Taurine is an amino acid. It is vital to the proper utilization of sodium, magnesium, potassium, and calcium. Taurine has a protective effect upon the human brain. The amino acid taurine is used to treat anxiety, hyperactivity, poor brain function, hypoglycemia, epilepsy, hypertension, and seizures. 

The levels of taurine found in children's brains is up to 4 times that in adult brains. Thus supplementation for adults or children with lower levels of taurine can boost brain function. People with Down's Syndrome or Muscular dystrophy may benefit from taurine supplements.

Excessive losses of taurine thru urine can be caused by many metabolism disorders. The results of this  taurine loss can be: physical or emotional stress, excessive consumption of alcohol, intestinal problems,  cardiac arrhythmias, platelet disorders, and zinc deficiency.

Taurine is needed more by people with diabetes and supplementation with cystine and taurine may  decrease the need for insulin.

Taurines best established use is for congestive heart failure (CHF), which is a condition in which the heart muscle progressively weakens. IT is also believed to help regulate heartbeat.

Taurine is also known as:        L-taurine