Product Information

Taurine is a non-essential Sulfurous Amino Acid. It functions independently within the body (i.e. it is not incorporated into Proteins). It is manufactured endogenously within the Liver from Cysteine and Methionine.

Health Benefits of Taurine

Cardiovascular System

Taurine may help to prevent and treat Arrhythmias.
Taurine may help to prevent and treat Atherosclerosis.
Taurine may help to prevent abnormal Blood Clotting.
Taurine may help to prevent and treat Cardiomyopathy.

Taurine (1,000 4,000 mg per day) may improve cardiac and respiratory function in Congestive Heart Failure patients.
Taurine concentrates in the Heart and (5,000 6,000 mg per day of supplemental Taurine) may alleviate Ischemic Heart Disease:

By normalizing Potassium flow into and out of Cardiac Muscle cells, Taurine normalizes the electrical excitability of the Cell Membranes of Cardiac Muscle and enhances the contractile strength of the Cardiac Muscle.
Taurine modulates the activity of cyclic AMP within Cardiac Muscle.
Persons who have experienced a Heart Attack often exhibit very low Taurine levels subsequent to their Heart Attack (indicating that supplemental Taurine may be highly advisable for persons who have experienced a Heart Attack). Taurine may also help to prevent Heart Attacks:

Taurine may help to prevent potentially lethal Arrhythmias after Heart Attacks.

Taurine is the most abundant and most important Amino Acid in the Heart (it is present in the Heart in greater quantities than all other Amino Acids combined).

Taurine (6,000 mg per day) may lower Blood Pressure in Hypertension patients (by suppressing Renin-
Angiotensin) it usually requires four weeks of daily supplementation with Taurine before its Blood Pressure-lowering effects occur.
Following Ischemia, Taurine levels fall to approximately 33% of their normal levels (indicating that supplemental Taurine may be useful for persons affected by Ischemia).

Taurine may help to prevent Stroke.

Cells

Taurine may stabilize Cell Membranes and may help to prevent various toxins from damaging Cell Membranes.

Digestive System

Taurine may facilitate the digestion of dietary Fats (due to it being a component of Bile).
Taurine may help to prevent the formation of (Cholesterol) Gallstones.
Taurine may inhibit the ability of Alcohol (ethanol) to damage the Gastric Mucosa.
Taurine may reduce the severity of Pancreatitis.

Excretory System

Taurine may help to prevent or treat Diabetic Nephropathy.
Taurine concentrates in the cortex of the Kidneys.
Taurine may stimulate the production of Urine (i.e. it functions as a Diuretic).

Eyes/Vision

Taurine may help to prevent and reverse Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) (Taurine concentrates in the Macula of the Retina, where it exerts Antioxidant effects that may counteract ARMD).
Taurine may help to prevent (and may also possibly reverse) Cataracts by inhibiting the glycosylation process in the Lens of the Eye that is an underlying cause of Cataracts.

Taurine may alleviate the Eye Fatigue caused from working with Visual Display Terminals.
Taurine concentrates in the Macula.
Retinitis Pigmentosa may occur as a result of Taurine deficiency.

Taurine may help to prevent (diabetic) Retinopathy.
Taurine enhances the function of the Rods and Cones of the Retina of the Eyes which makes it essential for optimal Sight Taurine deficiency can cause degeneration of the Retina.

Immune System

Taurine may be useful for the treatment of Liver Cancer (it inhibits Lipid Peroxidation in the Liver, enhances cellular defense mechanisms in the Liver and protects the Liver against membrane disintegration in Liver Cancer patients).
Taurine may improve the function of Neutrophils it may improve the ability of Neutrophils to function as Phagocytes and may improve the ability of Neutrophils to destroy Detrimental Bacteria. High levels of Taurine are present in Neutrophils.
Taurine concentrates in White Blood Cells.

Metabolism

Taurine is a potent Antioxidant.
Taurine may help to prevent Cholestasis (congested Liver).
Taurine may lower total serum Cholesterol levels (due to its role as a component of Sodium Taurocholate):

Taurine may increase HDL Cholesterol levels.
Taurine lowers LDL Cholesterol levels.
Taurine lowers VLDL Cholesterol levels.

Taurine helps to prevent Cirrhosis and is of possible benefit to existing Cirrhosis patients.
Taurine may inhibit Cross-Linking (especially the glycation form of Cross-Linking).
Taurine may improve the condition of Diabetes Mellitus patients:

Taurine may alleviate Diabetes Mellitus Type 1 (by potentiating the effects of Insulin).
Taurine may improve Insulin sensitivity in Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 patients.
Taurine may help to prevent or treat Diabetic Nephropathy in Diabetes Mellitus patients.

