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Taurine
Taurine/Drug Interactions:
Alzheimer's agents
Alzheimer's agents: In review research, osmolytes (including taurine) have been investigated for their role in preventing the formation of toxic amyloid-beta (Abeta) peptides and subsequent soluble oligomers (
137
).
Anesthetics
Anesthetics: In humans exposed to general anesthesia, intravenously administered taurine resulted in a decrease in plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase in erythrocyte lysate and plasma (
11
).
Anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs
Anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs: In clinical research, taurine reduced platelet aggregation (
32
). In case reports, taurine prevented stroke-like episodes in patients with mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) (
95
).
Anticonvulsive agents
Anticonvulsive agents: The administration of taltrimide (2-phthalimidoethanesulphon-N-isopropylamide), a lipophilic derivative of taurine, to epileptic patients led to increases in seizure frequency, thus a potential exists for taurine or its metabolites to antagonize the effects of anticonvulsive therapy (
64
). This study also found increases in phenytoin concentration and decreases in serum carbamazepine concentrations during taltrimide treatment. In the spinal cord, taurine has demonstrated antiepileptic effects (
138
). In some clinical research, treatment with taurine significantly improved the frequency of seizures in patients with intractable epilepsy (
114
) or myoclonus epilepsy (
115
), although it was noted that abnormalities regarding brain electrical activity improved less dramatically (
114
;
115
). Meanwhile, in other epileptic patients, improvements in seizures were lacking following taurine supplementation (
116
;
117
). The discrepancy regarding the antiepileptic effects of taurine has been attributed to its poor penetration into the brain (
139
).
Antidiabetics
Antidiabetics: Taurine may lower blood sugar levels (
65
). Case reports of taurine-associated hypoglycemia have been noted (
66
). In human research, a pre-exercise mixed ingredient taurine supplementation increased the post-exercise serum concentration of insulin (
68
). In animal research, intraperitoneal administration of taurine dose-dependently attenuated streptozotocin-induced elevations in various diabetes-associated biochemical parameters, including glucose (
67
).
Antifibrotic agents
Antifibrotic agents: In cellular research, taurine inhibited the production of fibrogenic transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta (
140
).
Antihypertensives
Antihypertensives: Based on human research, taurine may suppress the sympathetic nervous system (
57
) and decrease both systolic and diastolic blood pressure (
59
). However, in other human research, single-day energy drink (Red Bull?) consumption increased daytime blood pressure and mean blood pressure over 24 hours as compared to caffeine (
141
).
Anti-inflammatories
Anti-inflammatories: In cellular and human research, taurine ameliorated inflammation in vitro and in vivo by the inhibition and serum reduction of pro-inflammatory interleukin (IL)-1 and IL-6 (
142
;
140
;
143
) and down regulation of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha (
138
).
Antilipemics
Antilipemics: Based on studies in cystic fibrosis patients, preterm infants, and biliary surgical patients, taurine may increase the absorption of fat and decrease fatty acid excretion (
20
;
19
;
34
;
58
). In human research, taurine has been shown to increase or decrease serum triglycerides (
17
;
57
;
93
), increase very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) (
57
), and decrease serum cholesterol levels (
111
;
93
). In epidemiological research, taurine was inversely correlated with both high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (p=0.004) and apoA1 (p<0.001) (
112
). A lack of effect on cholesterol and triglycerides levels has also been noted (
35
).
Antineoplastics
Antineoplastics: In cellular research, the taurine inhibited doxorubicin efflux from M5076 tumor cells and decreased the weight of tumors by 40% compared to doxorubicin alone (
144
).
Antiulcer and gastric acid-reducing agents
Antiulcer and gastric acid-reducing agents: In individuals with Helicobacter pylori-induced duodenal ulcers, adjunct taurine (dibicor) eradicated H. pylori infection, shortened duodenal scarring time, improved KI-67, BCL-2 expression, and stimulated epitheliocyte apoptosis vs. conventional omeprazole treatment alone (
86
).
Caffeine
Caffeine: Based on clinical trials, an energy drink containing taurine, caffeine, glucuronolactone, glucose, sucrose, and B vitamin complex may reduce sleepiness and lane drifting while driving following sleep restriction (
145
;
146
) or increase readiness potential after exhaustive exercise (
147
). Based on clinical trials, Red Bull? (taurine, caffeine, glucuronolactone, glucose, sucrose, and B vitamin complex) may improve aerobic and anaerobic performance (
8
), mental performance (
8
), concentration (
8
), memory (
8
), cardiac performance (
14
), well-being, vitality, and social extrovertedness (
27
). However, in human research, the consumption of energy drinks containing caffeine, either alone or in combination with taurine, increased diuresis and natriuresis, although similar changes were lacking with taurine alone (
148
). Investigators concluded that the diuretic and natriuretic effects of energy drinks were likely predominately mediated by caffeine rather than taurine.
