Taurine

Taurine plays several important roles in the body, contributing to both health and physiological function in humans and animals. One of its primary functions is helping the liver form bile salts by combining with bile acids. These bile salts are essential for breaking down dietary fats and fat-soluble vitamins in the intestines and for removing cholesterol through the digestive system.

Taurine is serving as an antioxidant, reducing inflammation, and preventing unnecessary cell death. It supports the stability of cell membranes and plays a role in controlling calcium levels, maintaining proper fluid balance in cells, and supporting healthy vision by aiding in retinal function.

In the nervous system, taurine helps conduct signals in nerves and muscles, supports brain development, and acts as a calming neurotransmitter. It also helps regulate the balance of fluids in cells, especially under stress.

Taurine contributes to immune defense through a chemical process where it reacts with specific acids produced by immune cells. This reaction produces compounds that help destroy harmful microbes like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. These compounds also boost the activity of immune cells and reduce inflammation.

Taurine supports many systems in the body, including the heart and blood vessels, digestive organs, endocrine system, immune function, muscles, nerves, reproductive organs, and eyes. In the cardiovascular system, for example, it helps protect tissues from damage, supports the structure of cells, and can help lower blood pressure.

Research also shows taurine may help prevent obesity. In one study with mice, taurine added to drinking water reduced the activity of genes involved in fat production and helped prevent weight gain caused by a high-fat diet.

Importantly, all taurine absorbed from food or supplements passes directly into the liver through the portal vein without being broken down in the intestines.