Taurine may help to prevent Alcohol-induced Fatty Liver.
Taurine may reduce Insulin Resistance (by improving Insulin sensitivity).
Taurine may reduce the Liver damage caused by Alcohol (ethanol), Paracetamol, Carbon Tetrachloride and other toxins.

Musculoskeletal System

Taurine (1,000 2,000 mg per day) may reduce Muscle Cramps in many persons (especially the Muscle Cramps commonly experienced by Cirrhosis patients).
Taurine concentrates in Skeletal Muscles.

Nervous System

Taurine may be a valuable adjunct in the treatment of Alzheimer's Disease especially when supplemental Taurine is combined with Vitamin B2 and Zinc.
Anxiety may occur as a result of Taurine deficiency.

The Hyperactivity associated with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) may occur as a result of Taurine deficiency.

Taurine concentrates in the Brain and Central Nervous System (CNS) Taurine is the second most abundant Amino Acid (after Glutamic Acid) in the Brain.
Taurine may help to prevent Convulsions.
Taurine may alleviate some cases of Depression.

Epilepsy can occur as a result of Taurine deficiency and supplemental Taurine produces anti-convulsant effects in Epilepsy patients.
Taurine concentrates in the Hippocampus (where it plays a role in Memory by increasing Histamine and Acetylcholine levels).
Taurine may alleviate Insomnia (by sedating the Central Nervous System).
Taurine may help to protect the Brain from the toxic effects of Hypoxia.
Taurine may improve Learning ability.
Taurine is involved in the maintenance of Memory (within the Brain Taurine increases Histamine, GABA and Acetylcholine levels):

Taurine may inhibit Alcohol (ethanol)-induced Memory impairment.

Taurine may stabilize the Myelin in the Myelin Sheaths of Neurons.
Within the Brain, Taurine functions as a Neurotransmitter (as an Inhibitory Neurotransmitter).
Taurine concentrates in the Olfactory Bulb.

Taurine may alleviate some of the symptoms of Parkinson's Disease (by sedating the Central Nervous System).
Taurine concentrates in the Pineal Gland.
Taurine may alleviate (muscular) Tics.

Respiratory System

Taurine may protect the Lungs from the toxic effects of exposure to environmental Ozone.

Sexual System

Taurine may alleviate some cases of Male Infertility (i.e. those cases that are caused by impaired Sperm motility).

Water & Water Balance

Taurine may alleviate Edema (by stimulating the production of Urine).
Taurine may Enhance the Function of these Substances


Bile Salts

Taurine is an essential component of Bile (as the Bile Salt Sodium Taurocholate).

Enzymes

Taurine activates Aldehyde Dehydrogenase.
Taurine may counteract the ability of Homocysteine to reduce (extracellular) Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) levels.

Hormones

Taurine may stimulate the production of Human Growth Hormone (hGH).
Taurine may potentiate the effects of Insulin.

Minerals

Taurine facilitates the transport of some Minerals into and out of the body's Cells, including:

Calcium
Magnesium
Potassium
Selenium
Sodium

Neurotransmitters

Taurine may increase Acetylcholine levels within the Hippocampus.
Taurine may increase Histamine levels within the Hippocampus.

Peptides

Taurine may increase platelet Glutathione levels.

Second Messengers

Taurine modulates the activity of cyclic AMP (cAMP) in Cardiac Muscle.

Vitamins

Taurine may facilitate the digestion of Fat-Soluble Vitamins (due to it being an essential component of Bile in the Bile Salt -Sodium Taurocholate which is essential for the digestion of Fat-Soluble Vitamins).

Taurine may Counteract these Potentially Toxic Substances

Aldehydes

Taurine may reduce the toxicity of Acetaldehyde. This effect occurs from Taurine activating the Aldehyde Dehydrognease enzyme that accelerates the clearance of Acetaldehyde, from the body. Studies have shown that Taurine inhibits the rise in plasma Acetaldehyde levels that normally result from Alcohol consumption.

Amino Acids

Taurine may counteract the ability of Homocysteine to reduce (extracellular) Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) levels.

Electromagnetic Radiation

Taurine (2,000 mg per day) may help to counteract the severe depletion of serum Taurine that occurs as a result of Radiation Therapy.

Environmental Toxins

Taurine may reduce the Liver damage caused by Carbon Tetrachloride.

Gases

Taurine may protect against the toxic effects of Ozone and prevents Ozone-induced damage to the Lungs.

Hormones

Taurine may inhibit the release of Adrenaline.

