at a glance
– Taurine is popular in energy drinks as some studies1 suggest it may aid in extended periods of exercise and help in recovery from exercise due to it antioxidant effect.
– Whilst we can make it in our bodies, some studies2 suggest vegans have reduced amounts of taurine as dietary sources are only from animal products.
What is Taurine and do vegans get enough
Taurine is only naturally found in animal sources, and whilst our bodies can make limited amounts, some studies indicate vegans have reduced amounts.2
It is often found in energy drinks, although evidence is lacking on its ability to enhance athletic performance. It has an anti-oxidant cytoprotective effect which may help in recovery from exercise and aid during extended boughts of exercise.1
Whilst its roles are not currently fully understood, it is one of the most common amino acids found in the brain, eyes (retina), muscles and organs. It is believed to have a cytoprotective (cell protecting) effect, aid in blood flow in disease conditions (specifically useful for diabetes), and have a variety of functions in the nervous system. Deficiencies are associated with heart, kidney, developmental and retinal issues.3
It plays a major role in converting cholesterol into bile salts, however vegans tend to not have to worry too much about cholesterol levels.
Some studies have also shown taurine has an antidepressent effect in the nervous system.4
Whilst it has recieved a lot of hype from sports companies, other studies have shown over supplementation may have some negative effects as well.5
For this reason we are including Taurine in our supplement, but only at levels that would be found at the low end of what a regular omnivorous diet would include, and not in the larger dosages found in sports drinks etc. (We include 50mg, where an omnivorous diet would include between 40 and 400mg daily).