TAURINE

Taurine (2-aminoethanesulfonic acid) is a sulfonic acid, not technically an amino acid, though it is often classified as one. 
Taurine is involved in bile salt formation, osmoregulation, and has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties. 
Taurine is found abundantly in the brain, eyes, heart, and muscles. 
Taurine is synthesized in the body from the amino acids cysteine and methionine.

CAS Number: 107-35-7

Synonyms:,2-Aminoethanesulfonic acid,Beta-aminoethanesulfonic acid,2-Aminoethanesulphonic acid,Taurozyme (brand name),NSC 763

Introduction
Definition and Overview: Taurine, or 2-aminoethanesulfonic acid, is a sulfur-containing amino acid that is widely distributed in animal tissues. 
It plays a crucial role in many physiological processes, including bile salt formation, membrane stabilization, and calcium homeostasis. 
Unlike many amino acids, taurine is not incorporated into proteins, making it an unusual and functionally unique molecule in biochemistry. 
It was first isolated from bile and has since been recognized as an essential component in several biological systems.

Historical Context: Discovered in 1827 by the German chemists Friedrich Tiedemann and Leopold Gmelin, taurine was initially isolated from the bile of an ox (hence the name from the Latin word taurus, meaning bull). 
Over time, its role in the body was understood more fully, particularly in its significance in the heart, muscles, and brain. 
Its use as a supplement began in the 20th century, and it is now a common ingredient in energy drinks, baby formula, and various supplements.

Chemical Properties
Molecular Structure: Taurine’s structure consists of a sulfonic acid group (-SO₃H) attached to an amine group (-NH₂) through an ethyl chain. 
The sulfonic group distinguishes taurine from other amino acids, which usually have carboxyl groups. Its structure is crucial for its interaction with calcium ions, membrane lipids, and neurotransmitters.

Physical Properties:
Solubility: Taurine is highly soluble in water due to its hydrophilic nature.
Melting Point: It has a relatively high melting point of approximately 305°C.
Boiling Point: Taurine decomposes before reaching its boiling point under normal pressure.
pH and Stability: Taurine is stable in a neutral pH environment and does not easily degrade at body temperature, which makes it biologically effective.

Synthesis and Modifications: Taurine is synthesized in the body from cysteine, an amino acid, via a two-step process involving the enzymes cysteine dioxygenase (CDO) and taurine synthase. 
This occurs primarily in the liver and kidneys. 
It is synthesized endogenously, meaning the body can produce taurine from other sulfur-containing amino acids, but dietary intake can also supplement its levels.
Reactivity: Taurine is chemically reactive due to the presence of both an amino group and a sulfonic group. 
Its reactivity is often involved in maintaining osmotic balance in cells and stabilizing cell membranes.

Biological Functions
Role in the Body: Taurine is involved in a wide array of vital biological processes:
Cardiovascular System: It stabilizes cell membranes, regulates blood pressure, and aids in the regulation of heart rhythm.
Central Nervous System: It functions as a neurotransmitter and neuromodulator, influencing the release of certain neurotransmitters such as GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) and glycine.
Bile Salt Formation: Taurine conjugates with bile acids to form bile salts, which are essential for fat digestion and absorption in the small intestine.
Eye Health: Taurine is abundant in the retina and plays a role in protecting the retina from light-induced damage.

Mechanisms of Action:
Calcium Regulation: Taurine influences calcium ion influx in cells, affecting cellular functions such as contraction in muscle cells and neurotransmitter release in neurons.
Osmoregulation: Taurine helps maintain cellular volume and fluid balance, particularly in tissues like the brain and retina.
Membrane Stabilization: By stabilizing cellular membranes, taurine helps to maintain the integrity of cells, particularly under stress conditions like high osmolality or oxidative stress.
Taurine and Neurotransmission: Taurine’s role in neurotransmission is still under investigation, but it is thought to modulate the activity of neurotransmitters, particularly inhibitory ones like GABA and glycine, thus promoting relaxation and reducing excitability in the nervous system.

Metabolism of Taurine
Synthesis in the Body: Taurine is synthesized from cysteine, using the enzyme cysteine dioxygenase to produce cysteine sulfinic acid. 
This is then converted by taurine synthase into taurine. 
This process mainly occurs in the liver, though small amounts are produced in the kidneys. 
The synthesis is limited by the availability of cysteine, which means dietary intake can influence taurine levels.

Excretion and Absorption: Taurine is absorbed primarily in the small intestine after ingestion and transported to various tissues via the bloodstream. 
It is excreted in urine, with its levels in the body being influenced by dietary intake and metabolic activity.

Factors Affecting Taurine Levels:
Diet: A diet rich in animal products (meat, fish, and dairy) typically results in higher taurine levels. Vegans and vegetarians may have lower taurine levels and may require supplementation.
Age and Disease: As people age, the body’s ability to synthesize taurine decreases. Certain diseases, such as diabetes, can also affect taurine metabolism.

Dietary Sources of Taurine
Natural Sources: Taurine is primarily found in animal-based foods, particularly in high concentrations in seafood, meat (especially dark meat), and dairy products. 
Shellfish like mussels and oysters, along with poultry, are particularly rich sources of taurine.
Taurine in Plant-Based Diets: Taurine is absent from plant foods, which is why those following vegetarian or vegan diets may need to consider taurine supplementation. 
However, the body’s ability to synthesize taurine from cysteine helps mitigate some of this limitation.

Supplementation: Taurine supplements are available in various forms, including powders, capsules, and energy drinks. 
Supplementation is often used by athletes and individuals seeking enhanced cognitive function or cardiovascular health.

