As a product developer, I always keep an eye open for misconceptions about various supplement ingredients. One amino acid that has been particularly misunderstood is Taurine.
What is Taurine and what are some common misconceptions about it?
Taurine is named after the Latin word Taurus which means bull or ox as it was first isolated from the bile of ox by German scientists in the 1800s. It was later found to be present in high concentrations in the heart and brain tissues of mammals.
Taurine has been used in food products for a very long time. For instance, Taurine has been used in infant formulas to help with growth and development given infant’s reduced ability to synthesise Taurine.
However, taurine has gained a lot of attention due to its use presence in energy drinks alongside caffeine. I remember when energy drinks first hit the market there was a lot of mystery around Taurine, particularly believed to be isolated from bull reproductive organs and being a stimulant.
However, the misconception that Taurine is a stimulant has arisen from its use in energy drinks.
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Taurine as an functional ingredient in baby formula (Similac). Source: Similac UK website. Disclosure: No affiliation with the brand.
Misconception #1: Taurine is isolated from Bull Sperm
While it is true that Taurine was first discovered in the bile of oxen, it is not derived from animal bile for use in supplements. Taurine used in supplements is generally synthesized in a laboratory, and it can also be found in some plant-based sources, such as seaweed.
Misconception #2: Taurine is a stimulant
One of the most common misconceptions about Taurine is that it is a stimulant. This misconception has been fueled by the association of Taurine with energy drinks, which contain both Taurine and caffeine.
Many people assume that Taurine is responsible for the energy-boosting effects of these drinks, but in reality, Taurine is a relaxing agent that works in conjunction with caffeine to provide a more balanced and moderated energy boost. When taken together, Taurine and caffeine have been found to enhance cognitive performance and reduce the negative effects of caffeine, such as jitters and anxiety.
Misconception #3: Taurine is all about energy
Research has shown that dietary Taurine can have a range of health benefits, such as supporting heart health, reducing inflammation, and improving athletic performance. Additionally, Taurine has a very low toxicity profile and is generally considered safe in doses up to several grams per day.
How I formulate products with Taurine
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Preworkouts and other energy products
Taurine is a key feature in my preworkout and energy formulations. I use anywhere between 500-1000mg per serving, depending on the dose of caffeine in the product.
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Stress Management products
Taurine has been found to have a calming effect on the nervous system, which can help to reduce anxiety and improve mood. This is because Taurine helps to increase the production of GABA, a neurotransmitter that has a calming effect on the brain. This ability makes Taurine an ideal ingredient for those who suffer from anxiety
Relaxify, a relaxing drink mix that contains Taurine and a host of other ingredients. Disclaimer: I work for Bioteen as product development scientist and Chief Science Officer. The opinions expressed in this article are my own.
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Sleep Support products
The calming properties of Taurine also makes it suitable for sleep support products, especially when used in conjunction with other relaxing agents such as magnesium and L-Theanine. As part of multi-ingredient formulations, Taurine can help to provide a more comprehensive approach to relaxation. Relaxation is closely related to sleep because the body needs to be in a relaxed state in order to fall asleep and stay asleep. When we are stressed or anxious, our bodies release cortisol, a hormone that stimulates the body and can interfere with sleep.
Supersleep, a hot/ cold chocolate drink mix that contains Taurine and a host of other ingredients to promote good quality sleep. Disclaimer: I work for Bioteen as product development scientist and Chief Science Officer. The opinions expressed in this article are my own.
Overall, Taurine is a fascinating amino acid with many potential health benefits, and continued research in this area will help to shed further light on its effects on the body and mind.
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