Taurine
Taurine
Taurine (/ˈtɔːriːn/), also known as 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 accounts for up to 0.1% of total human body weight.
Etymology
The term "Taurine" comes from the Latin taurus which means bull or ox, as it was first isolated from ox bile in 1827 by German scientists Friedrich Tiedemann and Leopold Gmelin.
Function
Taurine is essential for cardiovascular function, and development and function of skeletal muscle, the retina, and the central nervous system. It also acts as an antioxidant and protects against toxicity of various substances.
Dietary Sources
Taurine is found naturally in meat, fish, dairy products and human milk. It is also available as a dietary supplement and is an ingredient in energy drinks.
Related Terms
- Amino Acid: Taurine is often referred to as an amino acid, but it is not in the strictest sense. It lacks a carboxyl group and is not incorporated into proteins.
- Bile Acid: Taurine is a major constituent of bile, which is produced by the liver to digest fats.
- Antioxidant: Taurine has antioxidant properties and can protect cells from damage by reactive oxygen species.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Taurine
- Wikipedia's article - Taurine
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