Health Benefits
Cardiovascular Health: Taurine supports cardiovascular health by regulating calcium and sodium levels in the heart. 
Studies have shown that taurine supplementation can help reduce blood pressure and prevent arrhythmias. 
It also plays a role in reducing cholesterol levels by improving lipid profiles.

Brain Health: Taurine has neuroprotective properties, helping to protect neurons from oxidative stress. 
It supports neurotransmission and has been shown to reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s.

Vision and Eye Health: Taurine is highly concentrated in the retina, where it helps to maintain cell structure and function. 
It has antioxidant properties that protect the eye from damage caused by UV light and oxidative stress. 
Taurine deficiency is linked to retinal degeneration in some animal models.

Antioxidant Properties: Taurine acts as a powerful antioxidant, neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and preventing oxidative damage to cells. 
This helps protect various tissues, including the heart, liver, and brain, from the effects of aging and environmental stress.

Metabolic Effects: Taurine plays a role in regulating insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism, making it a potential therapeutic agent for type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

Taurine and Exercise
Impact on Performance: Taurine supplementation has been shown to enhance physical performance by increasing endurance, improving fat oxidation during exercise, and delaying fatigue. 
It may also help in improving aerobic capacity and muscle efficiency.

Muscle Function and Recovery: Taurine aids in muscle contraction and helps in reducing muscle damage following intense physical activity. 
It also supports recovery by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in muscle tissues.

Fatigue Reduction: Studies suggest taurine supplementation can help reduce perceived fatigue during prolonged physical exertion, possibly by improving energy metabolism and reducing oxidative damage.

Taurine in Disease Prevention
Taurine and Diabetes: Taurine is involved in glucose metabolism, improving insulin sensitivity and potentially lowering blood sugar levels. 
It has been shown to reduce the risk of diabetes complications, such as neuropathy and retinopathy.

Liver Function and Detoxification: Taurine plays a significant role in detoxifying the liver by aiding in the breakdown of fats and bile acids. 
It also helps protect the liver from alcohol-induced damage and other forms of oxidative stress.

Neurodegenerative Diseases: Given its neuroprotective role, taurine has been studied as a potential treatment for neurodegenerative diseases. 
It helps reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, key factors in diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s.

Taurine in Inflammation and Immune Response: Taurine has been found to have anti-inflammatory effects, reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. 
It also supports the immune system by enhancing the activity of white blood cells.

Taurine in Popular Culture and Supplements
Energy Drinks: Taurine is a common ingredient in energy drinks due to its stimulating effects on the nervous system and its role in maintaining electrolyte balance. 
Despite its inclusion, there is debate over the safety of taurine in energy drinks when consumed in high doses.

Taurine in Infant Formulas: Taurine is added to infant formula to mimic the composition of human breast milk, as it plays a critical role in infant development, particularly in the brain, eyes, and cardiovascular system.

Taurine in Sports Nutrition: Taurine is widely used in sports nutrition for its potential benefits in performance, recovery, and overall physical endurance.

Safety and Regulation: The safety of taurine in supplements is generally recognized, but concerns over excessive intake, particularly through energy drinks, have been raised. Regulatory bodies continue to monitor its usage in food and supplements.

SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT TAURINE
 
 
First aid measures:
Description of first aid measures:
General advice:
Consult a physician. 
Show this safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
Move out of dangerous area:
 
If inhaled:
If breathed in, move person into fresh air. 
If not breathing, give artificial respiration.
Consult a physician.
In case of skin contact:
Take off contaminated clothing and shoes immediately. 
Wash off with soap and plenty of water.
Consult a physician.
 
In case of eye contact:
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult a physician.
Continue rinsing eyes during transport to hospital.
 
If swallowed:
Do NOT induce vomiting. 
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. 
Rinse mouth with water. 
Consult a physician.
 
Firefighting measures:
Extinguishing media:
Suitable extinguishing media:
Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas
 
Advice for firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
Accidental release measures:
Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Use personal protective equipment. 
 
Avoid breathing vapours, mist or gas. 
Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
 
Environmental precautions:
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
 
Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Soak up with inert absorbent material and dispose of as hazardous waste. 
Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
 
Handling and storage:
Precautions for safe handling:
Avoid inhalation of vapour or mist.
 
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. 
Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.
Storage class (TRGS 510): 8A: Combustible, corrosive hazardous materials
 
Exposure controls/personal protection:
Control parameters:
Components with workplace control parameters
Contains no substances with occupational exposure limit values.
Exposure controls:
Appropriate engineering controls:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice.
Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.
 
Personal protective equipment:
Eye/face protection:
Tightly fitting safety goggles. 
Faceshield (8-inch minimum). 
Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
 
Skin protection:
Handle with gloves. 
Gloves must be inspected prior to use. 
Use proper glove
removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product. 
Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices. 
Wash and dry hands.
 
Full contact:
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
Splash contact
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
It should not be construed as offering an approval for any specific use scenario.
 
Body Protection:
Complete suit protecting against chemicals, The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
Respiratory protection:
Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a fullface respirator with multi-purpose combination (US) or type ABEK (EN 14387) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls. 
 
If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator. 
Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).
Control of environmental exposure
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. 
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
 
Stability and reactivity:
Chemical stability:
Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents:
Hazardous decomposition products:
Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions. 
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas.
 
Disposal considerations:
Waste treatment methods:
Product:
Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. 
Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material.
Contaminated packaging:
Dispose of as unused product