The myth about the dangers of taurine. Exposing the facts

Taurine is an organic compound that has been known to scientists and doctors for more than two centuries. Despite such a long period, the beneficial properties of the substance became known only recently. As it turns out, a diet rich in foods containing taurine helps prolong a person's life span.

• What is taurine?
• Effect on the human body
• Taurine, beneficial properties
• Eye drops with taurine
• Energy drinks with taurine
• Indications for use
• Instructions and daily dosage
• Analogs
• Contraindications and side effects
• Taurine from Now Foods
• Reviews
• Most Popular Taurine Supplements
• Table of applicability of drugs with Taurine

There are some downsides to the positive picture. Energy drinks with taurine are popular among young people, but have a bad reputation. All this and many other characteristics of taurine will be discussed in this article.

Daily value of taurine for humans

Acid is necessary for the body to function properly.
First of all, taurine has powerful antioxidant properties and lowers blood sugar levels, which is important for diabetics. Normalizes the functioning of the cardiovascular system, reduces blood pressure, preventing atherosclerosis. This substance is very important for vision, since it participates in the formation of the retina and its restoration in case of injury, and improves metabolic processes in the eye tissues. Taurine nourishes the brain and nervous system and helps cope with stressful situations. In addition, it has an anticonvulsant effect. It is also important for athletes, as it participates in the formation of muscles.

A lack of taurine negatively affects human health and manifests itself quite quickly. There are classic signs of deficiency of this substance: • decreased visual acuity; • loss of body weight; • depression; • decreased immunity; • diseases of the gastrointestinal tract; • deterioration of hair condition.

Applications of Taurine

The prescription of a tablet drug containing the active component - the amino acid taurine - should only be carried out by a specialized doctor after a preliminary examination of the patient. The dosage, procedure for use and duration of taking the medication are determined individually depending on the type of disease or any other pathological process, the elimination of which requires regular use of taurine.

For children under 18 years old

Formula-fed newborns receive taurine throughout the day while consuming formula. For children under 18 years of age, the average daily requirement for this amino acid is from 50 to 100 mg.

The benefits and harms of taurine
The indicated dosage is distributed into 2-3 doses over 20 minutes. before the meal. The minimum duration of the therapeutic course is 30 days. In addition, the child’s diet is saturated with foods rich in this amino acid.

To avoid overdose, the child must drink a sufficient amount of fluid (at least 1.5-2 liters per day, depending on the age and body weight of the baby). Taurine is highly soluble in water. If an excess amount of amino acid enters the child’s body, it will be quickly dissolved by water and excreted from the body along with urine.

For adults

An adult’s body, no less than a child’s, needs a sufficient supply of taurine. Men and women who are recommended to take this amino acid should drink 250 mg of taurine daily in the morning and evening. The substance is taken within 20-30 minutes. before the meal.

If the goal is to prevent the development of diseases of the cardiovascular, nervous and endocrine systems, and not to engage in systemic treatment of existing pathologies, then the indicated dosage can be reduced by 2 times. For adults suffering from diabetes, it is recommended to take 500 mg of taurine 2 times a day.

This dosage will not only saturate the body with the necessary amount of neurotransmitter acid, but will also help reduce the concentration of glucose in the blood and prevent damage to blood vessels, the organ of vision, kidneys and heart by sugar crystals. In this case, the order of taking taurine should be prescribed by an endocrinologist.

For pregnant

Most medications that contain taurine as the main active substance are prescribed to pregnant women only when absolutely necessary. This is due to the fact that clinical trials of the effects of medications on the body of the expectant mother and the developing fetus have not been conducted.

Prescribing amino acids to pregnant women is possible, but only under the personal responsibility of the attending physician. The patient must be in a hospital maternity or gynecological department. The average dosage ranges from 80-100 mg of taurine 2 times a day. Takes 20 minutes. before meals.

It is believed that the indicated dosage is safe for the child’s body developing in the womb. The drug should be taken only from the 3rd trimester of pregnancy if the benefits of the amino acid are greater than the potential harm. In the 1st and 2nd trimester, taking medications with taurine is excluded, since during this period the fetus is actively developing.

