Because of the mix of ingredients in the energy drinks it has never been studied how it would be if there was only the effect of taurine alone. Thus, its effectiveness is very unclear and the need of further research still remains.
Taurine’s derivatives
Most of the taurine derivatives are investigated for medical purpose. The taltramide, a taurine derivate, has found its place as an antiepileptic drug. The other taurine derivatives can be found in several stages of development such as the acramprosate used as antialsholis, tauroursodeoxyholic acid for liver disorders and tauromustine as an anticancer. This big research of the benefits of the taurine doesn’t stop here. The studies have shown that the efficacy of taurine is major when it comes to diabetes, liver disorders, cystic fibrosis, cardiovascular disorders, hypertension and nutritional support. Children that are not breastfed have no other way to receive their proper amount of taurine. It has been added in many formulas to boost their heart and brain activity.
Is it safe?
What is taurine’s safety? It is quite safe for children and adults when used in proper amounts and taken orally. Studies have shown that it has been used safely in both groups up to 1 year and given to children safely for up to four months. They reported that there are no side effects during the usage of taurine. There was only one report about a brain damage in one person who combined 14 grams of taurine with anabolic steroids with insulin. The person was body builder and it is unknown if the damage was done by the taurine or the other drugs that the person took.
Warnings:
Pregnancy & breastfeeding-it is not well known about the safety of the taurine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Many doctors do not recommend the taurine intake during this sensitive period.
Bipolar disorder- it hasn’t been proved that too much taurine can make the bipolar disorder worse, but there is still concern that it might. A 36 old man with bipolar disorder was hospitalized showing symptoms of mania because of the too much energy drinks intake. It is not known whether the caffeine, inositol, taurine or the other ingredients made the problem.
Taurine treatment
Taurine is referred as a conditional amino acid in order to distinguish from an essential amino acid. Unlike from the essential amino acids, the conditional amino acids can be manufactured by the body. Essential amino acids are those who must be provided by diet because our body cannot make them. If we cannot produce taurine for some reason, we have to provide taurine for our body by diet. Some people take taurine supplements to treat autism, heart disorders, hepatitis, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and cystic fibrosis. Taurine is not used to improve the mental performances, but as antioxidant it has an important function and that is to protect our cells from damage. Lately taurine is used in cosmetic industry due to its hydration properties and prevention of damage to the hair follicles.
Dosage:
It is recommendable and scientifically proved that for a treatment of congestive heart failure it is good to take 2-6 grams of taurine per day. The intake is orally and divided in 2 or 3 doses.
If the patient is suffering from acute hepatitis, this person should take four grams of taurine three times daily for 6 weeks.
