However, your body may need larger amounts in times of illness or stress. regulating immune system health and antioxidant functionīecause taurine is a conditionally essential amino acid, a healthy adult’s body can produce the minimal amount required for these essential daily functions.supporting the general function of your central nervous system and eyes.regulating minerals such as calcium within your cells.forming bile salts, which play an important role in digestion.maintaining proper hydration and electrolyte balance in your cells.The main roles of taurine in your body are ( 1, 2, 4): Taurine is found in several organs and has widespread benefits. Taurine is found in smaller amounts in some plant foods. The main dietary sources of taurine are protein-rich animal foods such as meat, fish, and dairy. Therefore, it’s suitable for those eating a vegan or vegetarian diet ( 5). The form of taurine used in supplements and energy drinks is usually synthetic, meaning it’s not derived from animals. These typically provide around 750 mg per 8-ounce (237-mL) serving ( 5).įor reference, the typical American diet provides 123–178 mg of taurine daily, while a lacto-ovo vegetarian diet - which includes both dairy products and eggs - provides only around 17 mg of taurine daily ( 5). In addition to getting taurine from food, you can get it from some energy drinks.
This is thanks to your body’s ability to make taurine in your liver from other amino acids ( 1). They tend to have lower taurine levels than those who regularly eat animal proteins ( 3, 4, 5).Įven so, taurine deficiency is unlikely. Plants contain no appreciable amount of taurine ( 2).Ĭonsequently, people eating a vegan or vegetarian diet consume less taurine. The main sources of taurine are animal proteins such as meat, seafood, and dairy.
It’s essential only in certain circumstances, such as in times of illness and stress. Taurine is an amino acid found in certain foods. However, because newborns and infants can’t make taurine as well as adults, they depend on taurine from breast milk or taurine-supplemented formula ( 1). Therefore, taurine deficiency is unlikely in healthy adults ( 1). Taurine is found in some foods, and your body can even produce it by itself. The Latin name for an ox is Bos taurus, which is where the amino acid’s name originated ( 1). Rather, it was first isolated in 1827 from the bile of an ox. Rest assured that, despite the common belief, taurine is not extracted from bull semen or urine. Instead, it’s considered a conditionally essential amino acid, meaning it becomes essential only in times of illness and stress ( 1). It’s particularly concentrated in your brain, eyes, heart, and muscles ( 1).Īlthough amino acids are often referred to as the building blocks of protein, taurine isn’t used to build proteins in your body. Taurine is a naturally occurring sulfur-containing amino acid. This article explains everything you need to know about taurine, including its benefits, its side effects, and whether and how you should take taurine supplements. Further, some foods contain it, and your body can even produce it. You can also find taurine in a variety of pre-workout and energy supplements. Today, Red Bull continues to include taurine in its formula. It wasn’t until my early college years, when I became more interested in nutrition and sports supplement research, that I learned my friend’s claim wasn’t exactly accurate.
Repulsed and puzzled, I decided to go with a competing brand to energize my workout that day. He directed me to the battling bulls on the can and explained that Red Bull contained an ingredient called taurine, which he claimed was extracted from bull semen.
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Scanning the coolers full of energy drinks, my friend pointed out Red Bull. One day after high school, I stopped at a convenience store with my friend to pick up an energy drink before our workout. Most of the time, your body produces enough taurine on its own, but supplements can also help you meet your taurine needs. Taurine is an amino acid that has a few important roles in your body, including supporting immune health and nervous system function.
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