For the elderly

Elderly people take taurine-based drugs in the same order as all other adult patients. Chronic diseases of the kidneys, liver, heart muscle or blood vessels may limit the dosage. In this case, taking taurine can be prescribed not in a dosage of 250 mg, but 125 mg 2 times a day for 30 days.

At the same time, patients with chronic diseases of internal organs must visit their doctor every 10 days, be examined and take tests. This is necessary to exclude the possibility of a sudden deterioration in health, complications of current diseases of internal organs, as well as the negative impact of the side effects of excess taurine in the body.

Contraindications and side effects

The substance should be used very carefully. You should first obtain a doctor's permission to use amino acid supplements. Since the effects of taking taurine are not fully known, it is not recommended today:

• use the substance by pregnant women or young mothers during lactation;
• mix taurine with alcohol;
• purchase supplements that do not meet quality requirements.

Attention! Today, there are different programs for treatment with taurine, therefore, it is worth familiarizing yourself with such proposals first, and not starting to take the amino acid on your own and thoughtlessly.

Taurine from Now Foods

Now Foods Taurine is the most popular supplement on iHerb. The history of the Now Foods brand dates back to 1968 in Illinois, USA, we have a whole article on this topic. The company produces high-quality and affordable supplements. This may be why taurine from Now foods is the best selling product on iHerb. .

What medications contain Taurine?

A lack of acid has a negative effect on the body, so its deficiency must be replenished. This can be done by including amino acid-rich foods in your diet, as well as taking dietary supplements containing it. The foods that contain the most taurine are of animal origin. Its highest concentration is found in seafood, eggs, meat and milk. The taurine content in foods of plant origin is almost minimal.

To compensate for the deficiency, you should know which foods contain taurine. The table shows a list of food products that contain this amino acid, from maximum to minimum content. Most of it is found in food in its raw form; heat treatment reduces the concentration.

Significantly more taurine is found in energy drinks than in food. They contain up to 1000 mg of this amino acid. In addition to taurine, energy drinks contain caffeine, carnitine, ginseng, guarana, B vitamins, and melatonin. Caffeine increases brain activity. Carnitine speeds up metabolism and increases endurance.

Vitamin B is important for the functioning of the nervous system. Guarana and ginseng have a tonic effect. Energy drinks with taurine are important for people actively involved in sports. It enriches cells with oxygen, increases the body's endurance, has a strengthening effect on muscles, and helps build muscle mass.

Taurine deficiency can be easily corrected by knowing which foods contain it. You can use special dietary supplements and energy drinks for these purposes. However, it is not recommended to abuse them and use them constantly. Before using such drugs, you should consult a specialist.

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17.04.2019 / 19:34

Taurine acts as an active component of medications that restore the normal functioning of the heart muscle, blood vessels, liver, brain, gallbladder and gastrointestinal tract. The table below lists medications containing the substance taurine, as well as their detailed description and pharmacological properties.

The above taurine-based drugs can be used as a medicine during the treatment and rehabilitation of people with alcohol or drug addiction. Taurine-based drops are indicated for use as a restorative agent in the treatment of all diseases of the organ of vision.

Energy drinks with taurine

Many years of studying “energy drinks” with taurine have led to the discovery of a negative effect of such compounds on the human brain. The substance also has a negative effect on certain areas of the central nervous system.

The problem is that energy cocktails often contain a large dose of caffeine and sugar, which can lead to tachycardia, increased blood pressure and poor health. The daily intake of taurine should not exceed 500 mg, while one can of the drink already contains 1000 mg. substances.

What are the benefits of taurine?

In Russia and the CIS countries, taurine is promoted mainly in the form of Taufon eye drops, as well as in tablets as an adjuvant for diabetes. Indeed, taurine is useful for diabetics and people with eye diseases. However, it helps even better against heart problems. Taurine does the same thing as diuretic medications, but without the harmful side effects.

Try taurine instead of "chemical" diuretics, having received your doctor's consent. What other supplements help against cardiovascular diseases:

• magnesium B6 is the main mineral for the heart, normalizes heart rhythm;
• coenzyme Q10 - heart rejuvenation;
• L-carnitine - quickly gives vigor and improves well-being;
• fish oil - Omega 3 fatty acids, against the formation of blood clots in blood vessels.

