From the Guidelines
Taurine should be included in amino acid solutions for infants and children to support their health and prevent potential deficiencies, although the optimal dosage remains to be determined. The use of taurine in healthcare is supported by its role in various physiological processes, including osmoregulation, antioxidant effects, and calcium signaling modulation 1. Taurine deficiency has been linked to increased risk of cholestasis, retina dysfunction, and other health issues, emphasizing the importance of adequate intake, particularly in vulnerable populations such as infants and children 1.
Key Applications of Taurine
- Cardiovascular health: Taurine helps regulate blood pressure, improve cardiac function, and reduce inflammation.
- Neurological function: Acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter, potentially managing conditions like epilepsy and anxiety.
- Metabolic processes: Shows promise for diabetes management by improving insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism.
- Eye health: Protects retinal cells and may slow macular degeneration.
Dosage and Administration
While typical supplemental dosages range from 500-3000mg daily, with most clinical benefits observed at 1000-2000mg daily, the optimal dosage for infants and children, particularly in the context of parenteral nutrition, requires further clarification 1. It is essential to consider the individual needs of patients, including their age, health status, and specific requirements for amino acid intake 1.
Safety and Tolerance
Taurine is generally well-tolerated with minimal side effects, but patients should consult healthcare providers before starting supplementation, especially those on medications or with existing health conditions 1. The potential for excess intake and its consequences also underscores the need for careful management and monitoring 1.
Evidence-Based Recommendations
The inclusion of taurine in amino acid solutions for infants and children is supported by guidelines such as those from ESPGHAN/ESPE/ESPR/CSPEN, which recommend its use despite the lack of firm recommendations on lower or upper limits 1. The importance of taurine in preventing PN-associated cholestasis and its potential benefits in other areas of health further support its application in healthcare settings 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY TrophAmine® provides a mixture of essential and nonessential amino acids as well as taurine and a soluble form of tyrosine, N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine (NAT). DESCRIPTION TrophAmine® (10% Amino Acid Injection) is a sterile, nonpyrogenic, hypertonic solution containing crystalline amino acids. Taurine†‡ 0.025 g
The primary use of Taurine in healthcare is as a component of parenteral nutrition solutions, such as TrophAmine, which provides a mixture of essential and nonessential amino acids for nutritional support and therapy in infants and young pediatric patients 2.
- Key applications include:
- Total parenteral nutrition in infants and young pediatric patients
- Normalization of plasma amino acid concentrations
- Supporting improving nutritional status, as evidenced by weight gains, nitrogen balance, and serum protein concentrations 2
From the Research
Taurine Uses and Applications in Healthcare
- Taurine is an amino acid found abundantly in the heart and has several physiological functions, including osmoregulation, anti-inflammation, membrane stabilization, ion transport modulation, and regulation of oxidative stress and mitochondrial protein synthesis 3.
- Studies have shown that taurine supplementation can improve functional capacity, myocardial oxygen consumption, and electrical activity in patients with heart failure 3, 4.
- Taurine has been found to have beneficial effects on various diseases, including hepatic dysfunction, gastrointestinal injury, kidney diseases, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, due to its modulation of Ca2+ homeostasis and antioxidant properties 4, 5.
- The potential health benefits of taurine in cardiovascular disease include protection against ischemia-reperfusion injury, modulation of intracellular calcium concentration, and antioxidant, antiatherogenic and blood pressure-lowering effects 6.
- Taurine has been shown to exert protective effects against oxidative stress, which is linked to various injuries such as hypertension, muscle/neuro-associated disorders, hepatic cirrhosis, cardiac dysfunction, and ischemia/reperfusion 7.
Therapeutic Applications of Taurine
- Taurine has been approved for the treatment of congestive heart failure in Japan and shows promise in the treatment of several other diseases, including mitochondrial encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS), diabetes, and inflammatory diseases such as arthritis 5.
- Taurine supplementation may be an effective strategy for improving selected hemodynamic parameters in heart failure patients 3.
- Further clinical studies are required to support the ameliorative effect of taurine against oxidative stress and to recommend taurine as a nutritional intervention for the prevention and/or treatment of cardiovascular disease 6, 7.