Taurine

	What is Taurine? Why Taurine? How does Taurine Work? Taurine Supplements What to Know about Taking Taurine Supplements
	What is Taurine? Taurine (pronounced TOR-een) is a sulfur-containing amino acid (as are methionine and cysteine). Body stores of taurine are concentrated in the muscles and central nervous system. The body can make taurine from methionine and cysteine-which is why it's considered nonessential-but it can also be obtained from animal protein foods such as meat, milk, eggs, and fish. Taurine is getting increased attention from researchers who believe it to be a much more important amino acid than previously thought.
	Why Taurine? Taurine Health Benefits Taurine and Heart Disease Not only is taurine a potent antioxidant, but it (along with the amino acids arginine and homocysteine) has been shown to affect some of the risk factors for heart disease. Specifically, taurine seems to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Studies with animals have indicated that LDL ("bad" cholesterol) and triglyceride levels in particular are decreased with taurine supplementation. In addition, in studies where animals were fed a high-cholesterol diet, taurine supplements reduced both blood and liver cholesterol levels. Another way that taurine may contribute toward cardiovascular health is by reducing the tendency of special blood cells, called platelets, to stick together or aggregate. Sticky platelets can form blood clots, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke if they block arteries to the heart or brain. In a study conducted at Brandeis University, platelets from taurine-depleted animals were twice as sensitive to aggregation as platelets from animals receiving taurine. In humans receiving supplemental taurine (even though their taurine status was normal to begin with), resistance to platelet aggregation increased by 30 to 70 percent. In other words, decreased platelet "stickiness" was seen with increased taurine. Taurine and Cystic Fibrosis Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that affects the pancreas, respiratory system, and sweat glands. People with cystic fibrosis don't absorb fat well because of pancreatic malfunctioning, and the result is chronic fatty diarrhea called steatorrhea. Taurine supplementation has been found in a few studies to decrease steatorrhea. In one study 22 children with cystic fibrosis and documented steatorrhea received taurine capsules (30 milligrams per kilogram body weight per day). Steatorrhea improved in the 19 participants who completed the study, and in the 10 children with the more severe steatorrhea, the decrease in fat loss approached 20 percent. These studies suggest that taurine supplementation can be a useful therapy in cystic fibrosis patients with fat malabsorption.
	Taurine Supplements Blood levels of taurine have been found to be low in people in some instances. For example, strict vegetarians (vegans) may have low levels of taurine, and studies show that cancer patients also have low levels after they receive chemotherapy or radiation treatments. In addition, people who receive intravenous nutrition (feedings by vein) for long periods of time have been shown to be taurine-depleted. However, there is no classical taurine deficiency in normal, healthy people because the body can make the amino acid if necessary. Taurine supplements are sometimes marketed as being necessary for the digestion of fats, but there is no research to show that healthy people need additional taurine for fat digestion or utilization by the body.
	What to Know about Taking Taurine Supplements Taurine is generally available in 500﷓milligram capsules, and sometimes in combination with vitamins or other amino acids. Since dietary supplements (or claims for them) are not reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration, quality control and potency problems may exist with taurine supplements. -Much of the research has been conducted only with animals, and the research on taurine's cardiovascular benefits is still preliminary. -In general, taking single amino acid supplements isn't wise because they can cause imbalances in the body that may interfere with absorption of dietary amino acids. -If you have a medical condition or are pregnant or lactating, talk to your doctor before taking any supplement. -Taurine supplements are not recommended for anyone, with the possible exception of cystic fibrosis patients, and then only under the direct supervision of a physician.