Read more:

• Magnesium B6
• Coenzyme Q10
• L-carnitine
• Fish fat

In the human body, there is a high concentration of this substance in the brain, heart muscle, retina and platelets. Taking taurine supplements helps treat diseases in these tissues. In 2009, an article appeared that the high consumption of this amino acid by the Japanese is one of the reasons for their enviable longevity, along with other factors. Researchers have established a pattern in other countries: the higher the per capita consumption of this substance, the lower the mortality rate.

Benefits for humans

How does taurine affect the body? A number of processes occur with his participation: ()

• Stabilization of electrolyte balance in cells;
• Formation of bile - the basis of digestion;
• Harmony in the work of the heart muscle;
• Supports the functions of the nervous system and visual organs;
• Strengthening the immune system;
• Protects cells from free radicals without direct antioxidant effect.

So, our hero is represented on a large scale in the body and performs a large number of tasks. It is logical that it has many beneficial properties. Let's list them - both the most studied and the most proposed.

• Help with heart failure
• Reducing cholesterol and blood pressure
• Liver and bile duct support
• Stabilization of sugar levels
• Strengthening muscle function, accelerating their recovery after exercise, increasing endurance
• Accelerating fat utilization during exercise is a big plus for those losing weight
• Protection of the retina and hearing organs
• Slowing down Parkinson's disease

Taurine for the heart and blood vessels

These are the facts that are obvious today.

• Research directly points to a link between tissue amino acid saturation and mortality rates from cardiovascular disease.
• In Japan, l-taurine is included in treatment protocols for chronic heart failure.
• There is also a positive effect for hypertension, although not very bright. On average, the drug reduces blood pressure by 3-5 mm. Hg Art.
• Add to the beneficial effects other systemic effects: relaxes the walls of blood vessels, affects the conductivity of the pulse for the heartbeat and stimulates the removal of excess fluid.

As a diuretic

The purpose of the treatment in this case is to get rid of swelling. Taurine helps potassium and magnesium stay inside cells. Therefore, sodium from the intercellular space cannot penetrate into cells with a potentially harmful excess.

Official diuretics work in the same way. But diuretics interfere with the functioning of the kidneys more crudely. And our hero harmonizes metabolism gently and naturally.

No self-medication without a doctor!

In the reviews of doctors who are inclined towards natural remedies, one can find the identity for taurine and dichlorothiazide. However, “replace chemistry with amino acids!” - a dangerous message. We ask you to take a sober approach to your health. If you have hypertension, you should be constantly monitored by a cardiologist or therapist.

For diabetes

Those with diabetes often have low levels of taurine in their blood. The compound was successfully tested in rats. Additional studies in human volunteers are expected.

Today it is believed that the drug improves tissue sensitivity to insulin and is indicated as an aid in the treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

The second hypothesis is also extremely promising. It is with diabetes that our hero can prolong life by protecting the heart and blood vessels. And also delay the patient’s disability associated with vision loss.

For the nervous system

Taurine is especially effective when combined with glycine. The purpose of the appointment may vary. Normalization of general functions during stress, relief of insomnia, comprehensive assistance with asthenia and overtraining.

In addition, the findings already outlined by scientists in Parkinson's disease have great potential. This is shaking palsy - no less risky and dangerous for people 65+ than the notorious Alzheimer's disease. They also suffer from Parkinson's disease at a young age.

What can an amino acid do?

• Stimulate brain cell growth
• Increase the lifespan of neurons.

We also note the frequent presence of the substance in the regimens of biomedical doctors. According to reviews in the West, it is considered one of the 5 most essential amino acids for autism, ADHD and developmental delays in children. Along with omega-3, GABA and B vitamins, it is often included in treatment protocols for these complex childhood diseases.

Taurine as an energy drink

Every supermarket has a corner with so-called “energy drinks”. For example, Red Bull is a popular brand. Our hero is often found in their composition - up to 2 grams per jar. Why?

