Taurine

What does the research say?

Research indicates that taurine supplementation can be beneficial for building muscle mass and improving exercise performance. Studies have demonstrated that taurine enhances muscle function, increases force production, and aids in recovery after workouts [6] . By promoting healthy calcium regulation, it helps ensure proper muscle contractions [5] [6] . Furthermore, taurine improves energy metabolism, which can be beneficial during physical activity [1] . Although some research shows a discrepancy between rodent and human muscle research [4] , a good amount of research supports taurine supplementation to improve muscle function [5] [6] [8] . Taurine's ability to protect muscles from damage caused by oxidative stress and enhance glycogen replenishment post-exercise also contributes to better muscle recovery and growth [8] .

None reported

The papers reviewed do not explicitly mention any side effects of taurine [5] [11] .

Caution advised

However, caution is advised when taurine is used in children, or in combination with drugs, alcohol, or other supplements [6] .

[1] Taurine is Involved in Energy Metabolism in Muscles, Adipose Tissue, and the Liver.

This study discusses the roles of taurine in energy metabolism, highlighting that taurine deficiency can cause weak energy metabolism. Taurine supplementation can strengthen energy metabolism in muscle performance, cardiac function, liver activity, and adipose tissue. It also functions as a repair treatment for damaged tissues.

[2] Pharmacology of taurine.

This review discusses taurine's physiological functions, including cell volume regulation and inhibitory neuromodulation. It highlights taurine's presence in electrically excitable tissues and its potential as a pharmacological agent, also acting as an antioxidant in cell protection and having beneficial effects on cardiovascular functions.

[3] Taurine in development.

This paper discusses the role of taurine in the development of the nervous system, particularly in migration. It highlights the ability of the kidney to conserve taurine, which emphasizes its need by the body.

[4] Taurine and skeletal muscle function.

This article discusses the importance of taurine in skeletal muscle and highlights the discrepancy that exists between research findings in rodent vs. human skeletal muscle.

[5] A Key Metabolic Regulator of Bone and Cartilage Health.

This review explains that Taurine is a cysteine-derived zwitterionic sulfonic acid, commonly found in energy drinks and naturally present in fish and seafood. It functions as an antioxidant, osmolyte, and antiapoptotic agent in tissues. It also explains that taurine benefits bone and cartilage health and improves skeletal muscle function by enhancing energy metabolism and calcium regulation.

[6] Taurine: the appeal of a safe amino acid for skeletal muscle disorders.

This review discusses taurine as a sulfur-containing amino acid abundant in skeletal muscle. It explains that Taurine exerts multiple physiological functions and has therapeutic potential in restoring skeletal muscle function. It also highlights that taurine supplementation enhances muscle performance and is considered relatively low in toxicity.

[7] Taurine Regulation of Neuroendocrine Function.

This study reviews taurine as a sulfur-containing amino acid with widespread actions, including regulating plasma glucose levels, bile acid conjugation, detoxification, membrane stabilization, and modulation of mitochondria function and cellular calcium levels. The paper also mentions that taurine supplementation results in significant health benefits.

[8] Taurine: A Regulator of Cellular Redox Homeostasis and Skeletal Muscle Function.

This article explains that taurine is a nonproteinogenic ß-aminosulfonic acid. It interacts with ion channels, stabilizes membranes, and regulates the cell volume. It highlights that taurine counteracts lipid peroxidation and increases cellular antioxidant defense. It also mentions that taurine affects mitochondrial bioenergetics and enhances glycogen repletion in the postexercise recovery phase, playing an important role in cellular redox homeostasis and skeletal muscle function.

[9] Taurine: A potential mediator for periodontal therapy.

This review discusses the biological roles of taurine, such as antioxidation, osmoregulation, membrane stabilization, and modulation of calcium signaling. It is essential for cardiovascular function, development and function of skeletal muscles, the retina, and the central nervous system.

[10] [Cardioprotective effect of taurine].

This review analyzes data on the pharmacological properties of taurine concerning its cardiotropic action. It shows the results of experimental and clinical studies of the beneficial effect of this compound on pathologically changed function of the heart and discusses the mechanisms of this effect.

[11] Tissue Taurine Depletion Induces Profibrotic Pattern of Gene Expression and Causes Aging-Related Cardiac Fibrosis in Heart in Mice.

This review explains that taurine is an abundant amino acid in mammalian tissues, especially the heart, and plays roles in osmolality, ion movement, and neurotransmission. It also has antioxidant properties and can prevent the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). Taurine helps prevent cardiac fibrosis.