Taurine, a sulfur-containing acid found in the body and certain foods, is believed to benefit heart problems, memory, weak muscles, epilepsy, and vision. Taurine supplements are popular, but the verdict on their benefits is mixed. Studies suggest taurine may protect the heart, reverse retinal damage, control seizures, aid memory and energy levels, and prevent skeletal muscle weakness.
Taurine is a sulfur-containing acid present in large amounts in skeletal muscle, the brain, the heart, and certain areas of the eye. It is believed to benefit many different conditions, including heart problems, poor memory, weak muscles, epilepsy, and poor vision. For these reasons, taurine supplements are popular dietary aids, and these supplements may include protein drinks or bars, energy drinks, or individual tablets.
This molecule is structurally similar to an amino acid, which is a molecule the body uses to make proteins. Although taurine is not a true amino acid because it lacks some chemical structures associated with amino acids, it is often referred to as an amino acid because it is actually incorporated into some human proteins. Taurine can be found naturally in products such as meat, eggs, and some fish. It is also a product of sulfur metabolism and can be produced by the body.
Although taurine supplements have been the subject of several human and animal research studies, the overall verdict on whether taurine actually benefits specific medical conditions is still mixed. One of the best studied areas of taurine is its effect on heart problems. Several studies suggest that taurine supplements might protect the heart from damage after a traumatic event like a heart attack or heart surgery. Other studies suggest that taurine may lower blood pressure, slow abnormal heart rhythms, and increase the force of heart contractions in people with weak hearts.
Another area of study is the ability of taurine to reverse retinal damage induced by diabetics. Most of this information comes from studies in cats. Cats cannot synthesize taurine, so they must obtain it from the diet. Studies showed that giving cats taurine could stop and sometimes even reverse retinal damage, and could also help with problems stemming from an enlarged and weakened heart. Due to these findings, taurine is now an essential ingredient in cat food. It is not known how applicable this is to humans, although many manufacturers of taurine supplements claim that improving vision is a benefit.
Taurine supplements also seem to help control epileptic seizures, which may be due to this molecule’s apparent ability to interact with certain brain receptors and improve their function. This may also be due to taurine’s putative ability to enhance nerve impulses. Due to these brain-related actions, taurine supplements are also believed to aid memory and energy levels. For this reason, taurine is a popular additive in energy drinks.
Finally, a study in mice showed that very low levels of taurine led to skeletal muscle weakness. Although a similar connection between taurine levels and skeletal muscle has never been conclusively demonstrated in humans, this molecule is an important component of many bodybuilding supplements. These supplements are especially popular with bodybuilders.
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