The fact is that in terms of its effect on the nervous system, this sulfonic acid is close to the well-known neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid, English GABA). Like GABA, it reduces anxiety and improves mental clarity. Theoretically, the consumer of the energy drink should feel not only a surge of strength. In addition, he will retain the ability to concentrate in everyday stress.

Alas, the calming effect of the amino acid has been best studied in rats. Human volunteers are a thing of the future. Therefore, it cannot be guaranteed that an energy shake will always work as intended.

In addition, one cannot ignore the huge doses of sugar - the scourge of most energy drinks! And the fact that any stimulants deplete the nervous system. In the long term, they only make fatigue worse.

What to do for stable vigor?

Take it for granted: there is no alternative to healthy sleep. Want to improve your health, productivity and life? Sleep at night, at least from 23:00 and at least 7 hours in a row. Preferably - without waking up. This requires maximum darkness and silence, fresh air and thermal comfort.

In sports and weight loss

Here our hero was studied in every way, but also not enough for the proud conclusion of the highest evidence. The following effects are actively assumed and continually refuted:

• Improves stamina
• Increases running speed
• Helps recovery after workouts

All this applies to both professional athletes and fitness enthusiasts. This is why taurine for weight loss is a frequent topic on nutritionist blogs.

Our review is favorable. Drinking taurine while losing weight is often justified and reasonable. But not as a “fat burner”. This word is, in principle, a deception if you decide to lose weight seriously, without harm to your health.

But our hero is just right as a help.

Moreover, if the person losing weight already has a compromised gallbladder, has Gilbert's syndrome and other congenital weaknesses in digestion. Or there is no habit of physical exercise, but in the past there has been more than one attempt to quickly lose weight. It is also suitable for those who are very nervous during a diet, lose sleep and concentration, choose a menu low in animal proteins, or start going to the gym abruptly.

For eye health

Taufon drops with the main active ingredient taurine are widely known in Russia. Cataracts, retinal dystrophy, corneal injuries, prevention of diabetic retinopathy. All these are indications for the use of the drug.

There is scientific evidence, including from Western universities, about the positive effect of a combination of drops and capsules for cataracts and in diabetics. However, here too you need to consult a doctor - at the first suspicion of such a serious pathology.

Taurine deficiency shortens life

The hypothesis has been accepted in scientific circles and has been wandering around the blogs of nutritionists for several years. However, getting carried away with dietary supplements as a panacea is harmful. Only measure is the criterion of correct practice for health and longevity. ()

Large doses of the compound are nonsense and a dangerous solution. Yes, if the substance is low, the risk of heart failure increases with age. But on the other side of the scale is the important hypothesis about excess sulfonic acid.

Theoretically, when consumed in large quantities, it can activate Taurine-upregulated gene 1 (TUG1). This leads to active proliferation of cancer cells and worsens the prospects for oncology.

Composition of Taurine

Taurine (benefit and harm to humans lies in the chemical properties of the substance) is synthesized in the human body during the enzymatic oxidation of hypotaurine.

Taurine Formula

Chemical composition of taurine:

• cysteine;
• cysteine ​​dioxygenase;
• cysteine ​​sulfinic acid.

The final stage in the process of biochemical formation of taurine is the decarboxylation of cysteine ​​sulfinic acid into the substance hypotaurine, which, under the oxidative action of enzymes, is transformed into taurine. The process of amino acid formation itself occurs in the liver, and then becomes part of bile acids, acting as a surfactant for emulsifying fats in the intestinal cavity.

Where is taurine found?

Foods that are the main sources of taurine are meat, fish, and especially shellfish. This amino acid is also found in eggs and dairy products. Taurine is synthesized from the amino acids cysteine ​​and methionine, with the participation of vitamin E. The human body obtains these amino acids mainly from animal products. It is not surprising that vegetarians are often deficient in taurine, as well as vitamin B12 and other important substances.

Peoples who eat a lot of fish and seafood are distinguished by enviable longevity. This applies in particular to the Japanese. In 2009, an article “Taurine is a factor in Japanese longevity: proven through a global epidemiological study” appeared in an English-language journal on experimental biology. Its authors believe that the high consumption of taurine contained in shellfish is the reason for the long life of the Japanese. Omega 3 fatty acids are also important.

