Taurine…What exactly is it?
One of the most frequently asked questions from visitors to our supplement shop is, “What is taurine?” or “Taurine what is it?”
Often a key ingredient in energy drinks, taurine is a super versatile amino acid. It provides lasting benefits to the way our brains and bodies function. Some researchers even refer to it as a “wonder molecule“.
I’m not so sure of its ability to block bullets but I’m certain it owns a snazzy superhero outfit. What else would it wear when it’s helping to lower the risk of disease and improving our sports performance?
Many people take taurine as a regular supplement due to its amazing health benefits. It is very safe and has no known side effects when taken in reasonable doses. Technically, it is not an amino acid, but rather an amino sulfonic acid. In saying this, it is often referred to as an amino acid, even in the scientific literature. So, that’s what we’ll go with here.
Taurine what is it? by Ash Tilley will give the complete video rundown.
What does taurine do?
Amino acids are well known for their ability to help build the proteins that our bodies rely on to grow and repair tissue. Surprisingly, taurine doesn’t have much to do with this. What it does do is play quite a big role in our metabolic processes and support some of our most basic functions.
It occurs naturally in our bodies and is particularly concentrated in the brain, eyes, heart and muscles. This means it is not an essential nutrient. For those of us who are cat owners, almost all cat foods will include taurine as a key ingredient. This is because, unlike humans, cats can’t actually produce it naturally.
Though this amino acid is created naturally by our bodies, some people with certain conditions or ailments like coronary illness or diabetes may benefit from taking taurine supplements. This is because their ability to create it diminishes, or their need for it increases.
Fun fact: Some people believe that taurine is extracted from bull urine or semen. This is false as heck and is a misconception that may be attributed to its similarity to the Latin word “Taurus” (meaning bull).
What are its benefits?
Taurine actually has an extensive list of health benefits including promoting:
- cardiovascular health
- insulin sensitivity
- electrolyte balance
- hearing function
- immune modulation
- nerve growth
- bile salt formation
And more!
In some animal research, it was found that supplementing this “wonder molecule” may even help prevent Type 2 diabetes as it reduces blood sugar levels and insulin resistance. It may be that diabetics have lower levels of taurine in their system naturally, therefore supplementing it can help improve their condition.
Is it vegan friendly?
It is made from cysteine, which is a protein amino acid. By eating the recommended amounts of protein, you should be getting enough cysteine to create a beneficial amount of taurine.
This amino acid is not found in plant foods. Meat eating humans will typically eat around 40-70mg of it per day. Vegans and vegetarians are known to have lower blood levels of taurine in their systems.
Although taurine is a molecule found predominantly in animal based products, generally supplements that contain it are vegan friendly. This is because it is usually made synthetically when added to products like supplements and energy drinks.
Our favourite supplements containing taurine
Buy taurine supplement online at The Supplement Stop Australia. Afterpay, ZipPay and secured credit card payment options available. The Supplement Stop has the best range of supplements, with a bunch of great online deals. Make our supplement store your home for achieving your health and fitness goals today! Receive your order faster with our Premium Star Track service.
Ryan Griffiths February 14th, 2020
Brill. Cheers for this
Ryan Griffiths July 21st, 2020
Great read! Taurine is something ill have to give a go after reading what it does here. Legends. I love all the new blogs you guys are writing as its helping me become fitter and more nutrient savy.