Taurine - Nature Cures®

Table of Contents

Taurine is a sulphur-containing antioxidant non-essential amino acid. It is found in most mammalian tissues and made from cysteine and methionine. While most amino acids are strung together to form proteins, taurine is an exception, one that performs on its own and is the most abundant free amino acid in the body.

Taurine is important in the regulation of the heartbeat, the stability of cell membranes and the activity of brain cells. It is a potent antioxidant as well and beneficial in treating hypertension and high cholesterol. Taurine is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that plays a role in pre- and post-natal development of the central nervous system.

Another benefit of taurine is its potential ability to increase gamma-aminobutyric acid in the brain. GABA levels are associated with memory retention and cognitive abilities. It is also a useful treatment for alcohol addiction. For people trying to kick the habit, consuming taurine rich foods can create significantly fewer psychotic episodes during the detoxification process.

Taurine is important in the visual pathways, the brain and nervous system, cardiac function and prevention of irregular heartbeats. It is also a conjugator of bile acids and helps increase cholesterol elimination in the bile. It also helps with fat absorption and elimination of toxins.

Taurine also has an important role in renal development and protection of the kidneys from free radical damage and is a facilitator for the passage of sodium, potassium and possibly calcium and magnesium ions into and out of cells. It can protect the heart from irregular rhythms and damage during shock.

Taurine is involved in the balance and control of white blood cell production of free radicals to fight microbial infections. It possesses a calming or stabilising effect on the brain and has been shown to be useful in treating seizure disorders and is an enhancer of performance for athletes.

Taurine is an essential amino acid for a developing foetus and newborn babies because they cannot make it themselves and yet the development of their brain depends on it. In fact, taurine is the highest concentrated amino acid in the brain of the foetus and newborn. The foetus must obtain it through the placenta and newborns can obtain it from breast milk or formula fortified with taurine.

Foods containing taurine and alpha lipoid acid have shown the ability to support damaged collagen fibres.

Taurine deficiency

Deficiency may lead to alcohol induced liver fat build up and is often caused by consuming alanine supplements.

Symptoms of taurine deficiency

Cramps (muscles)
Gout
High blood pressure
Hypothyroidism
Infertility
Kidney failure
Mental health disorders (anxiety, autism, depression)
Obesity

A systemic fungal infection produces an amino acid, beta-alanine, which competes with taurine for re-absorption in the kidneys. This causes loss of taurine through the urine. An increase of taurine in urine actually masks a test for low taurine in the body.

Infection with disease producing anaerobic pathogenic bacteria which interfere with the proper functioning of bile acid and degrade taurine, thereby effecting taurine levels.

Consuming foods with added monosodium glutamate, that is used to enhance the flavour of processed foods can adversely affect taurine levels in the body.

Consuming supplements containing vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) or the amino acids beta-alanine and beta-hypotaurine can also deplete taurine levels.

Taurine and pets

Cats and dogs are often deficient in taurine due to low grade pet food products. This can lead to Eye, heart and kidney problems and a shortened life span. Cat and dog food typically only provides a minimum amount therefore supplementation is advised.

Taurine rich foods can benefit people with the following health issues:

Eye disorders (retinal problems)
Diabetes (type 1)
Hepatitis
Insomnia
Mental health disorders (agitation, bipolar disorder, depression, irritability, obsession, restlessness)
Migraine

Deficiency of cysteine, methionine, vitamin A, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) or zinc can lead to diminished levels of taurine. Certain medications which deplete, or block absorption of these nutrients may also cause taurine deficiency. See>> Medication dangers

Taurine supplements

Taurine interacts with some medications, such as antidepressants, anti-seizure drugs, statins, and blood thinners therefore supplemnts should be avoided by anyone taking these drugs.

Natural sources of taurine in alphabetical order

Beef
Brewer’s yeast
Cheese
Eggs
Halibut
Milk
Octopus

Oily fish
Organ meats
Pork
Poultry
Rabbit
Shellfish
Venison

Highest sources of taurine per 100 grams

Seaweed and red algae 979 mg
Tuna 964 mg
Clams, mussels and scallops 520 mg
Octopus 355 mg
Squid 388 mg
Turkey (dark meat) 306 mg
Cod and halibut 151 mg
Chicken (dark meat) 169 mg
Prawns 100 mg
Beef liver 69 mg
Beef heart 65 mg
Venison 61 mg
Beef and lamb 43 mg

NOTE: Legumes, lentils, peas, potatoes and sweet potatoes block the absorption of taurine.

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