You can get 40-400 mg of taurine per day from food, depending on what is included in your diet. Perhaps this is enough for prevention, especially at a young age. But for the treatment of acute and chronic diseases, you need to take taurine in tablets, capsules or eye drops. Because it is physically impossible to eat enough taurine-rich foods to absorb it in therapeutic dosages.

Taurine (benefit and harm to humans depends on the chemical properties of the substance) is an amino acid that is not only synthesized in liver tissue, but is also present in products of animal origin. However, this substance is practically not found in plant foods. The table below shows foods that contain this beneficial amino acid, as well as its concentration.

Despite the fact that the highest concentration of taurine is found in poultry and animal meat, this amino acid is best absorbed by eating fish and seafood. For those who want to maintain a sufficient level of taurine in their body, it is recommended to eat mackerel, herring, shrimp, crabs, squid, and river fish at least 3 times a week.

Taurine: what is this substance?

This is an unusual amino acid, which, unlike many colleagues in the biochemical class, contains a sulfur atom. ()

It was first received back in 1827. The raw material was bull bile. Hence the name: the Latin word “taurus” means “bull”.

The compound is present in our body. There is especially a lot of it in the heart muscle, tissues of the nervous system, retina, and large intestine. In addition, it is the main component of bile.

Taurine is not classified as an essential amino acid. The body can either obtain it from food or synthesize it on its own. Synthesis occurs predominantly from the amino acid cysteine. However, in-house synthesis may not be sufficient. By the way, this often happens with such an ordinary condition as chronic stress.

Another scenario is possible when the body needs additional quantities of our hero. Sports, diet, chronic pathologies of the heart and nervous system - everywhere there is a risk of deficiency of a valuable amino acid. It's no surprise that there are many l-taurine supplements (the easily digestible modern form) available on the market. We tend to trust Western brands with a long history and solid reputation.

The biocompound is also included in Russian developments, for example, Cardioactive from Evalar. It is positioned as a means of supporting the heart in people of all ages. And even milk formulas for feeding children have long included this sulfonic acid.

A moment of humor!

In the West, a very popular story is that the drug is extracted from bovine urine. This refers to a play on words: tau (already mentioned taurus) + urine (urine). But of course this is not true. Nowadays, synthetic forms are obtained without the use of raw materials of animal origin.

Eye drops

Taufon is an eye drop that contains 4% taurine. Their indications for use are cataracts, glaucoma, degeneration of the cornea, macula and posterior pole, injuries of the eye and orbit. Doctors usually prescribe Taufon eye drops in courses, with breaks of several months. However, it is advisable to drip them continuously in order to maintain a consistently high concentration of taurine in the eye tissues.

Eye drops Taufon. Active ingredient: taurine 4%.

People try to arbitrarily use this remedy for discomfort and dry eyes and naturally get negative results. Because it is intended for long-term treatment, and not for quick relief of unpleasant symptoms. The instructions do not indicate any contraindications or side effects.

Indications for use

Numerous positive properties have determined the scope of use of the amino acid. Indications for use include the following:

• diabetes mellitus type 1 and 2;
• cataracts and other eye pathologies;
• slow metabolism;
• hypertensive disorders and prevention of atherosclerosis;
• restoration of liver functions.

On a note! Often, the amino acid is prescribed as part of complex therapy for the treatment of TBI. The substance accelerates the process of cell regeneration and promotes rapid recovery of an injured patient.

Effects of Taurine on the body

Taurine (the benefits and harms for humans lie in the biochemical properties of this amino acid) takes an active part in metabolic processes, improves tissue regeneration, stimulates the activity of brain cells, and prevents metabolic disorders. Taurine has the following properties and effects on the internal organs and systems of the human body.

Taurine is useful for the activity of all centers of the brain. This substance is a neurotransmitter amino acid that improves memory and stimulates the process of transformation of new cells in the limbic part of the organ. The greatest influence is exerted on the areas of the brain that are responsible for mood and control psycho-emotional reactions.

