Taurine
An abundant amino acid in the brain that acts as a major inhibitory neuromodulator, antioxidant, and osmolyte (cell volume regulator). Despite its association with energy drinks, taurine is actually calming — it modulates GABA receptors and reduces neural excitability. Recent research has shown taurine supplementation reverses aging markers in multiple organ systems including the brain.
Dosage
Standard: 500-2000 mg daily. Anti-aging research (animal-equivalent): 1000-3000 mg daily. Can be taken at any time of day.
Dosages shown are for research reference only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
Half-Life
1-2 hours (plasma), but brain levels persist longer
Administration
Oral (capsules, powder, present in energy drinks at subtherapeutic doses).
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Mechanism of Action
Taurine activates GABA-A receptors (particularly extrasynaptic δ-containing subtypes) and glycine receptors (GlyR) as a partial agonist, providing inhibitory modulation that reduces neural excitability and hyperexcitability. It acts as a powerful antioxidant, scavenging hypochlorous acid, hydroxyl radicals, and peroxynitrite in mitochondria and cytosol. Taurine regulates calcium homeostasis via modulation of ryanodine receptors and IP3 receptors, preventing excitotoxic calcium overload. It modulates osmotic balance through the taurine transporter (TauT/SLC6A6) to protect cells from swelling under stress. Taurine may enhance mitochondrial function and biogenesis. Recent research shows it maintains telomere length, reduces cellular senescence markers (p16, p21), and modulates the mTOR pathway.
Regulatory Status
Dietary supplement worldwide. GRAS ingredient. No prescription required.
Risks & Safety
Common
Very few — taurine has an excellent safety profile. Mild digestive discomfort at very high doses.
Serious
None documented at standard supplemental doses. Safe up to 6000 mg daily in studies.
Rare
Drowsiness, lowered blood pressure.
Compare Taurine With
Research Papers
10Published: July 25, 2022
AI Summary
The underlying molecular mechanism also suggested that taurine can be a potential clinical application in tumor therapy. In addition, with the in-depth study of different biological functions of taurine, we found that many systemic diseases are associated with taurine.
Published: August 12, 2021
AI Summary
Taurine is a naturally occurring sulfur-containing amino acid that is found abundantly in excitatory tissues, such as the heart, brain, retina and skeletal muscles. We will also describe several reported studies on the current use of taurine supplementation in several mitochondria-associated pathologies in humans.
Published: March 27, 2024
AI Summary
Taurine (2-aminoethanesulfonic acid) is a free amino acid found ubiquitously and abundantly in mammalian tissues. Notably, it has recently been reported that taurine declines with age and is associated with lifespan in worms and mice, as well as healthspan in mice and monkeys.
Published: December 31, 1991
AI Summary
Abstract too short to summarize.
Published: June 8, 2023
AI Summary
Reversing age-associated taurine loss improves mouse longevity and monkey health.
Published: August 30, 2019
AI Summary
Conversely, dietary supplementation of taurine results in significant health benefits acting through the same organ systems. Suggesting a highly regulated mechanism for maintaining taurine homeostasis and organ systems function.
Published: August 6, 2019
AI Summary
There is evidence that taurine counteracts lipid peroxidation and increases cellular antioxidant defense in response to inflammation. In activated neutrophils, taurine reacts with hypochloric acid to form taurine chloramine, which triggers the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1-nuclear factor E2-related factor 1 (Keap1-Nrf2) pathway.
Published: December 18, 2022
AI Summary
Several studies showed that taurine relaxed various animal arteries through opening potassium channels. We have recently shown that taurine relaxes human internal mammary and radial arteries by opening large conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels.
Published: December 27, 2018
AI Summary
Functions of taurine include osmoregulation; membrane stabilization; modulation of calcium levels; and antioxidation, antiapoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and antilipid activities. Taurine was first discovered as a component of ox (Bos taurus, from which its name is derived) bile in 1827; it had taken over a century before insights into its physiol...
Published: March 17, 2022
AI Summary
Obesity, type 2 diabetes, and their associated comorbidities impact brain metabolism and function and constitute risk factors for cognitive impairment. Given the possible cytoprotective actions of taurine, such cerebral accumulation of taurine might constitute a compensatory mechanism that attempts to prevent neurodegeneration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Taurine used for?
An abundant amino acid in the brain that acts as a major inhibitory neuromodulator, antioxidant, and osmolyte (cell volume regulator). Despite its association with energy drinks, taurine is actually calming — it modulates GABA receptors and reduces neural excitability. Recent research has shown taurine supplementation reverses aging markers in multiple organ systems including the brain.
What are the side effects of Taurine?
Common: Very few — taurine has an excellent safety profile. Mild digestive discomfort at very high doses. Serious: None documented at standard supplemental doses. Safe up to 6000 mg daily in studies. Rare: Drowsiness, lowered blood pressure.
How is Taurine administered?
Taurine is administered via oral (capsules, powder, present in energy drinks at subtherapeutic doses)..
What is the half-life of Taurine?
The half-life of Taurine is 1-2 hours (plasma), but brain levels persist longer.
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