Features & Benefits
Important regulator of calcium and
neurotransmitters within the heart, muscles and brain*1
Key
component in olfactory neurons and basal cells*2,3
Strengthens and protects healthy cell membranes*4,5
Essential for maintenance of vision and protection of the
retina*3,4
Helps calm the nervous system by regulating
neurotransmitters*2,3,5
Helps to maintain and, in some
cases, improve heart and cardiovascular function*4,6,7
Facts
about Taurine
Identified over 150 years ago, the
amino acid taurine is synthesized in the human body from
methionine and cysteine. Its basic function is to maintain
healthy cell membranes by removing toxic substances and by
reducing mineral and water loss from damaged membranes.*5 It is
not known exactly how taurine does this.
Taurine is
an essential nutrient for babies’ development3,4,5 and is
conserved by the mother’s body.* In fact, taurine excretion by
the mother during pregnancy and lactation is so slight, it’s
almost non-existent.*3 In one clinical study, 21 children and 23
adults fed an artificial, taurine-deficient diet developed
clinical symptoms of taurine deficiency, including kidney and
eye problems. Their taurine levels averaged only 47% of
normal.*4
Taurine helps maintain a steady and even
heart beat, by helping to regulate the concentration of calcium
ions.*3,4,7 It increases calcium concentration in the heart
when plasma calcium is low and protects against calcium overload
when calcium is abundant.*4
Taurine also
functions as a neuroregulator and nerve cell growth
factor.*1,2,5 It promotes a calming effect by inhibiting the
release of norepinephrine and acetylcholine, and stimulating the
release of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).*5 Taurine increases
the production of serotonin and melatonin by stimulating the
activity of N-acetyltransferase, resulting in normalization of
sleep and nerve functioning.*3,5
Taurine is found in
large amounts in the smell center of the nose2 although
the
exact function of taurine in maintaining our sense of
smell is not known. Taurine is also plentiful in the retina
where it helps protect cone cells.*1
Taurine
binds with bile acids to keep them soluble for excretion.3,4,5
Since bile acids bind to cholesterol, taurine is involved in the
metabolism of cholesterol.*5
Ingredient Highlights
Structurally, taurine is a unique beta-aminosulfonic acid,
widely distributed throughout the body, although the highest
concentration is found in the muscles and the brain.5 It is not
an essential amino acid, since it can be synthesized from
cysteine, aided by vitamin B-6.4 Its structure is similar to
gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and choline which are both
important in the brain and nerve tissue.*3,5 Perhaps because of
its structure, taurine is found in some peptides, but is not a
component of any known protein.*3,4,5 No toxicity or adverse
side effects from taurine supplementation have been recorded.6,7
Taurine is most commonly, and abundantly, found in animal
protein (especially certain seafoods). Vegetarians, therefore,
can benefit from taurine supplementation.*4
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