5 Benefits of Taurine for Mental Wellness

You may be familiar with taurine as a supplement used by athletes to enhance physical performance, or as an ingredient in energy drinks like Red Bull.

Taurine is a naturally occurring amino acid that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, particularly in the brain, heart, and muscles. Unlike other amino acids, taurine is not used to build proteins, but rather, it is involved in several vital physiological processes.

Often found in energy drinks like Red Bull, taurine has sparked curiosity, with many asking, "Is taurine a stimulant?" (it's not, more on that later) or even wondering, "Does taurine come from bull urine?" (It doesn’t– taurine was first isolated from ox bile, but today, it's synthetically made for supplements and energy drinks).

Where is Taurine Found?

Taurine is naturally present in animal-based foods such as meat, fish, and dairy. Some of the best dietary sources of taurine include:

• Seafood: Especially shellfish like scallops and clams
• Meat: Particularly dark meats such as turkey, chicken thighs, and beef
• Nori (Seaweed): A lesser-known but valuable plant-based source
• Human Breast Milk: Taurine is abundant in breast milk, which is crucial for infant development.

Fun fact- A diet high in taurine (from seafood and nori) is believed to be one of the reasons for the extreme longevity found in some areas of Japan.

These sources provide adequate amounts of taurine, but some people may not get enough through their diet alone.

Causes of Taurine Deficiency

Taurine deficiency is rare but can occur in specific situations:

• Vegan or Vegetarian Diets: Taurine is mainly found in animal products, so those who avoid these foods might not get enough.
• Chronic Illness: Conditions like diabetes or kidney disease can deplete taurine levels.
• Aging: As we age, our body's ability to synthesize taurine decreases.

Taurine Benefits for Mental Wellness

Researchers have explored taurine's effects on stress and mental health. Here are some of the findings:

1. Can calm anxiety

Taurine appears to have a calming effect on the brain by influencing neurotransmitters, the chemicals that transmit signals in the brain. It enhances the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that reduces neuronal excitability.

GABA levels may decrease during stressful situations, leading to an imbalance in the excitatory/inhibitory system and a higher risk of mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety. 

By promoting GABA activity, taurine helps to calm the nervous system, reducing anxiety and creating a sense of relaxation. This mechanism is similar to how anti-anxiety medications work, but taurine does so naturally.

Taurine was also find to have anti-depressant effects in one study done on rats.

2. Beneficial for Learning, Memory, and preventing Cognitive Decline

Taurine has also shown impressive neuroprotective capabilities and can help protect against age-related cognitive decline.

One of the ways it does this is by increasing the level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). 

This protein acts like fertilizer in the brain, stimulating the growth of new brain cells.

Taurine especially promotes the formation of new brain cells in the hippocampus, the part of the brain considered its learning and memory center.

It has also been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Taurine has a role in a number of nervous system functions and shows promise as a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s. 

3. Boosts Focus and Energy

Unlike stimulants and caffeine, taurine boosts focus and energy without raising stress hormones and causing jitteriness. 

Taurine is involved in the production of bile acids, which are essential for the digestion and absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins. This means that taurine indirectly influences the body's ability to extract energy from the food we eat.

Additionally, taurine is believed to have a modulating effect on cellular energy production. It has been shown to enhance mitochondrial function, supporting the powerhouses of our cells responsible for generating adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the molecule that stores and transports energy within our cells. By boosting mitochondrial function, taurine may contribute to improved energy levels and overall vitality.

Additional Benefits for the Body

Beyond mental wellness, taurine offers several other health benefits:

• Heart Health: Taurine improves blood flow and oxygen supply to heart cells, increases the effectiveness of heart muscle contractions, and normalizes rhythm irregularities. One study even found that it reduced LDL cholesterol by 37%. 
• Muscle Performance: It enhances muscle contractions and can reduce muscle fatigue, making it beneficial for physical performance.
• Eye Health: Taurine plays a role in maintaining the health of the retina, protecting against eye conditions like macular degeneration.

Recommended Supplement Dosage and Potential Side Effects

For those considering taurine supplements, the typical dosage ranges from 500 to 2,000 mg per day. It’s generally considered safe and well-tolerated, even at higher doses. However, taking too much taurine could potentially lead to side effects such as gastrointestinal discomfort or, in rare cases, low blood pressure.

Who Should Avoid Taurine?

People with certain medical conditions or those on specific medications should consult a healthcare provider before taking taurine. This includes individuals with bipolar disorder, as taurine might have mood-altering effects, and those on blood pressure medications due to taurine’s potential to lower blood pressure.

Should You Take Taurine Supplements?

Now that we've explored the potential benefits of taurine, the question remains: should you consider taking taurine supplements? The answer should be discussed with your integrative practitioner, as it depends on your individual health goals, lifestyle, and any potential health issues.

1. Energy and Vitality: If you're looking to boost your energy levels, especially if you lead an active lifestyle or regularly engage in strenuous physical activities, you may want to consider using taurine supplements.* However, supplements should complement a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle, not replace them—so make sure to eat well and remain active even when following a supplementation regimen.

2. Focus & Cognitive Function: If you're interested in supporting cognitive function and mental clarity, taurine could be a valuable addition to your regimen.* It may be particularly beneficial if you experience mental fatigue or difficulty focusing.*

3. Stress Management: If you're seeking alternative ways to help manage occasional stress, taurine's potential to support GABA production may make it a useful tool in your stress-management toolkit.*

Attention Chews for Procrastination, Focus & Productivity

Attention Chews are formulated with a targeted blend of amino acids Taurine, Tyrosine, L-Carnitine, L-Theanine and vitamins B6 and B12 to get you into flow state for hours of calm, yet focused productivity.*

Attention Chews provide your brain with the nutrients it needs to regulate dopamine levels, reduce stress and anxiousness, skyrocket productivity, and enhance mental performance and energy, without stimulants.*

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose or treat any condition. You should discuss with your healthcare provider before adding taurine or any other supplement to your routine.