Taurine is a natural substance that acts as a preventative against heart failure and lowers blood pressure. Taurine improves general and local blood circulation, which prevents the formation of blood clots and congestion in the pelvic area, lower extremities, and stomachs of the brain.

Regular intake of even small doses of taurine into the body stimulates metabolic processes in the organ of vision and restores cell membranes. Eye drops based on taurine help cure even the most complex diseases in the field of ophthalmology, prevent corneal dystrophy, and also restore its integrity after mechanical herbs and surgical intervention.

Endocrine system

Taurine is useful for patients with diabetes, when the patient's part of the pancreas, which is responsible for the synthesis of insulin, is completely or partially not functioning. The amino acid helps reduce blood glucose levels, normalizes energy metabolism, protects the kidneys, blood vessels, and vision from complications of diabetes.

Reviews

Many patients try to read the reviews of other people before starting to take a particular medicine. As for comments about taurine, you can find a lot of positive reviews on the Internet. Basically, people note that the substance improves their well-being, reduces the general feeling of anxiety, and relieves mood swings. Some people who have taken taurine note that if they have low blood pressure, they should stop taking the drug. The benefits of taurine in eye drops are supported by thousands of positive reviews.

Most Popular Taurine Supplements

Now Foods, Taurine, Double Strength, 1000 mg, 100 Veggie Capsules - iHerb 2669 Reviews Price: $7.8

Solgar, Blueberry Complex, Ginkgo for Vision Plus Lutein, 60 Veggie Capsules - iHerb Reviews: 2089 Price: $17.99 Economy Shipping!!!

Jarrow Formulas, Taurine, 1000 mg, 100 capsules - iHerb Reviews: 1273 Price: $7.81 Economy shipping!!!

Source Naturals, Taurine, 1000 mg, 240 capsules - iHerb Reviews: 553 Price: $16.34 Economy Shipping!!!

Now Foods, Clinical Strength Ocu Support, 90 Veggie Capsules - iHerb 421 Reviews Price: $18.01 Economy Shipping!!!

Solgar, Taurine, 500 mg, 250 Veggie Capsules - iHerb Reviews: 207 Price: $20.84 Economy Shipping!!!

Table of applicability of drugs with Taurine

• Chronic heart failure 2 gr. three times daily as prescribed by a doctor Taurine, an amino acid, helps increase the strength and efficiency of the heart muscle.
• Anemia in Iron Deficiency 1000 mg/day alone from iron supplementation In a double-blind study, taurine supplementation was found to improve the effectiveness of iron supplementation in young women with iron deficiency anemia.
• Cystic fibrosis (cystic fibrosis) 30 mg per kilogram of body weight per day Taurine is an amino acid, a component of bile acids, which are important for the proper digestion of fats. Taurine supplements may help improve fat digestion.
• Pre- and post-operative support 1.5 g/day pre- and post-operative Taurine is an amino acid that appears to play an important role in immune cell function. The supplement may reduce the likelihood of postoperative complications.
• Cardiomyopathy As recommended by a physician, Taurine has been found in preliminary studies to be beneficial for cardiomyopathy.
• Epilepsy As recommended by a doctor, taurine, an amino acid thought to play a role in the electrical activity of the brain, may temporarily reduce epileptic seizures in some people.
• Hypertension As recommended by a doctor Studies have shown that taurine supplementation lowers blood pressure in people, possibly by reducing levels of the hormone epinephrine (adrenaline).
• Diabetes Type 1 As recommended by a doctor People with type 1 diabetes tend to have low levels of taurine, which in turn increases the risk of heart disease.
• Diabetes Type 2 As recommended by a physician, taurine supplementation may affect insulin secretion and may help protect the eyes and nerves from diabetic complications.

Background: green - scientifically proven, orange - insufficient evidence, White - no research done

Taurine for cats

Many people are interested in why manufacturers add taurine to cat food, what benefit or harm it might have. For humans, taurine is a conditionally essential amino acid. This means that the body knows how to produce it. Healthy people are unlikely to need to take taurine in tablets or capsules.