Carbamazepine
Carbamazepine: The administration of taltrimide (2-phthalimidoethanesulphon-N-isopropylamide), a lipophilic derivative of taurine, to epileptic patients led to decreases in serum carbamazepine concentrations (
64
).
Cardiovascular agents
Cardiovascular agents: In human research, taurine has demonstrated some beneficial cardioprotective effects for the treatment of arrhythmias (
75
), congestive heart failure (
78
), and diabetes-associated endothelial dysfunction (Twinlab?) (
84
). Decreased heart rate and increased blood pressure have also been reported following the co-administration of taurine and caffeine in human research (
109
).
Cognitive improvement agents
Cognitive improvement agents: In human research, taurine taken in combination with caffeine or as part of an energy drink formulation (Red Bull?) has improved focused and sustained attention, wakefulness, verbal reasoning, accuracy, driving ability and quality, and reaction speed, although effects were minor or lacking for memory (
149
;
109
;
150
;
87
;
151
). Taurine has also reduced fatigue when taken alone, but increased fatigue when taken combination with caffeine (
87
).
Cytochrome P450-modifying agents
Cytochrome P450-modifying agents: In diabetic animal research, taurine more markedly reduced streptozotocin-induced elevations in CYP2E1 activity as compared to melatonin (
69
).
Dermatologic agents
Dermatologic agents: In ex vivo human research, topical application of a taurine-hydrated collagen membrane on incised gingival samples demonstrated rapid re-epithlization vs. saline controls (
152
).
Diltiazem
Diltiazem: Based on a clinical study, a mixture of taurine, diltiazem, and vitamin E may have a beneficial effect on the progression of visual field loss in retinitis pigmentosa patients (
33
).
Doxorubicin
Doxorubicin: In cellular research, the taurine inhibited doxorubicin efflux from M5076 tumor cells and decreased the weight of tumors by 40% compared to doxorubicin alone (
144
).
Drugs that affect GABA
Drugs that affect GABA: In cellular research, taurine has been examined as an endogenous agonist of GABA and glycine receptor (GlyRs) activation (
70
;
71
).
Gallstone solubilizing agents
Gallstone solubilizing agents: In human research, one of eight cystic fibrosis patients with gallstones at baseline experienced dissolution of a 3mm stone following the co-administration of taurine and ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) (
103
).
Growth hormones
Growth hormones: In human research, a pre-exercise mixed ingredient taurine supplementation increased the post-exercise serum concentration of growth hormone (
68
;
153
).
Heart rate-regulating agents
Heart rate-regulating agents: In human research, decreased heart rate has been reported following the co-administration of taurine and caffeine (
109
). The effects of taurine alone are unclear.
Hepatotoxins
Hepatotoxins: According to literature review, taurine has demonstrated protective effects against various drug- and toxin-induced organ pathophysiologies, including hepatotoxicity (
154
).
Iron
Iron: Taurine may increase the absorption of iron, based on a clinical trial (
91
).
Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine: Preclinical research has demonstrated a preventative effect of taurine on methamphetamine-induced developmental angiogenesis defect (
155
).
Nephrotoxins
Nephrotoxins: According to literature review, taurine has demonstrated protective effects against various drug- and toxin-induced organ pathophysiologies, including nephrotoxicity (
154
).
Neurologic agents
Neurologic agents: In cellular research, taurine conferred protection against endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, reversed increases in ER signaling components so as to protect against excitotoxicity, and prevented mitochondrial dysfunction (
156
;
157
).
Ophthalmic agents
Ophthalmic agents: In human research, a mixed ingredient nutritional supplement containing taurine improved best corrected visual acuity in 76.7% of patients with dry age-related macular degeneration and added an average of 0.0541 logMAR or one-half of a line of visual acuity from baseline (
158
). In other human research, tear proteins demonstrated a linear response to taurine such that taurine distinctly decreased protein levels in contact lens wearers (
101
).
Pain relievers
Pain relievers: In the spinal cord, taurine has demonstrated inhibitory anti-nociceptive effects (
138
).
