What is Taurine?

Taurine is an amino acid that helps with bodily functions, including those of the digestive, cardiovascular, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. It’s considered a semi-essential (or conditionally essential) amino acid. Your body makes taurine naturally, but other sources of taurine include foods with protein, such as meat and fish, and taurine supplements.

Most people get their daily taurine requirements through their diet, but taurine supplements have been used to treat some medical conditions. Taurine is also a main ingredient in many energy drinks, along with caffeine and sugar.

Taurine Supplements

People take taurine supplements for several reasons, including to support heart and central nervous system functions and to improve athletic performance. Taurine supplements come in capsule and powder forms. Typical doses of taurine are between 1 and 6 grams per day.

If you’re vegan, you probably don’t get much taurine from your diet. If your taurine levels are low, your doctor may suggest a taurine supplement. Always check with your doctor before taking supplements.