What is Taurine?

Taurine (taurine) Is a biologically active substance that was first isolated from the bile of a bull in 1827, from where it got its name (taurus – “bull” in Latin). Taurine Taurine belongs to both sulfoamino acids and vitamin-like substances. In the human body, taurine is synthesized on the basis of methionine and cysteine ​​(sulfur-containing amino acids). Unlike other amino acids, which are processed and used by the body as a building material, taurine continues to be found in tissues in free form. It is found in high concentration in the heart muscle, brain and spinal cord, skeletal muscles, kidneys, and also in the retina of the eye.

Formation and biological role of taurine

Taurine is formed in the body by enzymatic oxidation of cysteine, followed by the conversion of this acid into hypotaurin. The main sources for the formation of taurine are sulfur-containing amino acids and vitamin B6. Once in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), taurine begins to decompose to inorganic sulfides.

This substance takes an active part in the synthesis of a large number of other amino acids and is an important component for the metabolic processes of potassium, calcium, magnesium and sodium. In the brain, taurine plays the role of a neurotransmitter (transmitter of nerve impulses), has a cardiotropic effect, improves energy and reparative processes. Being a sulfoamino acid, taurine restores the functions of cell membranes and improves metabolic processes in the body.

Taurine use

Today taurine is very popular in medicine and food industry. Taurine is effective in atherosclerosis, heart disease, edema, hypertension and hypoglycemia. It is often used to treat epilepsy, seizures, anxiety and agitation, and hyperactivity. Dietary supplements containing taurine are indicated for children with muscular dystrophy and Down syndrome. Taurine also has a positive effect on diabetes, asthma, varicose veins and visual impairment.

Excessive excretion of taurine from the body can be caused by various conditions and metabolic disorders. The body’s need for taurine increases with:

• arrhythmias;
• hepatitis;
• cataract;
• diabetes;
• cholecystitis;
• retinopathy;
• aggressiveness or anxiety;
• immunodeficiency;
• candidiasis;
• zinc deficiency;
• alcohol abuse.

Side effects. Is taurine harmful?

Taurine should be used with caution by people with gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer, as it can cause an increase in acidity. In excessive doses (more than 12 grams per day), the drug can provoke diarrhea.

Taurine also has a choleretic effect, as it binds to bile acids in the body. But if you have problems with the bile ducts, you should take this drug in small doses.

Taurine is found in many energy drinks today. One can of the drink contains an average of 400-1000 mg of this substance. Until now, the harmlessness of taurine found in such drinks has not been finally studied and proven, and in doses that significantly exceed the recommended daily intake for the body (400 mg). However, this substance has one peculiarity: it is almost impossible to overdose taurine, since the cells of the human body will not take more of it than required (this is how the regulation of the body’s transport system works).

Taurine has no toxic properties. On the contrary, it effectively eliminates the symptoms of poisoning with certain poisons and drugs. You just need to be careful about the quality of the drug you take and its manufacturer.

If you care about your health, then turn your attention to the biological substance taurine. There is a possibility that you are not consuming enough of it. In this case, you should include in your diet such foods as fish, eggs, milk and meat, as well as additionally take dietary supplements high in taurine.

Taurine