Performance enhancing agents
Performance enhancing agents: In human research, taurine supplementation (Solgar?, Red Bull?) either alone or in combination with other agents increased exercise time (duration), exercise distance, time to exhaustion metabolic equivalents, hand grip strength, vertical jump power, balance, work accumulation, and perceived energy (
82
;
143
;
159
;
160
), as well as decreased plasma lactate concentration, joint and overall pain, the amount of time to complete an exercise, delayed-onset muscle soreness, fatigue, and perceived exertion (
88
;
143
;
159
;
160
;
161
;
153
;
96
).
Phenytoin
Phenytoin: The administration of taltrimide (2-phthalimidoethanesulphon-N-isopropylamide), a lipophilic derivative of taurine, to epileptic patients led to increases in phenytoin concentration (
64
).
Sodium laurate
Sodium laurate: In human research, a suppository co-administering taurine and sodium laurate improved rebamipide's rectal absorption and lacked appreciable damage to the rectal mucosa (
162
).
Taltrimide
Taltrimide: Based on human research, the combination of taurine and taltrimide may result in increased seizure frequency (
64
).
Tamoxifen
Tamoxifen: Based on animal research, taurine may attenuate tamoxifen-induced hepatotoxicity (
163
).
Note
Note: Taurine deficiency has also been explored in animal research using taurine transporter (TauT-) knockout models (
164
). Specifically, TauTKO mice demonstrated abnormal cardiac function, body weight loss, and reduced exercise capacity. Moreover, taurine deficiency has been associated with the use of various pharmacological treatments. In human research, decreased plasma levels of taurine have been associated with thalassemia major-induced osteoporosis in patients treated with neridronate, which according to investigators, suggests a potential interaction between taurine availability and the pharmacological activity of neridronate (
165
). In animal and review research, taurine deficiency has also been associated with vigabatrin-related retinal degeneration and phototoxicity (
166
;
167
;
168
). In research of children with opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome (OMS), corticotropin (ACTH) treatment was associated with decreased taurine in the cerebrospinal fluid vs. controls and untreated OMS patients (
169
). Specific information regarding the effects of taurine supplementation and any direct interactions it has with the aforementioned pharmacological agents is lacking.
Taurine/Herb/Supplement Interactions:
Alzheimer's herbs and supplements
Alzheimer's herbs and supplements: In review research, osmolytes (including taurine) have been investigated for their role in preventing the formation of toxic amyloid-beta (Abeta) peptides and subsequent soluble oligomers (
137
).
Anesthetics
Anesthetics: In humans exposed to general anesthesia, intravenously administered taurine resulted in a decrease in plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase in erythrocyte lysate and plasma (
11
).
Anticoagulant/antiplatelet herbs and supplements
Anticoagulant/antiplatelet herbs and supplements: Based on a clinical study, taurine may reduce platelet aggregation (
32
). In case reports, taurine prevented stroke-like episodes in patients with MELAS (
95
).
Anticonvulsive herbs and supplements
Anticonvulsive herbs and supplements: The administration of taltrimide (2-phthalimidoethanesulphon-N-isopropylamide), a lipophilic derivative of taurine, to epileptic patients led to increases in seizure frequency, thus a potential exists for taurine or its metabolites to antagonize the effects of anticonvulsive therapy (
64
). This study also found increases in phenytoin concentration and decreases in serum carbamazepine concentrations during taltrimide treatment. In the spinal cord, taurine has demonstrated antiepileptic effects (
138
). In some clinical research, treatment with taurine significantly improved the frequency of seizures in patients with intractable epilepsy (
114
) or myoclonus epilepsy (
115
), although it was noted that abnormalities regarding brain electrical activity improved less dramatically (
114
;
115
). Meanwhile, in other epileptic patients, improvements in seizures were lacking following taurine supplementation (
116
;
117
). The discrepancy regarding the antiepileptic effects of taurine has been attributed to its poor penetration into the brain (
139
).
Antifibrotic herbs and supplements
Antifibrotic herbs and supplements: In cellular research, taurine inhibited the production of fibrogenic transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta (
140
).
Anti-inflammatories
Anti-inflammatories: In cellular and human research, taurine ameliorated inflammation in vitro and in vivo by the inhibition and serum reduction of pro-inflammatory IL-1 and IL-6 (
142
;
140
;
143
) and down regulation of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha (
138
).
