Taurine, which is sometimes referred to as L-taurine, is a nonessential amino acid that contains trace amounts of sulfur. Our bodies produce some taurine on their own, but we can also get this nutrient naturally in foods in our diet. It’s mostly in meat and dairy products, including poultry, red meat, and fish.

 

Taurine is commonly used to improve athletic performance and treat chronic conditions like high blood pressure or congestive heart failure. It also has many other health benefits.

 

 Improves heart function

Taurine is often used as a treatment for those who have experienced moderate to severe heart failure, and is sometimes used as part of treatment after a heart attack. One study suggests that in addition to acting as treatment after cardiovascular disease has progressed, taurine may also help prevent heart problems.

 

Taurine can impact the central nervous system in positive ways, and taurine can have an antidepressant effect. According to one study, long-term usage of taurine supplements changed depression-related signals in the hippocampus of rats.

 

Taking taurine regularly can help to lower cholesterol and triglycerides, improving overall health. Researchers in a 2008 study had individuals take 2 grams of taurine three times per day. After four months, they saw lower levels of both cholesterol and triglycerides than in the control group. More recent studies have shown how taurine works to reduce cholesterol at a cellular level. This can have additional health benefits, like a lowered risk of cardiovascular disease.

 

Taurine can cause an increased opening of blood vessels, which can make it easier for oxygen to be delivered to your muscles. This may help with both cardiovascular diseases and with improving athletic performance. A 2000 study performed on rats found that it can increase the secretion of nitric oxide, which then dilates the blood vessels.

 

Hepatitis can cause liver damage, and taurine may help to treat it. One study suggests that taurine is able to help reduce liver injury that’s caused by hepatitis. Another study found that taurine had the capability to prevent damage to the liver. Researchers discovered that an increase in taurine resulted in participants having fewer of the markers that indicated liver damage.

 

In a 2003 study on mice, researchers found that taurine is capable of treating seizure-associated brain damage. It also decreased the duration and onset of some seizures. However, more research is needed to confirm these effects in humans. You should consult your doctor before taking taurine for seizures, especially if you take psychoactive medications.

 

 May aid diabetes treatment

While more research is needed to confirm this health benefit, a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that taurine was able to improve insulin sensitivity in rats with type 2 diabetes. In this study, rats who were given taurine had less abdominal fat, were less resistant to insulin, and had less incidence of hypoglycemia than the control rats.

 

Your Health Is Our Concern!

 

 

Mawuena Workartey/ ghanahospitals.org