For cats, taurine is an essential amino acid. They can only get it through food. Taurine deficiency in cats weakens vision, eventually leading to blindness, and can also cause hair loss and dental caries. For this reason, cat food manufacturers add taurine to their products. The recommended taurine content is 0.1% in dry food and 0.2% in wet food.

Where did it all start?

People began to look closely at taurine in the early 2000s . At this time, 18-year-old teenager Ross Cooney died in Dublin after drinking 3 cans of energy drink shortly before a basketball match. A year later (pruflink), a similar story happened in Sweden with three more people. Two mixed energy drinks with alcohol before they died, and the third drank several cans after a hard workout.

The series of deaths caused a stir, and the news leaked to the press. Taurine, which at that time was poorly researched, came under suspicion.

It wasn't just the press that was confused by the lack of research. Already at the time of the deaths, one of Red Bull's energy drinks was banned for sale in a number of countries. In France, Denmark and Norway, the drink was sold in pharmacies for a long time and was not put on public sale.

The situation cast a shadow over taurine for a long time, until in 2008 France lifted the ban on the sale of Red Bull, without finding evidence of the dangers of the additive. Several studies that happened at that time did not find them either. Taurine was soon rehabilitated, and in 2014 Red Bull began to be sold in all 28 countries of the European Union. Today, taurine is even available in tablets, since most studies have found it beneficial.

Contraindications to taking Taurine

Taurine (benefit and harm to humans consists of the properties of the amino acid that it has on the body) - this substance is the end product of biochemical synthesis. Its deficiency leads to decreased functionality of the liver, gastrointestinal tract, gall bladder, and central nervous system. The development of chronic diseases, the development of which is caused by amino acid deficiency, cannot be ruled out.

At the same time, taurine is contraindicated for people who suffer from the following pathological conditions of internal organs:

• chronic or acute renal failure;
• cirrhosis of the liver or other diseases associated with the gradual breakdown of organ tissue;
• gallbladder necrosis;
• ulcerative lesion of the stomach with signs of internal bleeding, perforation, or in remission with obvious signs of scarring;
• intestinal obstruction;
• thrombophlebitis;
• varicose veins of the lower extremities with the presence of blood clots (taurine promotes dilation of blood vessels, which can lead to the detachment of a blood clot, its migration through the circulatory system with further blocking of the heart valves);
• duodenal ulcer;
• inflammatory diseases of the kidneys, or other pathologies that disrupt the excretory and filtration function of the organ.

The combination of alcohol and this amino acid leads to excessive overexcitation of the central nervous system and the occurrence of atypical psycho-emotional reactions. Ultimately, this leads to exhaustion of the nervous system, depression, and the development of obsessive states. The combination of caffeine and taurine affects the human body in a similar way.

Taurine itself does not cause harm, since its excess is eliminated from the body quite quickly. Due to the fact that taurine is a highly active substance with ambiguous effects, consultation with a specialist is necessary before use. This is done in order to avoid exacerbation of existing diseases.

Contraindications:

• Pregnancy, breastfeeding. Taking taurine at this time can lead to the development of fetal pathologies.
• Increased acidity of gastric juice in peptic ulcer disease.
• Liver diseases and gallstones
• Heart failure
• Low pressure
• Concomitant use with alcohol
• Children and teenagers up to 18 years of age

How to take and doses

Most human studies used doses ranging from 500 to 2,000 mg per day.

• Let us repeat: a threshold of 3000 mg per day is considered harmless.
• A healthy person needs 400 mg of the substance per day.

The supplement is available in both powder and capsule form.

There are different opinions on the dosage regimen.

• Many nutritionists believe that it is better to take the capsule with meals, with meat or fish.
• Some, on the contrary, emphasize taking it on an empty stomach - as for other amino acids. The same recommendation is often present in the instructions for taurine from manufacturers with iherb.

Pay attention to the recommendations for who and how much to take l-taurine to avoid side effects. ()

• A healthy person with an omnivorous diet should take a course of 500 mg daily.
• For a person who is already ill, a course dose of 1000-1500 mg daily, divided into 2-3 doses.

