I’ve seen it in a lot of drinks such as Monster, Red Bull, Rockstar, and Sobe. I never really knew what it was. If you want to know the mystery… here it is.
Taurine, or 2-aminoethanesulfonic acid, is an organic acid. It is also a major constituent of bile and can be found in the lower intestine and, in small amounts, in the tissues of many animals, including humans. Taurine is a derivative of the sulfur-containing (sulfhydryl) amino acid cysteine. …
Taurine is STOMACH BILE.
The stuff at the bottom of your stomach that digests your food. It was first identified in an Ox, thus the latin name for bull, “Taurus.” While we know for sure that taurine aids in the breakdown of fats and absorption of vitamins, there are many other claims that have been made concerning its usefulness in the human body. Bodybuilders take it with creatine, which may help reduce fatigue and soreness. Taurine aids in the breakdown of fats and absorption of vitamins. In infants and some animals, specifically cats, taurine is a requirement for eye health and development. Premature infants who cannot naturally produce taurine must have formula with taurine added to ensure proper development.
It may reduce high blood in adults and is being tested as a potential treatment for bipolar depression. Studies on mice have shown that taking taurine supplements while on a high fat diet kept them from gaining weight. In other studies, diabetic rats saw improvement in losing weight, and lower blood sugar levels.
University of London researchers claim that taurine may counteract the effects of heavy drinking on the liver because it prevents fat from building up in the organ. Although this is not the intended or most responsible use of taurine, news of this have led many to believe that drinking an energy drink with high levels of taurine may be the perfect “morning after” treatment after a night of heavy drinking.
Is it safe? Experiments show people who consumed 3 grams a day (the recommended dosage) over the course of a year, experienced no negative side effects. And when overdosed, the kidneys clean it out. It doesn’t build up or affect the body negatively in any way. Because it is immediately flushed out, it’s not likely that it will cause any problems. However, people with liver or kidney problems may have issues expelling the taurine, which can be harmful. Mixing alcohol is popular with taurine, since they are in so many energy drinks. Mixing the two with anti depressants or stimulants can be harmful, even deadly.
However, no need to worry! Taurine is made synthetically in a lab today.
xoxo
Kristie Manning
Kristie Manning 