The same review also suggests that taurine could have protective effects against diabetes-related complications such as nerve damage, kidney damage, and heart disease ( 6). This suggests that taurine may have a role in diabetes management ( 8).Īlthough current research on the effects of taurine supplements for diabetes management in humans is limited, a 2018 review suggests that the supplements could be a good therapeutic option for improving blood sugar management in people with diabetes ( 6). Indeed, one study found that people with diabetes have a 25% lower concentration of taurine than those without diabetes. Taurine’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may enhance insulin sensitivity, thereby reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes or improving blood sugar management in those with the condition ( 6, 7, 8). Although extremely rare, taurine deficiency has been shown to lead to serious health issues in animal studies.īecause of its abundance in the body, its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and its role in energy production, taurine has been studied for its potential role in managing various clinical conditions and improving exercise performance. Taurine plays many important roles in your body. Still, low taurine levels have similarly been associated with these conditions ( 4). Taurine deficiency in humans is rare, so its effects remain largely unknown. In animal models, taurine deficiency has been shown to cause eye damage, chronic liver disease, muscle weakening, and an increased risk of developing diabetes ( 1). These individuals may need to get taurine from food or supplements ( 4). This may be the case in people with heart or kidney failure and in premature infants who have been fed intravenously. However, your body may need larger amounts in times of illness or stress. regulating immune system health and antioxidant functionīecause taurine is a conditionally essential amino acid, a healthy adult’s body can produce the minimal amount required for these essential daily functions.supporting the general function of your central nervous system and eyes.regulating minerals such as calcium within your cells.forming bile salts, which play an important role in digestion.maintaining proper hydration and electrolyte balance in your cells.The main roles of taurine in your body are ( 1, 2, 4): Taurine is found in several organs and has widespread benefits. Taurine is found in smaller amounts in some plant foods. The main dietary sources of taurine are protein-rich animal foods such as meat, fish, and dairy. Therefore, it’s suitable for those eating a vegan or vegetarian diet ( 5). The form of taurine used in supplements and energy drinks is usually synthetic, meaning it’s not derived from animals. These typically provide around 750 mg per 8-ounce (237-mL) serving ( 5).įor reference, the typical American diet provides 123–178 mg of taurine daily, while a lacto-ovo vegetarian diet - which includes both dairy products and eggs - provides only around 17 mg of taurine daily ( 5). In addition to getting taurine from food, you can get it from some energy drinks. This is thanks to your body’s ability to make taurine in your liver from other amino acids ( 1). They tend to have lower taurine levels than those who regularly eat animal proteins ( 3, 4, 5).Įven so, taurine deficiency is unlikely. Plants contain no appreciable amount of taurine ( 2).Ĭonsequently, people eating a vegan or vegetarian diet consume less taurine. The main sources of taurine are animal proteins such as meat, seafood, and dairy. It’s essential only in certain circumstances, such as in times of illness and stress. Taurine is an amino acid found in certain foods. However, because newborns and infants can’t make taurine as well as adults, they depend on taurine from breast milk or taurine-supplemented formula ( 1).
Therefore, taurine deficiency is unlikely in healthy adults ( 1). Taurine is found in some foods, and your body can even produce it by itself. The Latin name for an ox is Bos taurus, which is where the amino acid’s name originated ( 1). Rather, it was first isolated in 1827 from the bile of an ox. Rest assured that, despite the common belief, taurine is not extracted from bull semen or urine. Instead, it’s considered a conditionally essential amino acid, meaning it becomes essential only in times of illness and stress ( 1). It’s particularly concentrated in your brain, eyes, heart, and muscles ( 1).Īlthough amino acids are often referred to as the building blocks of protein, taurine isn’t used to build proteins in your body.
Taurine is a naturally occurring sulfur-containing amino acid.
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