Description:
Taurine is one of the lesser known Sulphur Amino Acids, and can be synthesized by the body from Cysteine when Vitamin B-6 is present. It plays a variety of roles in the normal functioning of the Brain, Heart, Gallbladder, Eyes and Vascular System. Taurine has many diverse biological functions, serving as a Neurotransmitter in the Brain, a stabiliser of cell membranes and a facilitator in the transport of ions such as Sodium, Potassium, Calcium and Magnesium. Taurine, after GABA, is the second most important inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. The Amino Acids Alanine, Glutamic Acid and Pantothenic Acid inhibit Taurine metabolism, while Vitamins A and B-6, Zinc and Manganese help to synthesise Taurine. Cysteine and Vitamin B-6 are the nutrients most directly involved in Taurine synthesis. The Gallbladder utilises Taurine for the formation of Taurocholic Acid, one of the two primary Bile Acids necessary for the breakdown of fats in the Small Intestine. Taurine is also involved with Bilirubin and Cholesterol excretion in Bile.
