What are the health risks of taurine?
There have been some side effects reported in people who take excessive taurine, like vomiting, nausea, liver pain, headache and stomach pain,” Zumpano says. In conclusion, while taurine is generally considered safe and beneficial for many physiological functions, it is not without potential side effects. Gastrointestinal discomfort, dizziness, changes in blood pressure, allergic reactions, and interactions with medications are some of the side effects that may occur.Evidence from both human and animal studies indicates that taurine may have beneficial cardiovascular effects, including blood pressure regulation, improved cardiac fitness, and enhanced vascular health.As an amino acid found in food, taurine is thought to be quite safe. There is strong evidence that taurine is safe at levels up to 3 g per day, although higher dosages have been tested without apparent adverse effects.People with kidney disease or who are taking certain medications (listed above) should not take taurine supplements. In addition, you shouldn’t take taurine supplements if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Is taurine toxic to the liver?
Taurine is also known to protect the liver from various liver injuries and improve lipid profiles. The increasing evidence indicated that taurine may have beneficial effects on AFLD and NAFLD. Taurine is one of the most abundant amino acids in the brain and spinal cord, leukocytes, heart and muscle cells, the retina, and indeed almost every tissue throughout the body.
Can taurine increase estrogen?
Taurine promotes estrogen synthesis via up-regulating miR-7a2. Taurine up-regulates miR-7a2 via activating the p38 signaling pathway. MiR-7a2 inhibits Glg1 and then improves Cyp19a1 expression and estrogen synthesis. Research suggests taurine can raise testosterone production without raising the concentration of estradiol, which can slow down sperm production. A study in Amino Acids found supplementation with taurine stimulated testosterone production.Taurine is especially important during the period of pregnancy and lactation because fetus or neonates are undergoing rapid brain growth (Chesney. Demand for taurine increases during pregnancy and lactation to support fetal and neonatal growth and development (Wharton et al.
Should you avoid taurine?
The research shows leukemia cells may use taurine to grow, but it doesn’t suggest that taurine causes cancer. Experts say healthy people don’t need to avoid taurine, but should still consume energy drinks in moderation. The consumption of taurine via energy drinks may increase the number of hydrogen sulfide-producing bacteria in the colon, which may represent a risk factor for colorectal cancer.