Taurine is a chemical substance, or rather a particular amino acid, present in many animal tissues, including humans.

It is a substance initially isolated from the bile of the bull, a fact to which it owes its name, also present in some bacterial species.

But what is taurine really for? Taurine at the physiological level serves to regulate the cell volume, on the one hand, and on the other to form the bile salt .

It is also important for the proper functioning of the heart and other organs, for the stabilization of the membranes and the absorption of calcium, in short generally in the osmoregulation of the organism .

The properties of synthetic taurine

Of taurine, in view of the great market demand, in addition to the natural one there is also an industrial synthesis . It is very easily found as an ingredient in energy drinks or energy drinks, supplements for athletes, energy sweets, and last generation drinks.

It is important to point out that, contrary to what one might think, taurine produced by synthesis does not in itself have energizing properties ; the benefit to the recovering physique is often connected to the fact that it is combined with other substances, such as caffeine, in this case exciting ; at the sporting level, it can be said that taurine reduces muscle damage by acting on oxidative stress and on the body's thermoregulation, so it is abundantly consumed in this sense.

In fact, antioxidant properties have been demonstrated , in the sense that taurine has the effect of counteracting the oxidizing substances released by the body immediately after an intense effort or prolonged physical exercise.

Generally speaking, it would also improve the metabolism of lipids and sugars, helping the liver and increasing the efficiency of the heart muscle.

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Contraindications of taurine

In the face of possible positive effects, however, care must be taken and, as often happens with synthetic substances, do not abuse it . Liquid supplements on the market contain approximately one gram of taurine per can; recommended daily doses should not exceed 8 grams, for an adult subject.

Different is the question of boys and adolescents, who often abuse these substances and can face problems and disorders. Several studies, many of which are still ongoing, are aimed at demonstrating that taurine can have side effects, causing gastrointestinal and pressure problems in adults. A probable link between taurine and the aggravation of disorders such as psorias i was also found.

It is not recommended in pregnancy .

Curiosity : taurine is also present in certain infant milks, in products to strengthen hair and in animal feed.

Energy drinks with taruina: risks for children