First of all, these are patients with heart failure and hypertension, Parkinson's disease, diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome. As well as people with excess body weight and diseases of the liver and biliary tract.

conclusions

After reading the article, you learned for which diseases it is useful to take taurine. This amino acid is known as a cure for visual impairment and diabetes. Now you know that it also helps against cardiovascular diseases. Taurine keeps potassium and magnesium inside cells, preventing excess sodium from entering them. “Chemical” diuretic drugs do the same thing. But the natural amino acid does not have harmful side effects, unlike them.

Taurine is one of the most underrated supplements. Many times fewer people take it than they should. This is a safe, effective and affordable remedy that helps against various diseases and prolongs life. Popular medications containing taurine are Taufon eye drops and Dibikor tablets.

Manufacturers of Dibikor should promote their drug not only as a remedy for diabetes, but also among therapists and cardiologists. The therapeutic dose of taurine is from 1 g per day, and most often you need 2-4 g per day. By ordering quality supplements from the USA, you will receive this dose at a price much lower than the cost of pharmacy tablets.

What is taurine?

Before finding out how useful a product is, you need to understand what kind of substance it is and what abilities it has. Taurine is a sulfur-containing amino acid. In mammals, the product is present in almost all tissues, but especially large amounts are present in the heart, brain tissue, and retina. It is this substance that plays a decisive role in the performance of the protective function in each cell.

Attention! Taurine is an osmolyte. This means that the substance controls the flow and removal of water from cells and does not allow them to change sizes too much.

Overdose

If the dosage of a drug containing taurine is not observed, excessive use of this substance can lead to pathological symptoms.

Signs of a neurotransmitter acid overdose are as follows:

• nausea, vomiting, which occurs both on a full and empty stomach (if a person vomits on an empty stomach, then bile may be released);
• loss of appetite, aversion to meat, fatty, fried foods, which goes away as the amino acid is removed from the body;
• an allergic reaction, which is manifested by the appearance of red spots, rashes, hives, covering certain areas or the entire surface of the body;
• overexcitation of the nervous system, hysterical laughter or sudden despondency, depression, absent-mindedness and inability to concentrate on one subject;
• rapid breathing, periodic attacks of arrhythmia;
• spasmodic pain in the central part of the abdominal cavity, where the intestines and stomach are located;
• a disorder of the digestive function, which can be expressed in the form of constipation, or in the form of prolonged diarrhea;
• a sharp drop in blood pressure to 90 to 60 tonometer units and below;
• dizziness, pain in the temporal, frontal or occipital part of the head;
• physical weakness, drowsiness, loss of strength.

An overdose of taurine entails the appearance of typical symptoms of intoxication of the body. It is possible to prevent further deterioration of well-being and quickly remove excess amino acids from the blood, but this will require taking immediate first aid measures.

They consist of performing the following actions:

1. Give the patient 2 tbsp. l. sorbent drug Enterosgel or dissolve 1 sachet of Smecta, Atoxil powder.
2. After taking a drug that partially eliminates the effect of intoxication, the patient must be put to bed.
3. A patient poisoned with taurine takes a position on his side, with one arm under his head (this is necessary so that in the event of an attack of nausea, vomit does not enter the respiratory tract).
4. Call emergency medical assistance.

Before the ambulance arrives, the patient should be given as much fluid as possible to drink to ensure the natural removal of taurine from the body. Upon arrival, doctors should inform them about what medications the patient took, when he was given sorbents and in what quantity.

Side effects

Taking medications containing taurine can cause the development of side effects.

In medical practice, their occurrence is rare, but can still manifest itself as follows:

• nausea, stool upset, vomiting;
• dizziness;
• complete or partial loss of appetite;
• unstable psycho-emotional state, expressed in nervous breakdowns, hysteria, depression;
• an allergic reaction to taurine, if a person has an individual intolerance to this substance;
• pain and heaviness from the right hypochondrium, which is caused by disruption of the liver or gallbladder tissue;
• drowsiness, drop in blood pressure and blood sugar.

If you follow the instructions of the drug and the doctor's recommendations, the likelihood of developing side effects is minimal. If they do occur, then you need to stop taking the amino acid and seek advice from your doctor.