Let's Explore Taurine: Everything You Want to Know About Taurine

You're probably already somewhat familiar with Taurine, most likely from seeing it listed as an ingredient on an energy drink can. Taurine is an amino acid like compound which is found in the tissues of mammals. Taurine plays an important role in many physiological processes in the body and initially gained popularity many years ago when drinks like Redbull came on the scene which contain taurine and prominently feature it on the cans. In this article we're going to talk about and explain taurine and answer some commonly asked questions about Taurine.

The chemical name for taurine is 2-aminoethanessulfonic acid. This naturally occurring in high concentrations in the brain, heart, and skeletal muscles. What's unique about Taurine compared to other amino acids is that Taurine is not used to build proteins. Taurine acts as a neurotransmitter and helps with various functions in the body.

So what are the benefits of Taurine and why is it in so many supplements and energy drinks? Taurine has a host of benefits ranging from it's neurotransmitter function to its antioxidant properties to supporting cardiovascular health. Anecdotally people rave about Taurine for helping them to sleep better, experiencing improved cognitive function and even helping with athletic performance as well as back pumps. In this section we'll be discussing the many potential benefits of adding taurine to your supplement regiment or stack.

Neurotransmitter Function

Taurine acts as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system and plays a role in regulating brain function, memory and mood. Taurine helps to stabilize cell membranes and modulates the activity of neurotransmitters which are essential for sending proper nerve signalling. This is why many people call taurine their favorite nootropic. 

Cardiovascular Health

In regards to cardiovascular health taurine may help support the heart by regulating blood pressure and improving cardiac function. Taurine can also help reduce blood pressure levels and lower the risk of various heart conditions. 

Antioxidant Properties

Taurine shows antioxidant properties and helps to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Taurine may also help to reduce inflammation and may help to lower the risk of related inflammatory conditions.

Athletic Performance

Taurine is a popular ingredient in energy drinks as well as many preworkout supplements and recovery supplements. some research indicates that taurine may enhance athletic performance by improving muscle endurance, muscle function and reducing muscle soreness post workout.

Back Pumps

Prohormone and Steroid users have long used taurine to help combat back pumps. While the science isn't clear on why it helps, many believe because taurine helps to balance electrolytes in the kidneys it helps relieve backpumps. Regardless of why it works, it works so taurine has become a popular supplement to help combat the pain of back pumps. 

Taurine is generally considered safe when consumed in moderate amounts, however excessive intake could lead to side effects including digestive discomfort, nausea and diarrhea. Anyone with pre-existing conditions should also check with a doctor prior to taking taurine. 

Taurine plays a variety of roles in the body...

Cellular Function

Taurine helps to stabilize cell membranes, regulate ion transport and modulate calcium levles. These are critical to normal cell function and communication.

Bile Acid Connjugation

Taurine is involved in the formation of bile salts in the liver. Bile salts aid in digestion and absorption of fats and fat soluble vitamins. 

Osmoregulation

Taurine helps regulate water balance and electrolytes in cells which contributes to overall fluid balance in the body. 

Recently taurine has been getting a lot of attention for it's potential effects on longevity. A recent study found that when fed a daily solution of taurine to a group of mice, the animals lifespans increased by around 12% in females and 10% in males compared to the control group which was not given taurine. While this may or may not translate to humans, it will be interesting to see what follow up studies conclude. 

While taurine is not super abundant in most foods it can be found in smaller amounts in meats like chicken, turkey and salmon, dairy products like milk and cheese and certain types of seaweed. 

Most people are probably familiar with taurine from it being an ingredient in most popular energy drinks. Why is taurine used in energy drinks? Taurine is used for energy production and it helps the body balance fluids, salts and minerals. Taurine also however has been shown to increase glycine and GABA which helps to calm the brain. Taurine is added to energy drinks to help reduce any potential anxiousness brought on by consuming caffeine similar to how many preworkout supplements have begun adding L-Theanine to balance out the stims. 

While Taurine is a popular ingredient in most energy drinks and many preworkouts, its also commonly sold as a single ingredient supplement in either capsule, tablet or powdered form. We carry stand alone Taurine supplements from a variety of popular and well respected supplement brands including Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals, Life Extension and Now Foods among others. Taurine Supplements