Antilipemics
Antilipemics: Based on studies in cystic fibrosis patients, preterm infants, and biliary surgical patients, taurine may increase the absorption of fat and decrease fatty acid excretion (
20
;
19
;
34
;
58
). In human research, taurine has been shown to increase or decrease serum triglycerides (
17
;
57
;
93
), increase very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) (
57
), and decrease serum cholesterol levels (
111
;
93
). In epidemiological research, taurine was inversely correlated with both high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (p=0.004) and apoA1 (p<0.001) (
112
). A lack of effect on cholesterol and triglycerides levels has also been noted (
35
).
Antioxidants
Antioxidants: In cellular, animal, human, and review research, taurine has demonstrated both direct and indirect antioxidant effects (
170
;
171
;
172
;
173
;
174
;
15
), although taurine-mediated antioxidant activity was lacking following exercise exposure in healthy men (
175
;
176
).
Antiulcer herbs and supplements
Antiulcer herbs and supplements: In individuals with H. pylori-induced duodenal ulcers, adjunct taurine (dibicor) eradicated of H. pylori infection, shortened duodenal scarring time, improved KI-67, BCL-2 expression, and stimulated epitheliocyte apoptosis vs. conventional omeprazole treatment alone (
86
).
B vitamins
B vitamins: Based on clinical trials, an energy drink containing taurine, caffeine, glucuronolactone, glucose, sucrose, and B vitamin complex may reduce sleepiness and lane drifting while driving following sleep restriction (
145
;
146
) or increase readiness potential after exhaustive exercise (
147
). Based on clinical trials, Red Bull? (taurine, caffeine, glucuronolactone, glucose, sucrose, and B vitamin complex) may improve aerobic and anaerobic performance (
8
), mental performance (
8
), concentration (
8
), memory (
8
), cardiac performance (
14
), well-being, vitality, and social extrovertedness (
27
).
Caffeine
Caffeine: Based on clinical trials, an energy drink containing taurine, caffeine, glucuronolactone, glucose, sucrose, and B vitamin complex may reduce sleepiness and lane drifting while driving following sleep restriction (
145
;
146
) or increase readiness potential after exhaustive exercise (
147
). Based on clinical trials, Red Bull? (taurine, caffeine, glucuronolactone, glucose, sucrose, and B vitamin complex) may improve aerobic and anaerobic performance (
8
), mental performance (
8
), concentration (
8
), memory (
8
), cardiac performance (
14
), well-being, vitality, and social extrovertedness (
27
). However, in human research, the consumption of energy drinks containing caffeine, either alone or in combination with taurine, increased diuresis and natriuresis, although similar changes were lacking with taurine alone (
148
). Investigators concluded that the diuretic and natriuretic effects of energy drinks were likely predominately mediated by caffeine rather than taurine.
Cardiovascular herbs and supplements
Cardiovascular herbs and supplements: In human research, taurine has demonstrated some beneficial cardioprotective effects for the treatment of arrhythmias (
75
), congestive heart failure (
78
), and diabetes-associated endothelial dysfunction (Twinlab?) (
84
). Decreased heart rate and increased blood pressure have also been reported following the co-administration of taurine and caffeine in human research (
109
).
Cholesterol
Cholesterol: In cellular research, cholesterol regulated the receptor-mediated release of taurine (
177
).
Cognitive improvement herbs and supplements
Cognitive improvement herbs and supplements: In human research, taurine taken in combination with caffeine or as part of an energy drink formulation (Red Bull?) improved focused and sustained attention, wakefulness, verbal reasoning, accuracy, driving ability and quality, and reaction speed, although effects were minor or lacking for memory (
149
;
109
;
150
;
87
;
151
). Taurine has also reduced fatigue when taken alone, but increased fatigue when taken combination with caffeine (
87
).
Cytochrome P450-modifying herbs and supplements
Cytochrome P450-modifying herbs and supplements: In diabetic animal research, taurine more markedly reduced streptozotocin-induced elevations in CYP2E1 activity as compared to melatonin (
69
).
Dermatologic herbs and supplements
Dermatologic herbs and supplements: In ex vivo human research, topical application of a taurine-hydrated collagen membrane on incised gingival samples demonstrated rapid re-epithlization vs. saline controls (
152
).
