Taurine
What is it?
Taurine is a vitamin factor and a specific micronutrient. Supplied in foods and synthesized in the body, taurine is abundant in bile and detected in the intestine and other tissues, particularly muscle tissue, the heart, brain, and retina.
Taurine supplementation
Oral administration of taurine supplements significantly improves blood levels, and special formulations are not required.
Reference values
There are no established reference intake values or upper levels for taurine.
Foods with Taurine
Taurine is found mainly in shellfish, meat, and fish; dairy products contain it in small amounts; and eggs and vegetables have practically none.
Cysteine is synthesized from methionine, and synthesis is very limited in people with liver disorders.
