Taurine

Taurine is a derivative of cysteine C, a sulphurated amino-acid which helps to protect the cells from stress attacks.

Generally speaking, taurine stabilizes the membrane surrounding the cells: it reduces hyperexcitability and keeps magnesium inside. This property makes it the ideal option for stress, when magnesium requirements become increased.

In fact, in the case of stress, the adrenaline level increases, which leads to a massive shift of magnesium from the cells, with a significant loss of taurine. The taurine keeps magnesium inside the cells!

Furthermore, taurine is reputed to reduce the quantity of adrenaline secreted by the adrenal glands and the quantity of noradrenaline secreted by the central nervous system in the case of stress, meaning it is also a neuromodulator with similar activity to that of a central nervous system inhibitor.

It inhibits the central dopaminergical system, therefore contributing to regulations such as food intake, sleep or memory. Moreover, it is very popular with Asian businessmen who mix it with coffee to make cocktails, allowing them to get through their long working days without sleeping, but without being agitated by the overuse of coffee!
Taurine supplementation is especially justified since it can be totally deficient among vegetarians! This is because it occurs naturally in meat and animal products (fish, dairy products) as well as in oysters.

Studies have shown that taurine acts like a powerful antioxidant. It has been tested as a supplement in a certain number of pathologies. For example, it improves Type 1 diabetes in laboratory rats by combating the destructive effects that free radicals have on the pancreas and by increasing the excretion of cholesterol, which improves insulin resistance¹.

Other studies² have shown that, even among children, taurine deficiency led to a reduced secretion of biliary acids and therefore a reduced absorption in fat and a reduced hepatic function… This study shows that taurine is essential for development and growth. In addition, it is added to the majority of infant formula milk commercially available! Taurine particularly helps infants to absorb fats. It is involved in the maturation of the retina.

In a double blind randomized test³, patients affected by acute hepatitis were given 4 grams of taurine 3 times per day after meals. The participants testing this taurine supplementation experienced a decrease in their bilirubin levels and total biliary acids.

Finally, taurine has also been proven to be particularly useful for people showing alcohol dependence. Among patients undergoing treatment for alcoholism, 1 gram of taurine 3 times per day during 7 days led to significantly fewer psychotic episodes compared to people taking a placebo⁴.

Finally, another study carried out this time among 3000 alcohol dependent people, showed a lower relapse rate among people taking taurine supplements than among others⁵.

Studies carried out on humans and animals have shown that taurine is a safe and beneficial supplement⁶.