Taurine is a non-proteinaceous amino acid that has no essential function in humans because it can be synthesised endogenously. However, the availability of taurine to the cell through its own synthetic processes does not mean that taurine supplements are not beneficial. Evidence supports a role for additional dietary taurine for a number of important processes relating to the nervous system and cardioprotection, amongst others. For example, taurine is required for the correct regulation of cell volume as it is an important osmolyte, and is also required for bile salt formation. Taurine also regulates intracellular calcium concentrations and is one of the most abundant amino acids in the nervous system. Taurine deficiency is associated with deficiency is associated with cardiomyopathy, renal dysfunction, developmental abnormalities, and severe damage to retinal neurons. Taurine requirements in the diet are unknown, however a number of studies have shown beneficial effects for dietary supplements of taurine.
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