L-Taurine is an amino acid found within the body that is manufactured by other amino acids. Specifically, L-taurine is produced by methionine, cysteine and vitamin B6.
Individuals who are at risk for a deficiency of L-Taurine include vegetarians and women of all ages. It is believed that women are more at risk for a L-Taurine deficiency because of the presence of female hormones that restrict the production of L-Taurine within the body.
Vegetarians tend to be at risk for lower levels of L-Taurine because it is commonly found in food sources such as meat and dairy products which are not included in the vegetarian diet.
One of the benefits that have been associated with L-Taurine is a reduction of heart disease risk. This is thought to be due to the fact that L-Taurine is responsible for maintaining a normal output of potassium from the heart muscles. L-Taurine also works to break down fat within the body by producing bile. It is also thought that L-Taurine may have benefits for individuals who suffer from diabetes because this amino acid can affect the body’s sugar levels and need for insulin.
L-Taurine is also thought to have antioxidant properties, which means that it can root out harmful free radicals contained within the body.
Further uses of L-Taurine that have been noted include: treatment for depression, cirrhosis, low sperm count and low sperm motility as well as control of high blood pressure. The therapeutic uses of L-Taurine have been applied to children with Down’s syndrome, individuals who suffer from short-term memory disorders and eye disease.
Supplemental use of this amino acid is generally considered to have no adverse side effects or drug interactions. As always, however it is wise for anyone with special conditions or taking other prescribed medications to consult their physicians before adding taurine supplements to their daily regimens. Additionally, women who are pregnant or nursing should consult their physicians before adding taurine supplements.
Consumers who are interested in the health benefits of L-taurine should take the time to read the labels and ingredient lists of products in order to insure they are getting a quality supplement.
One of the things to look for is additives or fillers that manufacturers may add to increase the weight of the product, but that do nothing to increase nutritional value. Common additives and fillers include silica, otherwise known as sand; flours and sugars. It is usually recommended that individuals take L-Taurine supplements between meals and with plenty of water. It is typically available in powder and caplet form.
Individuals who are at risk for a deficiency of L-Taurine include vegetarians and women of all ages. It is believed that women are more at risk for a L-Taurine deficiency because of the presence of female hormones that restrict the production of L-Taurine within the body.
Vegetarians tend to be at risk for lower levels of L-Taurine because it is commonly found in food sources such as meat and dairy products which are not included in the vegetarian diet.
One of the benefits that have been associated with L-Taurine is a reduction of heart disease risk. This is thought to be due to the fact that L-Taurine is responsible for maintaining a normal output of potassium from the heart muscles. L-Taurine also works to break down fat within the body by producing bile. It is also thought that L-Taurine may have benefits for individuals who suffer from diabetes because this amino acid can affect the body’s sugar levels and need for insulin.
L-Taurine is also thought to have antioxidant properties, which means that it can root out harmful free radicals contained within the body.
Further uses of L-Taurine that have been noted include: treatment for depression, cirrhosis, low sperm count and low sperm motility as well as control of high blood pressure. The therapeutic uses of L-Taurine have been applied to children with Down’s syndrome, individuals who suffer from short-term memory disorders and eye disease.
Supplemental use of this amino acid is generally considered to have no adverse side effects or drug interactions. As always, however it is wise for anyone with special conditions or taking other prescribed medications to consult their physicians before adding taurine supplements to their daily regimens. Additionally, women who are pregnant or nursing should consult their physicians before adding taurine supplements.
Consumers who are interested in the health benefits of L-taurine should take the time to read the labels and ingredient lists of products in order to insure they are getting a quality supplement.
One of the things to look for is additives or fillers that manufacturers may add to increase the weight of the product, but that do nothing to increase nutritional value. Common additives and fillers include silica, otherwise known as sand; flours and sugars. It is usually recommended that individuals take L-Taurine supplements between meals and with plenty of water. It is typically available in powder and caplet form.
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