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Uses for Taurine

Taurine is a conditionally essential amino acid used to treat congestive heart failure, anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, epilepsy and enhance brain function. It is also used to treat high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. It is the main component in bile which is necessary for the body to digest fats, absorb fat soluble vitamins and stabilize cholesterol levels. It helps balance potassium, calcium and sodium levels. Along with zinc, taurine is also important for good vision and eye health.

  1. Congestive Heart Failure

    • One of the effects of congestive heart failure is a swelling in the tissues due to a build-up of too much fluid. This puts a strain on the heart and can speed up the process of congestive heart failure. Taurine acts as a type of diuretic and flushes excess fluids from the body. It also slows the effects of angiotensin, which can cause a constriction in the blood vessels.

    Anxiety

    • By producing an anxiolytic effect, taurine can reduce anxiety symptoms, as it 'sedates' the central nervous system. Anxiolytic drugs are often used for the treatment anxiety symptoms.

    Attention Deficit Disorder

    • Although classed as a conditionally essential amino acid in adults, taurine is an essential amino acid for children. Taurine deficiencies have been found in children with ADHD. It acts as a neurotransmitter along with serotonin and has been successfully used to treat the symptoms of ADHD in some children.

    Epilepsy

    • Similar to ADHD, studies have shown those suffering from epilepsy have significantly lower levels of taurine in their blood platelets. Studies have shown daily oral doses of taurine to be effective in decreasing seizures in over 30 percent of epilepsy cases. Those with partial epilepsy gained the most.

    High Blood Pressure

    • Taurine has been successfully used to treat high blood pressure by stabilizing excessive fluids, which in turn, brings blood pressure back to normal levels. Taurine also depresses the sympathetic nervous system which helps relieve arterial spasms. Blood pressure lowers when the blood vessels are relaxed.

    Vision and Eye Health

    • High concentrations of taurine are found in the eyes and in particular, the retina. It maintains normal retina structure and function. Deficiencies of taurine have been linked to the eye disease retinitis pigmentosa and can lead to the photoreceptor cells degenerating. Normal taurine levels are essential for good night vision, help protect cell membranes from oxidation and remove toxic substances.

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