Glucose
Glucose: Based on clinical trials, an energy drink containing taurine, caffeine, glucuronolactone, glucose, sucrose, and B vitamin complex may reduce sleepiness and lane drifting while driving following sleep restriction (
145
;
146
) or increase readiness potential after exhaustive exercise (
147
). Based on clinical trials, Red Bull? (taurine, caffeine, glucuronolactone, glucose, sucrose, and B vitamin complex) may improve aerobic and anaerobic performance (
8
), mental performance (
8
), concentration (
8
), memory (
8
), cardiac performance (
14
), well-being, vitality, and social extrovertedness (
27
).
Glucuronolactone
Glucuronolactone: Based on clinical trials, an energy drink containing taurine, caffeine, glucuronolactone, glucose, sucrose, and B vitamin complex may reduce sleepiness and lane drifting while driving following sleep restriction (
145
;
146
) or increase readiness potential after exhaustive exercise (
147
). Based on clinical trials, Red Bull? (taurine, caffeine, glucuronolactone, glucose, sucrose, and B vitamin complex) may improve aerobic and anaerobic performance (
8
), mental performance (
8
), concentration (
8
), memory (
8
), cardiac performance (
14
), well-being, vitality, and social extrovertedness (
27
).
Glutamine
Glutamine: In clinical research, the ingestion of glutathione (
178
) or its precursor glutamine (
179
;
180
) increased plasma taurine levels.
Heart rate-regulating herbs and supplements
Heart rate-regulating herbs and supplements: In human research, decreased heart rate has been reported following the co-administration of taurine and caffeine (
109
). The effects of taurine alone are unclear.
Hypoglycemic herbs and supplements
Hypoglycemic herbs and supplements: Taurine may lower blood sugar levels (
65
). Case reports of taurine-associated hypoglycemia have been noted (
66
). In human research, a pre-exercise mixed ingredient taurine supplementation increased the post-exercise serum concentration of insulin (
68
). In animal research, intraperitoneal administration of taurine dose-dependently attenuated streptozotocin-induced elevations in various diabetes-associated biochemical parameters, including glucose (
67
).
Hypotensives
Hypotensives: Based on human study, taurine may suppress the sympathetic nervous system (
57
) and may decrease both systolic and diastolic blood pressure (
59
). However, in human research, single-day energy drink (Red Bull?) consumption increased daytime blood pressure and mean blood pressure over 24 hours as compared to caffeine (
141
).
Iron
Iron: Taurine may increase the absorption of iron, based on a clinical trial (
91
).
Nephrotoxins
Nephrotoxins: In review research, taurine has demonstrated protective effects against various drug- and toxin-induced organ pathophysiologies, including nephrotoxicity (
154
).
Neurologic herbs and supplements
Neurologic herbs and supplements: In cellular research, taurine conferred protection against endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, reversed increases in ER signaling components so as to protect against excitotoxicity, and prevented mitochondrial dysfunction (
156
;
157
).
Pain relieving herbs and supplements
Pain relieving herbs and supplements: In the spinal cord, taurine has demonstrated inhibitory anti-nociceptive effects (
138
).
Performance enhancing herbs and supplements
Performance enhancing herbs and supplements: In human research, taurine supplementation (Solgar?, Red Bull?), either alone or in combination with other agents, increased exercise time (duration), exercise distance, time to exhaustion metabolic equivalents, hand grip strength, vertical jump power, balance, work accumulation, and perceived energy (
82
;
143
;
159
;
160
), as well as decreased plasma lactate concentration, joint and overall pain, the amount of time to complete an exercise, delayed-onset muscle soreness, fatigue, and perceived exertion (
88
;
143
;
159
;
160
;
161
;
153
;
96
).
Tyrosine
Tyrosine: Based on a study in infants, taurine-supplemented formula may reduce tyrosine levels (
30
).
Vitamin D
Vitamin D: In clinical research, low dietary intake of taurine was associated with inadequate absorption of vitamin D in preterm infants (
181
).
Vitamin E
Vitamin E: Based on a clinical study, a mixture of taurine, diltiazem, and vitamin E may have a beneficial effect on the progression of visual field loss in retinitis pigmentosa patients (
33
).
Taurine/Food Interactions:
Caffeine
Caffeine: Based on clinical trials, an energy drink containing taurine, caffeine, glucuronolactone, glucose, sucrose, and B vitamin complex may reduce sleepiness and lane drifting while driving following sleep restriction (
145
;
146
) or increase readiness potential after exhaustive exercise (
147
). Based on clinical trials, Red Bull? (taurine, caffeine, glucuronolactone, glucose, sucrose, and B vitamin complex) may improve aerobic and anaerobic performance (
8
), mental performance (
8
), concentration (
8
), memory (
8
), cardiac performance (
14
), well-being, vitality, and social extrovertedness (
27
). However, in human research, the consumption of energy drinks containing caffeine, either alone or in combination with taurine, increased diuresis and natriuresis, although similar changes were lacking with taurine alone (
148
). Investigators concluded that the diuretic and natriuretic effects of energy drinks were likely predominately mediated by caffeine rather than taurine.
