AAA Service! (Posted on 7/5/12)

Taurine is the most common free amino acid found in many tissues. It is unlike most amino acids, as it does not convert into proteins. However, it still is part of many body processes.

Taurine levels in muscles are lowered by exercise and aging. For this reason, taurine supplementation might help increase exercise performance. Human studies suggest that it can be useful when used with caffeine and simple carbs, however, it is not clear if it does much by itself, as no published studies of just taurine usage exists.

Taurine makes up more than 50% of the total free amino acids in the heart. Taurine levels in the heart are usually very regulated, although chronic taurine depleted can lead to severe cardiomyopathy. Thus taurine supplementation can help prevent heart failure in those with heart problems.

Rat studies have found taurine supplementation helps relieve hypertension. Human studies have also found a daily dose of 6mg helped significantly lower blood pressure in those with hypertension while having no effect on the blood pressure of those with normal blood pressure.

Taurine supplementation can also help with cholesterol levels due to its effect on bile acid conjugation and antioxidant properties. Thus it helps improve good cholesterol levels and lower cholesterol levels.

Taurine is also an important amino acid for the brain, as it helps with brain development and regeneration. Thus it is a powerful neuroprotectant that helps prevent glutamate excitotoxicity, cerebral ischemia, oxidative stress, and toxin buildup. It might also be able to help prevent epilepsy. It’s effect on the brain also helps it improve memory, although the studies have only been done on mice.

Taurine might help treat diabetes, as it has shown promise to help prevent insulin resistance and hyperglycemia in rats.

It can also help treat cystic fibrosis. It does this by reducing nutrient malabsorption and helps maintain proper taurine and niacin taurine levels in the lungs to reduce lung damage.

Taurine levels in the retina of the eye are also highly concentrated. Taurine deficiency can cause visual problems that can be reversed by using taurine supplements.

Taurine helps the body’s health by neutralizing toxins in the body. Topical taurine has been shown to help mice heal from burns and skin hydration. Orally ingested supplements can improve general well being and longevity. It is typically taken in doses of 1 to 4 grams daily and there are no known toxicity problems. (Posted on 2/26/11)