Minerals

Taurine may facilitate the excretion of some Toxic Minerals:

Taurine may facilitate the excretion of Aluminium.
Taurine may facilitate the excretion of Arsenic.
Taurine may facilitate the excretion of Cadmium and minimizes the toxic effects associated with Cadmium.
Taurine may reduce the toxic effects associated with Lead exposure (due to the Antioxidant properties of Taurine).

Pharmaceutical Drugs

Taurine may reduce the Liver damage caused by Paracetamol.
Taurine may counteract the severe depletion of serum Taurine caused by the Anti-Cancer Pharmaceutical Drugs utilized in Chemotherapy.

Recreational Drugs

Taurine may reduce the toxicity of Alcohol (ethanol). This effect occurs from Taurine activating the Aldehyde Dehydrognease enzyme that accelerates the clearance of Alcohol’s toxic metabolite product, Acetaldehyde, from the body. Studies have shown that Taurine inhibits the rise in plasma Acetaldehyde levels that normally result from Alcohol consumption:

Taurine may reduce the craving for Alcohol in reforming Alcoholism patients.
Taurine may inhibit the ability of Alcohol to damage the Gastric Mucosa.
Taurine may inhibit the ability of Alcohol to damage the Liver.
Taurine may reduce the incidence and severity of Hangovers.
Taurine may inhibit Alcohol (ethanol)-induced Memory impairment.

Taurine may reduce the risk of Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke in Tobacco smokers.

These Substances may Enhance the Function of Taurine

Amino Acids

Taurine can be manufactured within the body (in the Liver) from Cysteine.
Taurine can be manufactured within the body from Methionine.

Minerals

Zinc may enhance the function of Taurine.

Smart Drugs

Milacemide causes an increase in the concentration of Taurine in the Brain.

Vitamins

Vitamin B6 (after its conversion to its Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate form) is an essential cofactor (for several enzymes) for the endogenous manufacture of Taurine from Cysteine and Methionine.

Dietary Sources of Taurine

Taurine is not present in any Plant sources.

Fish: Most types of Fish contain Taurine.
Meat: Most Meats contain Taurine.
Milk: Human Milk contains high levels of Taurine (Cow’s Milk does not).
These may Substances Interfere with Taurine

Amino Acids

Glutamic Acid may destroy Taurine.
Glycine may compete with Taurine for absorption.
Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) may destroy Taurine.

Hormones

Estradiol may reduce the manufacture of endogenous Taurine within the Liver.

Minerals

Mercury may reduce the absorption of Taurine.

Pharmaceutical Drugs

The Pharmaceutical Drugs utilized in Chemotherapy may cause severe depletion of Taurine (therefore supplemental Taurine (2,000 mg per day) is considered beneficial for any person undergoing Chemotherapy).

Recreational Drugs

Excessive consumption of Alcohol (ethanol) may increase the loss of Taurine from the body via Urine and interferes with the body’s ability to correctly utilize Taurine.

Other Factors that may Interfere with Taurine

Electromagnetic Radiation

Radiation Therapy may cause severe depletion of Taurine (therefore supplemental Taurine (2,000 mg per day) is considered beneficial for any person undergoing Radiation Therapy).

Exercise

Exercise may cause the depletion of Taurine from Skeletal Muscles.

Taurine may Interfere with these Substances

Amino Acids

Taurine may compete with Glycine for absorption.

Toxic Effects of Taurine

Nervous System

Taurine may exacerbate Alcohol's depressant effects on the Central Nervous System.

Digestive System

Diarrhea may occur as a result of excessive consumption of Taurine.
Peptic Ulcers may occur as a result of excessive consumption of Taurine.

Contraindications

Metabolism

Hypoglycemia patients should use Taurine with caution as it potentiates the effects of Insulin.

Dosage Recommendations

The general therapeutic dosage for supplemental Taurine is 500 1,500 mg per day.
The therapeutic dosage of supplemental Taurine for the alleviation of Muscle Cramps is 1,000 2,000 mg per day.
The dosage of supplemental Taurine that has been demonstrated to stabilize the Myelin Sheaths of Neurons is 1,500 mg per day.

A dosage of 2,000 mg of supplemental Taurine per day counteracts the depletion of Taurine that occurs during Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy.
The dosage of supplemental Taurine that has been demonstrated to benefit Heart Attack patients is 5,000 6,000 mg per day. This should be taken as three equally divided doses during the day.

The usual dosage of supplemental Taurine used to lower Blood Pressure in Hypertension patients is 6,000 mg per day.
The maximum dosage of supplemental Taurine that has been studied in human clinical trials that has produced no adverse effects is 10,000 mg per day.

Bioavailability

Supplemental Taurine is well-absorbed when consumed orally.
Supplemental Taurine poorly crosses the Blood-Brain Barrier (thus limiting its effectiveness in the treatment of disorders of the Central Nervous System).