What is taurine?
Taurine is an amino acid found in many parts of the body, including the brain, muscles and even the retina.
It has several functions and is particularly important for the development of the nervous system.
However, it was its use in energy drinks that made it famous.
Today, taurine is often associated with effects on tone and vitality and is offered as a dietary supplement.
Origin, habitat and culture
Taurine has a long history. It was first discovered by two German scientists in 1827: Friedrich Tiedemann and Leopold Gmelin. The researchers were able to extract it from bull's bile, which earned it the name taurine, after the Latin word for bull.
Research was then carried out to better understand the role of taurine.
Researchers classified it as an amino acid and identified it in many organisms.
It is abundant in animal tissues, but is also found in smaller amounts in
- Plants
- Fungi
- Certain bacteria
Appearance, composition and format
In recent years, taurine has been a big hit in the supplement market. This enthusiasm is linked to its use in the formulation of energy drinks.
Taurine is thought to be beneficial for toning and vitality.
Biochemically, taurine is 2-aminoethane sulphonic acid.
It comes in the form of a powder.
There are two ways of obtaining taurine:
- The first is endogenous: the body can synthesise taurine from other amino acids.
- The second is exogenous, which means that taurine can come from an external source.
It can be provided by certain foods, such as seaweed, oysters, meat and even dairy products.
It can also be provided by certain specific products, such as energy drinks or taurine supplements.
Properties and desired effects
The role of taurine
Although taurine is an amino acid, it is not involved in protein synthesis.
It plays other important roles in the human body, intervening in various metabolic processes.
In particular, taurine is involved in:
- The maturation of the nervous system
- The stabilisation of cell membranes in electrically active tissues such as the brain and heart
- The absorption of lipids in the intestine
Taurine also has other functions.
It is found in large amounts in the eyes, retina, muscles and brain.
It is also found in blood vessels.
Physical performance
In studying the benefits of taurine, researchers have shown positive effects on improving physical performance.
The scientists found benefits not only in muscle strength, but also in reducing pain and damage associated with exertion.
However, these initial results need to be confirmed by further in-depth studies.
Energy and vitality
Taurine has become famous for its presence in energy drinks.
It is thought to have a beneficial effect on tonus and vitality.
Some studies suggest that taurine may enhance the effects of other stimulants such as caffeine. Further studies are awaited.
Antihypertensive effect
Preliminary studies suggest that taurine deficiency may increase the risk of developing high blood pressure.
On the other hand, researchers have shown that taurine supplementation can lower blood pressure.
On the other hand, an excess of taurine could be dangerous for the cardiovascular system.
So more research is needed to find the right dose.
Anti-obesity potential
Taurine may have a role to play in curbing the global obesity epidemic, or at least limiting its adverse health consequences.
This is suggested by several studies conducted in recent years.
Taurine appears to have beneficial anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in obese people.
These initial encouraging results pave the way for further work on the subject.
Other potential benefits
Researchers are also interested in the benefits of taurine supplementation in the management of diabetes, hypercholesterolaemia, visual impairment, retinal pathology and inflammatory diseases.
Further studies are needed to better understand the extent of the benefits of this amino acid.
Dosage
There are currently no specific recommendations for the dosage of taurine.
However, based on the studies that have been done on the subject, it seems that between 1 and 3 grams per day would be appropriate as part of a regimen.
Medical advice is recommended before starting any regimen.
Contraindications, risks and adverse reactions
As mentioned above, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before starting a taurine regimen.
This may be particularly inadvisable for:
- Children
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- People with hypotension, as taurine has a hypotensive effect
- People with circulatory problems
- People with epilepsy
- People with thyroid disorders
- People with heart failure