What is taurine ?

Taurine is a type of chemical called an amino sulfonic acid. It occurs naturally in the body. The best food sources are meat, fish, and eggs. Taurine has important functions in the heart and brain. It helps support nerve growth. It might also benefit people with heart failure by lowering blood pressure and calming the nervous system. This might help prevent heart failure from becoming worse. People take taurine for congestive heart failure (CHF) and swelling of the liver (hepatitis). It is also used for obesity, athletic performance, fatigue, diabetes, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Don't confuse taurine with homotaurine. These are not the same.

What are the uses & effectiveness ?

Possibly Effective for Heart failure and fluid build up in the body (congestive heart failure or CHF). Taking taurine by mouth seems to improve heart function, reduce symptoms, and increase the ability to exercise in people with CHF. Swelling (inflammation) of the liver (hepatitis). Taking taurine by mouth might improve liver function in people with hepatitis. Possibly Ineffective for Obesity. Taking taurine by mouth doesn't seem to reduce body weight in people who are overweight or obese. There is interest in using taurine for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

What are the side effects?

Taurine is commonly consumed in foods. It is possibly safe when used as a medicine for up to 3 months.

What are the precautions and warnings?

Taurine is commonly consumed in foods. It is possibly safe when used as a medicine for up to 3 months. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Taurine is commonly consumed in foods. There isn't enough reliable information to know if taurine is safe to use as a medicine when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts. Children: Taurine is commonly consumed in foods. It is possibly safe when taken by mouth as medicine for up to 12 weeks.

What are the interactions?

Moderate InteractionBe cautious with this combination Lithium interacts with TAURINE Taurine might slow down how quickly lithium is flushed out of the body. This could increase levels of lithium that stay in the body. Your healthcare provider might need to lower your dose of lithium. Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs) interacts with TAURINE Taurine might lower blood pressure. Taking taurine along with medications that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low. Monitor your blood pressure closely.

What is the dosing?

Taurine is found in foods such as meat, seafood, and eggs. The typical Western diet includes 40-400 mg of taurine daily. It's also a common ingredient in energy drinks. As medicine, taurine has most often been used by adults in doses of 6 grams by mouth daily for up to one year. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.