Fat
Fat: Based on studies in cystic fibrosis patients, preterm infants, and biliary surgical patients, taurine may increase the absorption of fat and decrease fatty acid excretion, affecting mainly saturated fat and monounsaturated fat and decreasing total sterol excretion (
20
;
19
;
34
;
58
).
Iron-containing food
Iron-containing food: Taurine may increase the absorption of iron, based on a clinical trial (
91
).
Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
Monosodium glutamate (MSG): Based on human study, ingestion of MSG may elevate plasma taurine levels (
182
).
Soy protein
Soy protein: In human research, ingestion of a high soy protein breakfast was more satiating vs. a normal soy protein breakfast, which was partly associated with an elevated postprandial concentration of taurine (
183
).
Vitamin D-containing foods
Vitamin D-containing foods: In clinical research, low dietary intake of taurine was associated with inadequate absorption of vitamin D in preterm infants (
181
).
Taurine/Lab Interactions:
Albumin
Albumin: Based on data in humans, taurine may increase serum pre-albumin levels (
103
). Other human research has reported a lack of change in pre-albumin with taurine (
103
).
Amino acids
Amino acids: Based on a human study, supplementation with taurine may increase serum cysteine (
184
). In human research of high protein fed infants, infants supplemented with taurine demonstrated lower concentrations of total and essential amino acid levels vs. those fed standard formula or human milk (
105
).
Bilirubin
Bilirubin: Based on a human study, taurine may decrease serum total bilirubin (
12
).
Blood pressure
Blood pressure: In human research, increased blood pressure has been reported following the co-administration of taurine and caffeine (
109
).
Blood urea nitrogen
Blood urea nitrogen: Based on a human study, taurine may increase blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and may decrease blood pH (
185
). In human research of high protein fed infants, infants supplemented with taurine demonstrated lower levels of BUN vs. those fed standard formula or human milk (
105
).
Catecholamines
Catecholamines: Based on a human study, taurine supplementation may reduce plasma epinephrine (
59
).
Coagulation panel
Coagulation panel: Based on a human study, taurine may reduce platelet aggregation (
32
).
Glucose
Glucose: In animal research, intraperitoneal administration of taurine dose-dependently attenuated streptozotocin-induced elevations in various diabetes-associated biochemical parameters, including glucose (
67
). Case reports of taurine-associated hypoglycemia have been noted (
66
).
Growth hormone
Growth hormone: In human research, a pre-exercise mixed ingredient taurine supplementation increased the post-exercise serum concentration of growth hormone (
68
;
153
).
Heart rate
Heart rate: In human research, decreased heart rate has been reported following the co-administration of taurine and caffeine (
109
).
Insulin
Insulin: In human research, a pre-exercise mixed ingredient taurine supplementation increased the post-exercise serum concentration of insulin (
68
).
Lactate
Lactate: In human research, taurine taken as part of a proprietary blend of various ingredients decreased the plasma concentration of lactate vs. placebo (
159
). Increased lactate dehydrogenase activity (vs. placebo) has also been seen following the co-administration of taurine and branched-chain amino acids (
96
).
Lipid profile
Lipid profile: In human research, taurine has been shown to increase or decrease serum triglycerides (
17
;
57
;
93
), increase very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) (
57
), and decrease serum cholesterol levels (
111
;
93
). In epidemiological research, taurine was inversely correlated with both high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (p=0.004) and apoA1 (p<0.001) (
112
). A lack of effect on cholesterol and triglycerides levels has also been noted (
35
).
Liver transaminases
Liver transaminases: Based on human study, taurine may decrease serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) levels (
103
;
107
;
21
;
93
). Other human research has reported a lack of change in ALT and AST with taurine (
103
).
Taurine
Taurine: In human trials, urinary taurine significantly increased with taurine supplementation (
17
;
59
;
19
), as did plasma taurine concentration (
31
;
82
). Based on human study, ingestion of monosodium glutamate (MSG) may elevate plasma taurine levels (
182
).