What is taurine supplement used for?
People take taurine for congestive heart failure (CHF) and swelling of the liver (hepatitis). It is also used for obesity, athletic performance, fatigue, diabetes, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. However, as with any dietary supplement, moderation is key, and excessive consumption of taurine supplements beyond recommended doses may lead to potential side effects, including gastrointestinal disturbances (such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea) and neurological symptoms (dizziness, tremors, and headache) [226,227 .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.Not surprisingly, taurine deficiency is associated with myriad adverse health conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, liver disease, inflammation and obesity, which also lead to anomalous immune phenotypes [3, 4].However, in large doses it may have a toxic effect on the body and the current upper limit of taurine is not known. There is some concern about cardiac toxicity, and the observed safe limit should be followed to reduce the risk of side effects.
What should you not mix with taurine?
Also, taurine interacts with some medications, such as antidepressants, anti-seizure drugs, statins, and blood thinners. So if you take any of these, talk to your doctor before taking any taurine supplements. Eggs: Eggs are a good source of Taurine, particularly in the yolk. One large egg contains about 40 mg of Taurine. Dairy products: Some dairy products, such as cheese and milk, contain small amounts of Taurine.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.Taurine can also be taken at night to support restful sleep[6]. For optimal results, consider splitting your taurine dose, taking half during the day to help focus and the other half in the evening to promote relaxation and better sleep quality[6].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.Supplementing with 500–3,000 mg of taurine per day is known to be effective and safe.
Is it safe to take taurine every day?
One 2019 report suggests that the highest daily dose of taurine you can safely consume is 3 grams per day. However, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) suggested in its 2012 guidelines that you can safely take up to 6 grams per day ( 17 , 19 ). Taurine dosage The most common dosage of taurine as a dietary supplement is between 500 and 2,000 mg per day. However, the maximum toxicity limit is much higher and doses over 2,000 mg seem to be tolerated well. Studies with dietary supplements used 400 to 6,000 mg per day.For general use, taurine is best taken on an empty stomach to maximise absorption; splitting doses between morning and evening can support focus and relaxation. EFSA recommends a safe taurine intake of up to 6 grams daily, though consulting a healthcare professional is advised for personalised dosing.Studies that used taurine to improve recovery had participants supplement on multiple days before and after exercise. No serious adverse effects have been reported with taurine supplementation, and the current evidence indicates that a regular intake of up to 3 grams per day can be consumed without safety concerns.People who are pregnant or breastfeeding shouldn’t use taurine supplements. Breastmilk has high levels of taurine as compared with cow’s milk.
What does taurine do for hair?
Quick answer: Taurine is a sulfur-containing amino acid that helps defend hair follicles against fibrosis and oxidative stress, supports keratin, and may extend the growth (anagen) phase. In shampoos, taurine works best alongside DHT blockers (e. By reducing oxidative damage, preventing premature greying, and extending follicle longevity, taurine can enhance the health of your hair through diet or hair care regimen.Taurine has been thought to be essential for the development and survival of neural cells and to protect them under cell-damaging conditions, indeed in the brain stem taurine regulates vital functions, including cardiovascular control and arterial blood pressure.Taurine recently gained popularity as dietary supplement due to recent research that found supplementation with taurine improved multiple age-related traits and extended lifespan in model organisms (worms and mice). However, there is no solid clinical data that shows its supplementation benefits humans.Taurine helps the brain settle down and return to a steady state. It’s a type of amino acid that supports calming brain signals and protects brain cells during stress or overload.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.
Who should not have taurine?
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. Supplementation could be required with severe illnesses such as chronic liver, heart or renal disease or with long term use of parenteral nutrition. This is because in some circumstances the body can’t make enough of it. Babies who aren’t breastfed may need taurine supplements.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.
What are the side effects of taurine?
One of the most commonly reported side effects of taurine is gastrointestinal discomfort. Some users may experience symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, stomach cramps, or bloating. These symptoms are usually mild and tend to resolve on their own without the need for medical intervention. Low levels of taurine have been associated with neurotransmitter imbalances. These can manifest as symptoms such as mood swings, anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline.Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs) interacts with Taurine. Taurine might lower blood pressure. Taking taurine along with medications that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low. Monitor your blood pressure closely.