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Taurine is an amino acid that is produced via L-cysteine
metabolism and is the primary intracellular amino acid found in
humans and other species of animals. Especially high concentrations
of taurine are found in the brain, retine, myocardium, muscle,
platelets, and neutrophils. It is considered a conditionally
essential amino acid because it is required in the diet of infants
for normal retinal and brain development.
Funny enough,
research on benefits of taurine for humans was not a priority until
it was found that it was an essential nutrient for cats. Cats
suffering from taurine deficiency experience a number of
abnormalities including retinal degeneration, dilated cardiomyopath,
and platelet function abnormalities. Following the discovery of the
effects of taurine deficiency in cats, it was also observed that
infants fed baby formula lacking proper amounts of taurine had lower
plasma levels than infants who were breast fed. Taurine is now a
common additive found in most infant formulas.
Taurine is
used to help absorb fats and fat-soluble vitamins as well as to
regulate the heart beat, maintain cell membrane stability, and
prevent brain cell over-activity. It is also believed to be useful
in protecting against congestive heart failure.
Taurine
possesses antioxidant activity and offers putative
hypocholesterolemic, hypotensive, antiatherogenic, and detoxifying
activities. Some researchers report that taurine may offer
assistance to those with cystic fibrosis as it exhibits
steatorrhea-reducing activity and has putative antidiabetic,
inotropic, and antiseizure activities. In fact, some clinical trials
have shown that cystic fibrosis patients receiving taurine
supplements experience a decrease in steatorrhea. It is believed
that taurine stimulates the production of bile acid resulting in
increased fat absorption which leads to decreased
steatorrhea.
Dosage
For use in
connection with a variety of conditions, physicians usually
recommend 1.5 grams to as much as 6 grams per
day.
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