Check out this answer from Consensus:
Taurine is a versatile amino acid with a wide range of physiological and therapeutic benefits. Its roles in neuromodulation, cardiovascular health, antioxidant defense, reproductive health, and exercise performance make it a valuable supplement for various health conditions. Further research is warranted to fully understand the mechanisms underlying these benefits and to explore the potential of taurine in clinical applications.
Taurine, a sulfur-containing amino acid, is one of the most abundant amino acids in the human body. It plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, including bile salt formation, eye health, cardiovascular function, and the development and function of skeletal muscle, the central nervous system, and the cardiovascular system. This article explores the multifaceted roles of taurine, its potential therapeutic benefits, and its applications in different health conditions.
Neuromodulatory and Neuroprotective Functions
Taurine acts as an inhibitory neuromodulatory amino acid in the central nervous system. It activates the GABA- and glycine-insensitive chloride channel and inhibits the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, contributing to its neuroprotective properties. Taurine also plays a role in neural development and neurogenesis. A study investigating the efficacy of adjunctive taurine in patients with first-episode psychosis found that taurine significantly improved symptomatology, although it did not enhance cognitive function1.
Cardiovascular Benefits
Taurine has been shown to have significant cardiovascular benefits, particularly in lowering blood pressure and improving vascular function. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, taurine supplementation significantly decreased both clinic and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressures in prehypertensive individuals. The study also reported improvements in endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent vasodilation, suggesting that taurine could be a promising treatment for prehypertension2.
Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties
Taurine’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties make it a valuable supplement for reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. In a study involving triathletes, taurine supplementation was found to decrease oxidative stress markers and urinary nitrogen excretion, indicating its potential to prevent muscle damage and protein catabolism during endurance exercise3. Additionally, taurine has been shown to attenuate carcinogenicity in a mouse model of ulcerative colitis-colorectal cancer, highlighting its anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects4.
Reproductive Health
Taurine also plays a role in reproductive health by improving follicular survival and function in ovarian grafts. A study on autotransplanted mouse ovaries demonstrated that taurine supplementation increased the expression of CD31 and GDF9, reduced oxidative stress and apoptosis, and improved the overall survival and function of the grafts5.
Ergogenic Aid
Taurine is popular among athletes for its potential to enhance exercise performance. A study on elite speed skaters found that acute taurine supplementation improved anaerobic power, as measured by the Wingate test, and reduced ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) during high-intensity exercise6. This suggests that taurine could be an effective ergogenic aid for athletes engaged in anaerobic sports.