Taurine: in Energy Drinks?

What is Taurine and Why is it in most of the Energy Drinks?

Taurine in Monster Energy drinks, taurine in Rockstar, taurine in everything. If you’ve read the nutritional facts on the back of energy drinks lately, then you have no doubt noticed that taurine is a common factor amongst nearly all of them.

Taurine (2-aminoethanesulfonic acid) is a conditional amino acid, meaning it can be produced by the body, where as an essential amino acid cannot. Taurine can be found within the human body in large amounts in blood cells, the brain, heart and retina and is distributed throughout tissues in the body. In foods taurine can be found in fish and meats. It goes along to support neurological development, membrane stabilization, as well as helping the body better regulate water and mineral salts in the blood. It is essential for the central nervous system, cardiovascular function, and for the development and proper function of skeletal muscle. Found in the large intestine, taurine amounts to 0.1% of total human body weight. Taurine can also act as an antioxidant.

There are some studies that suggest that when combined with caffeine taurine can increase mental focus. This remains heavily disputed, but it should be noted that one of the uses for taurine is in the treatment for ADHD.

Taurine Uses
Taurine can be taken in supplement form to help treat ADHD, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and even congestive heart failure or CHF. It is even used in the treatments of diabetes and alcoholism.

Information concerning the effects of too much taurine is very limited. Scientists know that excess taurine is excreted by the kidneys.