Is Taurine a Stimulant or Depressant?

Taurine is naturally present in the brain, eyes, heart, and muscles. Important functions of taurine include:

• Maintaining proper hydration and electrolyte balance in your cells
• Forming bile salts, which play an important role in digestion
• Regulating minerals such as calcium within your cells
• Supporting the general central nervous system function and eye function
• Regulating immune system health and antioxidant function

Taurine deficiency is very unlikely, as it is available in many foods and naturally produced by the body.

Foods naturally high in taurine include animal products such as seafood, meat, and dairy. 

Plants do not contain a significant amount of taurine. Therefore, people who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet are more likely to have lower levels of taurine.

Taurine deficiency is unlikely, however, due to the body's ability to produce taurine in the liver using various amino acids.

A typical American diet contains 123-178 mg of taurine a day, and a lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet that includes dairy products and eggs contains about 17 mg of taurine a day.

Taurine is also found in energy drinks, which usually contain approximately 750 mg per 8-ounce (237 mL) serving. The type of taurine used in energy drinks and supplements is artificial and not derived from animals, making them suitable for people who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet.

Taurine is required by the body to perform essential body functions. Your body may require higher amounts during times of illness or stress. Situations that can lead to taurine deficiency include:

• Kidney or heart failure
• Premature infants who are fed intravenously

These people may have to obtain taurine through supplements or food sources.

In animal studies, taurine deficiency has been found to cause the following:

• Eye damage
• Chronic liver diseases
• Muscle weakening
• Increased risk of type II diabetes

Taurine deficiency is rare, however, and the effects are not fully understood.

Since taurine deficiency is rare, taking taurine supplements is generally not recommended. However, your physician may prescribe taurine supplements to treat the following conditions:

• Congestive heart failure
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Cystic fibrosis

People who wish to boost their exercise performance may consider taking taurine supplements instead of consuming energy drinks. 

Always consult your physician before taking any type of supplement.