L-Taurine

Function- L- Taurine is classified as an essential amino acid and therefore must be required by the diet. Taurine has been considered non essential, however, it plays a vital role in the development of preterm and newborn infants. Taurine can be made from cysteine but may not be able to convert a sufficient amount for human need. Taurine is found in every cell and is most concentrated in the central nervous system, heart, muscle, retina, and white blood cells. It is also found in the kidney, liver, nasal membranes, adrenal glands, pituitary, thymus, digestive tract and salivary glands.

Taurine is the most abundant amino acid in the developing brain and the second most abundant (glutamic acid is first) in the adult brain. Taurine acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter and is concentrated in the hippocampus (memory center), olfactory bulb (taste and smell) and the pineal gland (responsible for circadian rhythm).

Taurine is the most abundant amino acid in heart tissue and surpasses the concentration of all other amino acids combined. It also regulates calcium metabolism in the heart tissue and modulates enzyme activity related to heart muscle contraction.

Taurine is found to be the most concentrated amino acid in the retina of humans and of any other species studied. There has been no conclusion for taurine deficient blindness in humans but in cats it has shown to occur and is reversed when taurine is replaced. Taurine also has protective characteristics for numerous functions of the eye.

Taurines most important function is to stabilize nerve cell membranes for proper communication throughout the body. It does this by balancing the flow of sodium, calcium and other ions across the cell membrane. If the cell membrane becomes electrically unstable the cells may fire too rapidly and create the effects of seizures such as epilepsy.

Taurine, methionine and glycine are the three most essential amino acids for promoting gallbladder health. Taurine is necessary for the formation of taurocholic acid found in bile which breaks down fat in the small intestine. Men have a greater ability to make taurine than women and it is a fact that women are at a much greater risk for gallbladder dysfunction which leads to many unnecessary gallbladder surgeries per year.

Diabetes increases the body's requirements for taurine and conversely supplementation with taurine and cystine may decrease the need for insulin.

Deficiency- There is no disease condition solely related to the deficiency of taurine, however, it easy to see the importance of this amino acid and how it affects the overall health and wellness of the organism. Taurine deficiency may be related to seizures, anxiety, impaired brain function, eye conditions, arrhythmias, and gallbladder dysfunction.

Sources- Taurine is found in eggs, fish, meat, and milk, but not in vegetable proteins. It can be synthesized from cysteine in the liver and from methionine elsewhere in the body, as long as sufficient quantities of vitamin B6 are present.

Precautions- Newborns have little or no ability to synthesize taurine and depend upon the mother for this nutrient source. Babies fed cow’s milk or formula will not get their requirements for immune development unless supplied with breast milk. Newborns fed formula generally have higher bilirubin levels that lead to jaundice. Jaundice may be attributed from the stress of birth and the liver and/or gallbladder may not be fully functional. Jaundice is rare with breast fed infants or if there is taurine supplemented when needed.

Excessive losses of taurine through the urine can be caused by intestinal problems, an overgrowth of Candida, physical or emotional stress and a zinc deficiency. Excessive alcohol consumption causes the body to lose its ability to utilize taurine properly and is also associated with high urinary losses of taurine.

Requirements- There is no Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) listed. Individual needs may differ due to clinical conditions, biochemical individuality and absorption. All sources of nutrients should be consumed in their most natural state, in the form of a variety of foods or supplements when necessary. Free form amino acid supplements are immediately absorbed by the body and should be consumed with natural occurring cofactors for best results. Consulting with a physician that is properly trained in the natural healing sciences and amino acid therapy may be needed for optimum results.

Written by Jerome Rerucha D.C.

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