Taurine

The Benefits of Taurine Supplements

Taurine is sometimes prescribed to treat medical illnesses. Most commonly, taurine is used to treat congestive heart failure, high cholesterol, and liver disease.

Taurine supplements have also been prescribed to treat Cystic Fibrosis, and ADHD. For a list of the treatment uses of the supplement, check out the WebMD website.

Treatment of disease is not the only use of taurine. This supplement may improve your physical endurance because of its capability to function as an antioxidant.

Taurine helps to increase the rate at which oxygen is distributed to your body’s muscles. In turn, this allows greater energy to be exerted for greater lengths of time without physical fatigue hampering your efforts. This is one reason why taurine is often an ingredient in energy drinks.

Taurine’s antioxidant-like properties also function to assist the recovery process of muscles during, and after your workout. This benefit promotes muscular health, which serves to improve your body’s overall muscular endurance.

Though the supplement does not build muscle in the same way that protein does, its regenerative qualities will certainly make you feel stronger, and make exercises go smoother.  

Taurine is also said to improve mental performance. Though research on how supplemental taurine affects the body’s mental functions is ongoing, higher levels of the acid seem to correlate to better memory.

It has also been noted that maintaining a high level of taurine may improve your attention span and communicative comprehensions. The mental and physical effects of taurine are expanded on by Men’s Fitness Magazine.

Side Effects of Taking Taurine

Because the human body integrates taurine naturally, taking it as a supplement does not pose any considerable threat. It has been taken by men and women of all ages without any damaging side effects to record.

Taking great quantities of taurine may be dangerous if used in conjunction with anabolic steroids. If you take any medicinal or recreational steroids you should consult a physician about the safety of the combination.

Likewise, it is not recommended that you take a taurine supplement while taking lithium. Because taurine is a diuretic it may prevent your body from effectively disposing of lithium.

If this applies to you, there is good reason to check with a health professional before you begin taking taurine. Other medications may cause interactions as well. People with bipolar disorder should talk to a doctor before taking taurine.

Not a great deal is known about the consequences taking a taurine supplement may have on a pregnant or breastfeeding woman. If you fit these criteria, you should consult a doctor prior to using the supplement.

Before you consume a taurine supplement you should be aware that it may contain small amounts of other ingredients. You should read what is in the supplement before taking it, in case you have allergies that might be triggered by the secondary ingredients.

Taurine Consumption and Dosage

The amount of taurine you should consume depends largely on your reason for taking it. For instance, if you are taking the supplement for treatment of congestive heart failure, it is recommended you take two to six grams per day.

If you are treating hepatitis, you should take approximately 12 grams of taurine per day. As a rule, if you are taking taurine as a treatment you should always consult a medical practitioner regarding dosage.

Because taurine is generally not a dangerous supplement to take, it can be consumed safely in any moderate amount. Getting into double digits for grams per day should be your upper limit if you are taking a taurine supplement for general health improvement.

A taurine supplement typically comes as a powder, or capsule, although it can also be found in certain beverages such as Red Bull and other energy drinks.

Locate and compare different types of taurine supplements by using the Supplement Finder now!