Protein - Taurine

Question 1

Taurine

Answer 1

• Taurine is a conditionally essential amino acid that is normally synthesised in the body in adequate amounts from cysteine with the help of vitamin B6.
• During times of extreme stress and illness the body may be unable to produce taurine, so supplementation may be needed.

Question 2

Namesake

Answer 2

• The name ‘Taurine’ stems from the Latin Taurus, meaning bull/ox, because it was first isolated from ox bile in 1827.

Question 3

Food sources

Answer 3

• Direct food sources: only in animal-sourced food (especially chicken / turkey thighs and fish).
• It is also in breast milk.

Question 4

Infant milk

Answer 4

• Supplementation is necessary in non-breastfed infants because their ability to synthesise taurine is undeveloped and cow’s milk does not provide a sufficient amount.
• Taurine is often added to human infant formulas.

Question 5

Functions:
Muscle Health

Answer 5

Functions:
* Highly concentrated in muscles and plays an important role in contraction.
* Taurine is also important for heart health, with its muscle supporting, anti-inflammatory, blood pressure-lowering properties. Approved for the treatment of congestive heart failure in Japan.
Therapeutic Uses:
* Heart failure
* Hypertension
* Atrial fibrillation
* Sarcopenia
* Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
sarcopenia = muscle loss

Question 6

Functions:
Antioxidant

Answer 6

Functions:
* Protects mitochondria from ROS.
* The content of taurine in neutrophils is high, which provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Therapeutic Uses:
* Atherosclerosis
* Infertility (sperm health)
ROS= Reactive Oxygen Species

Question 7

Functions:
Neurological

Answer 7

Functions:
* CNS neuromodulation – inhibitory neurotransmitter function (taurine is an agonist of GABA receptors in the CNS)
* Supports the development of the cerebellum (the “little brain”).
* Has neuroprotective functions.
Therapeutic Uses:
* Parkinson’s
* Epilepsy
* Insomnia

Question 8

Functions:
Bile

Answer 8

Functions:
* Bile acid conjugation – end products of taurine conjugation are very soluble therefore flow better from the liver.
Therapeutic Uses:
* Digestive support (i.e. of fats).
* Liver detox support.

Question 9

Functions:
Insulin

Answer 9

Functions:
* Shown to improve insulin resistance.
Therapeutic Uses:
* Diabetes mellitus

Question 10

Supplementation: Dosage

Answer 10

500mg three times a day.

Question 11

Drug Interactions:

Answer 11

• Lithium, may decrease excretion.
• Blood pressure medications, may cause additive effect.

Question 12

Contraindicated:

Answer 12

• Bipolar disorder as it may worsen symptoms.

Question 13

Toxicity:

Answer 13

• Safe up to doses of 6g a day.

Question 14

Caution:

Answer 14

• Taurine is added to some energy drinks in an effort to harness its benefits. This is NOT a good source of taurine, as they often contain refined sugars, caffeine, artificial sweeteners etc.