Where is taurine produced

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This content does not have an Arabic version. See more conditions. There is some minimal evidence that as a supplement it may help with congestive heart failure and that it may improve athletic performance and reduce anxiety. Energy drink producers have capitalized on the few studies that have shown some benefit while ignoring others that showed no effect and have proceeded to add taurine to their formulation.

These energy drinks promise to stimulate both the body and the mind with a combination of ingredients which in the case of Red Bull amount to caffeine, taurine, and various B vitamins. The literature on energy drinks is extensive and reveals many cases of emergency room visits, mostly due to palpitations and arrhythmias, either when such beverages are consumed with alcohol or alone.

A randomized controlled trial has even shown that energy drinks produced more electrocardiogram aberrations than a control beverage containing an equivalent amount of caffeine. Despite urban myths, taurine does not come from bull urine or bull semen.

Our bodies produce taurine as an amino acid. Those with specific diseases such as diabetes can benefit from taking it as a supplement. The name is derived from the Latin word taurus, which means ox or bull — so that may be the source of the confusion regarding its origin. The main sources of taurine are animal foods, such as meat, fish, and dairy. They are often added artificially to energy drinks, but it is not recommended to drink them in high amounts due to other ingredients that could be harmful.

An average diet provides about 40— mg of taurine per day. Chemical processes can synthesize taurine from other source molecules in much the same way your body does. There are many laboratories all over the world that produce synthetic taurine through a process known as ammonolysis. Taurine has widespread benefits. Its direct effects include maintaining proper hydration , forming bile salts which are important in digestion, regulating minerals such as calcium, supporting the general function of the central nervous system, and regulating immune system health and antioxidant function.

However, higher amounts may be required in rare cases , making taurine essential for some people — such as those with heart or kidney failure.

Taurine is an amino sulfonic acid that is found naturally in humans and other mammals in the brain, heart, blood and retina. It has various important functions in the body. The main dietary sources of taurine are meat, fish, dairy products and it is also added to energy drinks here , here , here.