TAURINE–The Hidden Deficiency
C. Norman Shealy, M.D., Ph.D.
Almost 8 years ago, I wrote that Taurine is the most commonly deficient amino acid. It may become more deficient every year!
It is deficient in
- Depression
- Epilepsy
- Hypertension
- Obesity
- Anxiety
- Autism
- Cancer
- People with gall stones
- Cardiac arrhythmias
- Diabetes and metabolic syndrome
- Immune deficiency
- Blood clotting problems
- Alcoholism
- Candidiasis
- Zinc deficiency
- Retinitis pigmentosa
- Macular degeneration
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Vegans
- People on low protein diets!
Taurine is depleted in all stress situations. THERE IS NO TAURINE IN FRUITS OR VEGETABLES. Interestingly the highest content of Taurine is in clams and in heart muscle. It is unfortunately believed by most physicians that taurine is not an essential amino acid, because some individuals can make taurine out of methionine. Apparently xanthine oxidase, the enzyme essential for this conversion, appears to be deficient in a majority of adults, probably because of STRESS. And the more junk food and starch you eat the more taurine you need! Interestingly, MSG, one of the great brain toxins–present in many processed foods, including canned soups, and in most Chinese restaurants, depletes you of Taurine! Taurine is especially critical for newborn babies. Interestingly human milk has a higher concentration of Taurine than cow’s milk. Taurine stabilizes the electrical charge on cells. It is most essential for heart muscle, retina, brain, autonomic nervous system and natural killer cells.
Most people will do well to consider adding some Taurine, 2 to 3 grams may be a good baseline. For those with obesity and hypertension up to 6 grams a day may be useful!! I suggest that you might want to take most or all at bedtime, as it is a great relaxant. For those with obesity and hypertension, it might be wise to take 500 to 1000 mg three times a day and the rest at bedtime. Above all, explore Taurine as a potential health enhancer.
Taurine Double Strength – 1000mg (100 capsules)