Description

Overview 

Taurine is an organic compound classified as an amino acid. Although amino acids are well-known protein building blocks, some conditionally essential amino acids like Taurine do not support protein build-up but rather regulate various metabolic processes, including cellular detoxification. In the body, taurine is most prevalent in the blood platelets, heart, and brain. It is also found in the large intestines in the digestive tract and is an important chemical constituent of bile which is the body enzyme essential for fat metabolism.

The CAS number of Taurine is 107-35-7. Its molecular formula is C2H7NO3S, and its molecular weight is 125.14 g/mol. It has a colorless or white powder appearance and is generally soluble in water.

Taurine vs. L-taurine

While some amino acids are properly referred to with “L” or “D” configurations as they can polarize light, health care practitioners say that it is improper to include the said configurations in the description of Taurine. Taurine is the very molecule used in supplement formulations without the “L” or “D” stereoisomer forms. Hence, it is improper to refer to Taurine as L-taurine.

Taurine vs. Caffeine

As a major chemical component of energy drink products, taurine and caffeine are almost always being compared in terms of medical efficiency and safety. According to related studies, taurine works to increase energy by working on the muscles and preventing muscle fatigue. On the other hand, caffeine increases energy by directly stimulating the nervous system to increase alertness and energy. This explains why taking drinks and foods with caffeine provides a sudden boost in energy.

Experts also say that while the dietary effects of Taurine as a nootropic during oral administration are not as immediate as that of caffeine, it may, in fact, be more beneficial to preventing and addressing possible brain and neurotransmitter conditions in the nervous system.

Unlike caffeine, taurine is also not considered a stimulant, but it affects the brain by crossing the blood-brain barrier.

Taurine sources

Taurine can be sourced from both natural sources and synthetic ones. It is essential to supplement taurine as it is useful in the maintenance of various metabolic processes in the human body. People suffering from malabsorption conditions are also often advised by health care practitioners to supplement the compound to prevent conditions associated with low levels of amino acids.

Taurine benefits

There are many ways in which the compound Taurine may help promote healthy bodily function. These benefits include the following:

It boosts energy and promotes endurance

Evidence of Taurine’s effect on the musculoskeletal system shows that it may boost energy levels and promote endurance by minimizing fatigue in muscle regions and protecting muscle tissues from oxidative stress. Medical experts explain that taurine dietary supplements effectively prevent cell damage through detoxification processes brought about by its antioxidant properties. This effectively promotes muscle health and prevents rapid wear and tear during exercise.

It is also observed in both animal and human studies that the effect of Taurine in enhancing metabolism may help promote weight loss among individual users when combined with healthy diets and regular exercise.

It improves mental focus.

The body levels of the essential amino acid Taurine naturally reduce with age. This is because of the expected wear and tear of bodily processes, which compromises vitamin and nutrient absorption. By crossing the blood-brain barrier, medical experts say that Taurine may help maintain the balance of neurotransmitters and promote overall nervous system health.

Aside from promoting neurotransmitter balance, it was also established in some medical studies that Taurine supplement products might help support nervous system health by detoxifying neurons and eliminating free radical compounds that gradually alter nerve cell functions. In effect, persons who take taurine supplements have improved mental focus and alertness. In many customer reviews, it was also claimed that the compound might improve other cognitive functions such as thinking abilities and learning.

Researchers also say that the compound may address anxiety and depressive conditions as these diseases are primarily associated with neurotransmitter imbalances.

It may enhance athletic performance.

Taurine supplements improve athletic performance in two ways. First, it effectively prevents muscle fatigue which is often the cause of exhaustion among athletes and bodybuilders. This is because it prevents oxidative stress in muscle cells and tissues. Second, medical practitioners believe that the compound can enhance athletic performance by providing energy sources throughout the workout as it promotes healthy metabolism or the breakdown of carbohydrates and fats.

The compound is also included in the formulation of pre-workout supplements, along with other drug ingredients that prevent fatigue or exhaustion.

Other benefits

Experts also say that taurine supplementation may help maintain cardiovascular health and heart function through its detoxification effects. Some studies suggest that it may also be beneficial among patients with heart disease, especially among those with increased blood pressure.

In terms of reducing blood sugar, evidence suggests that the compound may help lower fasting blood sugar levels. It may also reduce cholesterol levels and insulin resistance among diabetics, which effectively promotes the function of the metabolic organs.

One published research reviewed by medical experts has also provided the foundation for the claim that Taurine supplements may benefit patients' tinnitus. In the said research, it was found that administration of Taurine effectively improves auditory discrimination as it reduces noise in the auditory pathway while at the same time increasing inhibitory tone.

Taurine dosage

The healthy dosage for Taurine, as recommended by health experts, ranges from 5oo to 2000 milligrams per day for intended supplementation. The recommended dose may differ depending on the age, weight, and overall health condition of the individual user.

Medical experts in independent taurine dose research support the claim that the compound may be used safely for up to 3000 milligrams per day for a person’s entire life. This is because food sources of the compound do not always meet the healthy levels of Taurine in the human body.