Taurine is one of the sulfur containing amino acids along with cystine, cysteine and methionine. It is a nonessential amino acid. • Preterm infants and term infants have very small amounts of taurine and need to get their taurine from breast milk or formula. • As infants mature, they quickly gain the ability to synthesize their own taurine. Under certain conditions such as hypertension, heart disease, and seizure disorders the taurine requirement goes up considerably. Taurine tends to be well absorbed and tissue levels can go up rapidly after oral administration.
function:
• Taurine modulates the production and activity of cAMP. It is intimately involved with the contractility of the heart.
• It may decrease cholesterol levels by increasing excretion through the action of taurocholate, a substance found in bile salts. It is involved in gall bladder function through the synthesis of this taurocholate. It concentrated in the eyes especially the retina.
• Facilitates the passage of sodium, potassium and possibly calcium and magnesium through the cell membrane.
• Needed for nervous system development.
• Involved in calcium metabolism of the brain, may act as an inhibitory neurotransmitter.