Taurine

Unlike the familiar amino acids, Taurine is not used as a building block in proteins. But it is called an “essential” amino acid because the human body, although it desperately needs it, cannot synthesize it; we must get it from our foods.

As taurine is not used for proteins, biochemists classify it as a conditionally essential amino acid.

What it is

Taurine is a non-essential amino acid and is found in high concentrations in the white blood cells, skeletal muscles, central nervous system as well as the heart muscles. In adults, but not children, this nutrient can be manufactured from methionine in the body and from cysteine in the liver, but vitamin B6 must be present.

What it does

Taurine strengthens the heart muscle, boosts vision, and helps prevent macular degeneration. It is the key component of bile, which is needed for the digestion of fats. It is useful for people with atherosclerosis, edema, heart disorders, hypertension, or hypoglycemia.

Taurine is vital for the proper utilization of sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium. It helps prevent the development of potentially dangerous cardiac arrhythmias. Taurine has been used to treat anxiety, epilepsy, hyperactivity, poor brain function, and seizures.

Benefits

• Fat and fat-soluble vitamin absorption
• Heartbeat regulation
• Cell membrane stability
• Protection against congestive heart failure
• Key ingredient in bile
• Anxiety
• Poor brain function
• Hyperactivity

Dosage

For use in connection with a variety of conditions, physicians usually recommend 1.5 grams to as much as 6 grams per day.