Taurine

File:Taurine_molecule

Taurine (IUPAC name: 2-aminoethanesulfonic acid) is an organic compound that is widely distributed in animal tissues. It is a major constituent of bile and can be found in the large intestine and in the tissues of many animals, including humans<ref>,

 Taurine in the central nervous system and the mammalian actions of taurine, 
 Progress in Neurobiology, 
 1989,
 Vol. 32(Issue: 6),
 pp. 471–533,
 DOI: 10.1016/0301-0082(89)90019-1,
 PMID: 2684479,</ref>.

Physiological roles

Taurine plays many fundamental biological roles, such as conjugation of bile acids, antioxidation, osmoregulation, membrane stabilization, and modulation of calcium signaling. It is essential for cardiovascular function and development and function of skeletal muscle, the retina, and the central nervous system<ref>,

 Taurine in the central nervous system and the mammalian actions of taurine, 
 Progress in Neurobiology, 
 1989,
 Vol. 32(Issue: 6),
 pp. 471–533,
 DOI: 10.1016/0301-0082(89)90019-1,
 PMID: 2684479,</ref>.

Dietary sources and supplementation

Taurine is found naturally in fish, meat, and breast milk, and it can be taken as a dietary supplement. Some energy drinks contain taurine, often combined with caffeine, to provide an energy boost.

In medical use

Taurine supplementation has been linked to improvements in certain health conditions, including heart disease, hypertension, and liver disease, among others. However, more research is needed to confirm these potential health benefits and understand the potential risks of taurine supplementation<ref>,

 Role of antioxidant activity of taurine in diabetes, 
 Can J Physiol Pharmacol, 
 2009,
 Vol. 87(Issue: 2),
 pp. 91–9,
 DOI: 10.1139/Y08-110,
 PMID: 19234590,</ref>.

Safety and side effects

the consumption of taurine is considered safe. Side effects from supplements are rare and usually mild, such as diarrhea or constipation. However, there have been some concerns about the effects of taurine in energy drinks, especially when consumed in large amounts or in combination with other stimulants like caffeine. Despite these concerns, the available evidence suggests that taurine is safe for most people when used appropriately<ref>,

 Role of antioxidant activity of taurine in diabetes, 
 Can J Physiol Pharmacol, 
 2009,
 Vol. 87(Issue: 2),
 pp. 91–9,
 DOI: 10.1139/Y08-110,
 PMID: 19234590,</ref>.

See also

• Amino acid
• Bile acid
• Energy drink

References

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