L-TAURINE #28

Taurine is one of the most abundant amino acids in the body.  It is found in the central nervous system, skeletal muscle and is very concentrated within the brain and heart.  Taurine is synthesized from the amino acids methionine and cysteine, in conjunction with Vitamin B6.  Vegetarians with an unbalanced protein intake, and therefore deficient in methionine of cysteine may have difficulty-manufacturing taurine, since it is not found in vegetable protein.  Women are more apt to be deficient in taurine since the female hormone estradiol depresses the formation of taurine in the liver.

In Japan, taurine therapy is used in the treatment of ischemic heart disease.  Low taurine and magnesium levels have been found in patients after heart attacks.  Like magnesium, taurine affects cell membrane electrical excitability by normalizing potassium flow in and out of heart muscle cells.  Supplemental L-taurine may decrease the tendency to develop potentially lethal abnormal heart arrythmias after heart attacks, people with congestive heart failure have responded favourably with L-taurine with improved cardiac and respiratory function.  

Taurine also helps maintain the correct composition of bile, and in maintaining the solubility of cholesterol. It has been found to have an effect on blood sugar levels similar to insulin.  Diabetes increases the body's requirements for taurine; conversely, supplementation with L-taurine and L-cystine may decrease the need for insulin.   Taurine helps to stabilize cell membranes and seems to have some antioxidant and detoxifying activity.  It helps the movement of potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium in and out of cells, which helps generate nerve impulses.

Taurine is necessary for the chemical reactions that produce normal vision, and deficiencies are associated with retinal degeneration, thereby possibly reversing age related cataracts.  Other possible uses for L-taurine supplementation include eye disease, cirrhosis, depression, benefit to children with Down syndrome, some clinics use L-taurine for breast cancer treatment, male infertility due to low sperm motility and hypertension, and people with ulcers.  L-taurine is known to have a calming or depressant effect on the central nervous system, and may impair short term memory.