Taurine gets something of a bad rap. But did you know that it’s naturally produced by the body? Discover the (unexpected) effects of this substance – particularly on sleep
Taurine is a sulfur-containing amino acid derivative produced naturally by the human body. It is found in the blood vessels, retina, muscles, brain ...
Present in many animal species, it is also available from the diet, from foods such as meat, shellfish and seaweed (1).
This substance was discovered in the 19th century by German scientists. They extracted it from the bile of bulls, hence the name ‘taurine’, though it is not exclusive to this animal.
Before we explore its effects on sleep, let’s first review taurine’s well-established effects.
Essential to health, taurine is particularly important for movement. It thus helps provide energy for your physical activities.
One of its positive effects, well-known by sportspeople, is its ability to improve performance, including endurance. Some athletes therefore use taurine supplements (Taurine 1000 mg) to help prevent cramps, sore muscles and other discomfort.
At the right dose, this type of product is effective at supporting post-exercise muscle recovery. (2-3)
As an antioxidant, taurine also supports the body’s cells (4-6). For example, it plays a role in maintaining the heart. (7)
It can slow down the aging process and may thus prevent a number of health problems such as age-related macular degeneration. (8)
In addition, taurine promotes secretion of bile salts and thus supports effective elimination of waste products from the body. It helps maintain a healthy gut. (9)
It also encourages good absorption of fats, which may help prevent obesity. (10)
There are many mistaken beliefs about taurine.
One is that it is made from bull testicles. It’s not. As described, this substance is produced by the body and obtained from a variety of ‘normal’ foods.
Another misconception is that taurine is a stimulant. It’s nothing of the sort.. It instead plays a stimulant role, which is not the same thing. (11)
Its reputation as a stimulant comes from confusion over energy drinks, which often combine taurine and caffeine. And it’s the latter, not taurine, which is responsible for the drink’s stimulating effects.
Now for the key question: does taurine stop you sleeping?
Following on from the previous point, many people think that taurine is bad for sleep. Again, this is a fallacy. According to some studies, taurine may even help you get to sleep!
An American study compared the effects of caffeine and taurine on drosophila flies. Researchers observed that insects given a dose of caffeine had difficulty getting to sleep, while administration of taurine strongly promoted drowsiness (12).
This substance may actually have an anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effect(13). It’s known that taurine directly affects GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter of the central nervous system, which is able to increase calmness and serenity. (14) Perfect for inducing a good night’s sleep and ensuring you wake up in tip-top form.
A lack of taurine, however, is clearly associated with stress, and therefore poor sleep. Supplementing with taurine may thus help to relieve these symptoms (15).
By choosing to supplement with taurine (Taurine 1000 mg), you can improve your physical capacity, reduce aching muscles, and slow down aging of your cells … And all without impairing the quality of your sleep, indeed, you may even improve it.
If you want to do even more to aid your recovery and facilitate the renewal of your muscle mass, why not take advantage of the benefits offered by the amino acid glutamine (try L-Glutamine). As for antioxidants, we’d suggest a specialized supplement such as AntiOxidant Synergy or Optiberry®.
And if you often have trouble getting to sleep, or wake frequently in the night, there are also specific supplements for addressing insomnia such as Advanced Sleep Formula.
References
Keywords
3 Days
That came quicker, updates on order could be more prompt. Overall, will order again/am ordering again.
MUNDSON Tyler
4 Days
The ease of the website and transparency of the ingredients in each supplement!
Kazimir Bela
5 Days
I purchased something you offered. It is a unique product. Just like the long lasting effects of you lactobacillus reuteri I am happy to spend my money with you.
PRATT William
5 Days
My cultures arrived alive and work well. I got a nice, creamy yogurt. They are best price I could find after looking all over. They have a lot of other cultures that I'm excited to try as I learn more about our amazing gut microbiome.
MACE El
6 Days
Got my order quickly and no sales tax or mailing fee.
EIGENBERG David
10 Days
Specialty Nutraceuticals hard to find elsewhere. Simple and straightforward ordering process. The reason I didn’t gave a 5 star rating is their price is a bit high on comparable products/dosage found elsewhere. Nonetheless, very good experience.
JAMES THAI
11 Days
Love the Curcumin, works well for my arthritis!
BLANCO Judy
11 Days
With the discount it is very easy to try something new.
Larry
11 Days
SuperSmart has precisely targeted, functional self-help products, more diverse and useful than even the big name companies in the supplement business. Their delivery system works well. They deserve to be better known.
REGAN E
12 Days
I love your products and your service!
ARMENTI Christina
13 Days
Very fast turn-around order to delivery.
Richard
13 Days
Excellent experience with high-end trustworthy products, very fast delivery.
BUISSON Laurence
14 Days
Products arrived in perfect condition, packaged well. One star off due to delay. Took longer to arrive than it should have.
Kathy
17 Days
A very trustful site. New products for various symptoms.
Larry
17 Days
Great service
ESTES Lk