-IBIS-1.7.0-
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amino acid
taurine
Nutrition
definition
Taurine:
» metabolism:
Taurine is one of the sulfur containing amino acids along with cystine, cysteine and methionine. It is a nonessential amino acid. Preterm infants and term infants have very small amounts of taurine and need to get their taurine from breast milk or formula. As infants mature, they quickly gain the ability to synthesize their own taurine. Under certain conditionssuch as hypertension, heart disease, and seizure disordersthe taurine requirement goes up considerably. Taurine tends to be well absorbed and tissue levels can go up rapidly after oral administration.
» function:
Taurine modulates the production and activity of cAMP. It is intimately involved with the contractility of the heart.
It may decrease cholesterol levels by increasing excretion through the action of taurocholate, a substance found in bile salts. It is involved in gall bladder function through the synthesis of this taurocholate. It concentrated in the eyes especially the retina.
Facilitates the passage of sodium, potassium and possibly calcium and magnesium through the cell membrane.
Needed for nervous system development.
Involved in calcium metabolism of the brain, may act as an inhibitory neurotransmitter.
» Chinese:
Clears Heat; dissolves Fire Toxins; clears the Liver; clears and eliminates Damp Heat from the Liver/Gallbladder; promotes lactation.
» requirements:
RDA: Taurine is a nonessential amino acid.
Average intake in the U.S.: 40-400 mg per day
» food sources:
Taurine is concentrated in animal and fish protein. Organ meats, particularly brains, are very high in taurine.
Best Sources of Taurine
Food Amount mg
Cheese, cottage 1 cup 1700
Cheese 3 oz 1000
Granola 1 cup 650
Wild game 3 oz 600
Pork 3 oz 540
Oatmeal flakes 1 cup 500
Milk, whole 1 cup 400
Chocolate 1 cup 400
Yogurt 1 cup 400
Meat, luncheon 1 cup 390
Wheat germ, toasted 1/4 cup 350
Egg 1 med 350
Turkey 3 oz 240
Duck 3 oz 240
Chicken 3 oz 185
Sausage 3 oz 185
Avocado 1/2 med 75
(USDA: Composition of Foods. USDA Handbook #8 Washington DC, ARS, USDA, 1976-1986)
» deficiency:
In animals, like cats, who dont synthesize much taurine, a deficiency can cause blindness. Inborn errors in taurine metabolism, in which there are decreased levels of taurine, result in depression, fatigue, insomnia, weight loss, and vision disturbances. In another inborn error in metabolism, there are decreased levels in the heart muscle which result in mitral valve prolapse, and rapidly progressing cardiomyopathy. Taurine may be deficient in preterm infants. It is especially important in seizure disorders in newborns.
» therapeutics:
Cardiovascular disease: cardiomyopathy, congestive heart failure, ischemic heart disease, postmyocardial infarct. Taurine has been found to be particularly concentrated in the heart with its levels exceeding the combined total of all other amino acids. During active stress the levels of taurine go up in the heart. Levels go down after an MI or ischemic attack. In Japan Taurine is widely used to treat various types of heart disease.
Congestive heart disease, arrhythmias: may require IV administration for certain types of arrythmias.
Cystic fibrosis
Diabetes mellitus: Low serum taurine has been found in diabetics. It may help with the release of insulin from the pancreas.
Hepatitis: Acute hepatitis
Macular degeneration: Taurine has been found in very high concentrations in the eyes. It is the most abundant amino acid in the retina. People suffering from the condition, retinitis pigmentosa, have been found to have abnormally low levels of taurine. Taurine may have a protective effect on the delicate tissues of the retina. When animals have been put on a taurine deficient diet, they suffer blindness that is reversible upon taurine supplementation.
Nursing mothers
Seizure disorders: Serum levels may actually be elevated in certain seizure disorders.
» dosage:
Therapeutic range: 1.5-3 g per day.
» toxicity:
Aspirin: May cause stomach ulcers in susceptible individuals. Taurine should not be given to people who are taking aspirin.
» contraindications:
Never take with aspirin
Stomach ulcers
» interactions:
Never take with aspirin
footnotes
Braverman and Pfeiffer, pp. 120-136.
Marz, Russell. Medical Nutrition From Marz. Second Edition. Portland, OR. 1997
USDA: Composition of Foods. USDA Handbook #8 Washington DC, ARS, USDA, 1976-1986