Taurine, also known as 2-aminoethanesulfonic acid[1] or β-aminoethanesulfonic acid, is a sulfur-containing non-protein amino acid[2] first isolated from ox gallstones. It has a sulfonic acid structure with an amino group and is also a type of vitamin. Therefore, taurine plays a significant role in human nutrition and feed nutrition.
Firstly, we understand that taurine, a food additive, is often added to energy drinks, dietary supplements, infant formula, and other functional foods. Its function is to support heart, brain, and vision health, help combat fatigue, improve athletic performance, regulate nerve function, and provide antioxidant benefits.
So, if people lack taurine in their daily food intake or animal feed, it will cause certain harm to their bodies. This article will focus on the effects of taurine deficiency in humans and animals from the following perspectives.
Growth and Development
Studies have shown that taurine also participates in the regulation of brain nerve function as a neurotransmitter, strengthening the transmission of nerve activity, thereby enhancing memory function. Taurine can improve both the speed and accuracy of a child's learning and memory. A deficiency in taurine during childhood can lead to slow development of the central nervous system and adverse consequences such as intellectual disability.
Taurine deficiency during pregnancy can cause low birth weight, growth retardation, retinal degeneration, and central nervous system dysfunction, and also increases the risk of cardiovascular disease in adulthood.
Perinatal taurine deficiency can cause intrauterine growth restriction in the fetus, leading to neurological damage. Both mother and fetus may also experience oxidative stress induced by diabetes.
Adequate taurine intake should be ensured during pregnancy and lactation to prevent postpartum infant developmental delays. Taurine supplementation is especially important for premature infants or infants who cannot be breastfed.
Visual Development
Taurine accounts for approximately 50% of the total amino acids in the retina and is an important nutrient factor for the development of photoreceptors. The role of taurine in visual development is closely related to vitamin A; a deficiency can cause photoreceptor degeneration and inhibit light conduction.
For cats, taurine supplementation helps them hunt at night. Although humans cannot see in the dark, their retina also contains a large amount of taurine. Children's vision is still developing, so their need for taurine is even more urgent. If the supply is insufficient, retinal function will inevitably be affected to varying degrees.
Neurodevelopment
Studies have confirmed that taurine is one of the most abundant free amino acids in the human brain, widely distributed and playing a crucial role in the growth, development, cell proliferation, and differentiation of the nervous system. For example, taurine can significantly promote the formation of synapses between nerve cells, nerve cell proliferation, and significantly increase the protein content of nerve cells.
Heart and Cardiovascular System
Taurine is abundant in the myocardium, accounting for about 50% of total free amino acids. Taurine's protective effects on the cardiovascular system are mainly manifested in protecting ischemic and hypoxic myocardium, strengthening left ventricular function, increasing myocardial contractility, lowering blood cholesterol levels, increasing high-density lipoprotein levels, and preventing atherosclerosis.
Insufficient taurine intake during dietary consumption can increase many health risks. The heart does not receive adequate support, affecting myocardial function and potentially leading to cardiovascular disease.
Liver and Gallbladder Function
The human body obtains taurine through two pathways: one is its own synthesis, which takes place in the liver, and the other is intake from food. Under normal circumstances, adults with normal liver function can basically ensure self-sufficiency in taurine and will not be deficient. Taurine deficiency can impair cholesterol metabolism, potentially leading to gallstones, inflammation, and fatty liver.
It can also trigger various diseases
When taurine is sufficient, it can alleviate fatigue and prevent diseases such as iron-deficiency anemia, arrhythmia, high blood sugar, cataracts, inflammation, frostbite, and pain.
If taurine is deficient and other nutrients are not replenished in time, the aforementioned problems may occur.
Conclusion
In summary, taurine plays an important role in human nutrition, and timely supplementation is beneficial to health. However, any healthy food additive should not be consumed in excess, as this can exceed the body's capacity and create a metabolic burden. Therefore, if any symptoms appear, timely medical examination is recommended. Consult a doctor or nutritionist for professional and reasonable intake advice based on your individual health condition. Polifar is always at the forefront, providing customers with the highest quality taurine food additive!