Products
Taurine is commercially available in tablet and capsule form, usually as a dietary supplement. There are also a few drugs approved for supplementation. Taurine was first isolated from ox bile in 1827. The name is derived from the technical name of beef, ,. Taurine is a well-known ingredient in energy drinks. According to a modern myth (“urban legend”), it is extracted from bull testicles for this purpose. However, this is not true – according to the companies and EFSA, taurine is produced synthetically.
Structure and properties
Taurine (C2H7NO3S, Mr = 125.1 g/mol) is a non-proteinogenic and sulfur-containing aminosulfonic acid. It resembles beta-amino acids and is also referred to as such, but does not contain a carboxy group but a sulfonic acid (2-aminoethanesulfonic acid). Non-proteinogenic means that, unlike amino acids, it is not incorporated into proteins. Taurine is formed by the body itself from methionine and cysteine and is absorbed with food. It occurs freely (unbound) in the cells. Taurine is present as a white, crystalline and almost odorless powder and is soluble in water. It has a slightly sour taste.
Effects
Taurine has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cytoprotective, and detoxifying properties, among others. It is found in numerous tissues of humans and animals, such as the brain, retina, bile, muscle, heart, leukocytes, and reproductive organs. The human body contains about 1 g of taurine per kg of body weight. Meat and seafood are rich in taurine, unlike plants in which it is found in little or no quantity. Taurine performs a wide variety of metabolic functions on several organs:
- Bile acid conjugation, stimulation of bile flow, prevention of cholestasis.
- Detoxification function
- Membrane stabilization
- Calcium regulation in cardiac and skeletal muscle
- Osmoregulation
- Development of the brain, function of the nervous system.
- Protection of the retina
- Important component of breast milk
- Influence on the hormonal system
Fields of application
As a dietary supplement. In the literature, various possible indications are mentioned, for example, epilepsy, heart failure, cardiovascular disease, cystic fibrosis or diabetes mellitus. These are not registered indications.
Dosage
According to the package insert. For example, as a dietary supplement, intake of 2000 mg is recommended (adults). Daily doses up to 3000 mg (up to 6000 mg, adults) have been tolerated in studies without adverse effects. 1000 mg may already be contained in a typical 250 ml energy drink.
Contraindications
Refer to the package insert for complete precautions.
Adverse effects
Taurine appears to be well tolerated at prescribed doses. Taurine is not genotoxic, teratogenic, or carcinogenic.
