11 Facts About Taurine

Taurine, or 2-aminoethanesulfonic acid, is an organic compound that is widely distributed in animal tissues.

Taurine is produced by the transsulfuration pathway, which converts homocysteine into cystathionine.

Taurine levels were found to be significantly lower in vegans than in a control group on a standard American diet.

Taurine is present in breast milk, and has been added to many infant formulas, as a measure of prudence, since the early 1980s.

Taurine is essential for cardiovascular function and development and function of skeletal muscle, the retina, and the central nervous system.

Taurine reacts with these halogenating agents to form N-chloro- and N-bromotaurine, which are less toxic than their precursors hypohalides.

Taurine has been shown to reduce the secretion of apolipoprotein B100 and lipids in HepG2 cells.

Taurine-treated diabetic rats had a decrease in the formation of advanced glycation end products and AGEs content.

Taurine is effective in removing fatty liver deposits in rats, preventing liver disease, and reducing cirrhosis in tested animals.

Taurine is a requirement of the Association of American Feed Control Officials and any dry or wet food product labeled approved by the AAFCO should have a minimum of 0.

Taurine has been used in some cryopreservation mixes for animal artificial insemination.