From the Guidelines
Taurine supplementation is recommended for infants and children as part of amino acid solutions, although the advisable lower or upper limits are not firmly established. The benefits of taurine supplementation include potential improvements in liver health, particularly in preventing parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis 1. Taurine has been reported to ameliorate PN-associated cholestasis through underlying disease, the HPN treatment itself, and general and life-style factors. According to the ESPGHAN/ESPE/NESPGHAN guidelines, taurine should be part of amino acid solutions for infants and children, although no firm recommendation can be made upon advisable lower or upper limits 1.
Some potential benefits of taurine supplementation include:
- Improved liver health, particularly in preventing parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis
- Potential improvements in cardiovascular health by reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- Enhanced athletic performance through increased muscle endurance and reduced exercise-induced muscle damage
- Possible neuroprotective effects that may help with anxiety and cognitive function
However, taurine supplementation also has potential drawbacks to consider:
- Side effects can include nausea, headaches, and dizziness in some individuals
- Limited long-term safety data, particularly concerning potential interactions with medications like lithium or certain diuretics
- Taurine is already abundant in animal products like meat and fish, making supplementation potentially unnecessary for those with balanced diets
- People with kidney problems should be cautious as taurine is processed through the kidneys
- Pregnant women and those with specific health conditions should consult healthcare providers before supplementing with taurine.
It is essential to weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks of taurine supplementation and consider individual circumstances before making a decision. The most recent and highest quality study, the ESPGHAN/ESPE/NESPGHAN guidelines 1, provides the best evidence for recommending taurine supplementation in infants and children.
From the Research
Pros of Taurine Supplementation
- Taurine has diverse cytoprotective activity and may be used as a therapeutic agent for various diseases, including congestive heart failure, mitochondrial disease, and metabolic diseases 2
- Long-term administration of taurine at relatively low doses may attenuate the age-related decline in oxygen consumption and spontaneous locomotor activity 3
- Taurine ingestion may improve endurance performance, with effects similar in time-to-exhaustion trials 4
- Taurine may have a role in the maintenance of skeletal muscle function and increase of exercise capacity 3
Cons of Taurine Supplementation
- There is limited research on the effects of long-term, low-dose supplementation of taurine, and more studies are needed to fully understand its effects 3
- The dose of taurine does not appear to moderate its effect on endurance performance, and more research is needed to determine the optimal dosage 4
- Taurine supplementation may not have significant effects on all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, or cardiovascular events, although it may have some benefits for coronary heart disease mortality and events 5, 6
Potential Interactions and Side Effects
- Taurine may interact with other supplements or medications, and individuals should consult with a healthcare professional before taking taurine supplements 2
- High doses of taurine may cause gastrointestinal side effects, and individuals should start with a low dose and gradually increase as needed 3
- The long-term effects of taurine supplementation are not well understood, and more research is needed to determine its safety and efficacy for extended use 3, 4