Taurine is a common ingredient in energy drinks as it improves sports performance. Taurine supplements benefit those with diabetes or heart disease. Taurine is especially essential for the health of the heart, brain, liver, and retina (1).
Taurine is a type of amino acid that is naturally present in your body. But unlike most other amino acids, taurine isn’t involved in protein production. It is a conditionally essential amino acid with other essential physiological functions.
It has proven to help reduce blood pressure and help heart patients maintain a healthier exercise routine. Taurine has shown promising results as an effective therapeutic agent against congestive heart failure (2).
Taurine supports nerve growth (3). It has also been known to boost energy and help maintain proper hydration and electrolyte balance (4).
Taurine can be added to your diet from protein-rich foods such as dairy products, eggs, meat, and fish. However, some people aren’t able to produce their own or have restricted diets. They can benefit from taking taurine supplements (5).
Taurine was first isolated in 1827 from ox bile, which could be from where it got its name (“taur” being “bull” in Greek/Latin).
Taking taurine supplements can be a benefit for those looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle and prevent heart and brain-related issues. There are many taurine supplements in the market now and it takes a while to choose one that fits your individual needs.
In this article, we have compiled six of our top favorite taurine supplements available in the market.
Our Best Picks
1. Best for Brain and Heart Health Taurine supplement: Solgar Taurine Supplements
2. Best Potency Taurine supplement: NOW Double strength Taurine Supplements
3. Best for Weight Loss Taurine supplement: L-Taurine Fat Loss Supplement
4. Best Vegan Taurine Supplements: Pure Encapsulations Taurine supplements
5. Best Taurine Powder Supplement: Bulksupplements.com Taurine Powder Supplements
6. Best Overall Taurine Supplement: Primaforce Taurine Supplements
1. Best for Brain and Heart Health – Solgar Taurine Supplements
Taurine has plenty of positive effects on the central nervous system. Research has shown that taurine is low in patients with age-related brain and other neurological disorders (6), (7).
When supplemented, taurine reduces brain inflammation and stimulates neuron formation. Several findings demonstrate taurine’s beneficial effects against neurological conditions like stroke, epilepsy, diabetic neuropathy, and neurodegenerative diseases (8).
Along with its benefits to the brain, this conditionally essential amino acid is a good supplement for those trying to keep the heart healthy as they age.
About Solgar Taurine Supplements
Since 1947, Solgar has committed its facilities to formulate and manufacture quality assured products. Their ingredients are responsibly sourced and the products are made in small batches to maintain freshness.
These supplements are produced without any artificial additives or colors and are kosher and halal guaranteed. No gluten or dairy products are added and they are vegan-friendly.
Solgar goes one step ahead and packages its supplements using recyclable amber glass bottles, which protect against heat, light, and moisture. So, they are environmentally conscious, which makes them more appealing!
What It Contains
One serving size of 1 capsule gives you:
- Free form of taurine – 500mg
Other ingredients include vegetable cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, and vegetable stearic acid.
One bottle contains a hundred capsules.
As a dietary supplement, the manufacturers recommend taking one capsule up to four times a day, between meals, or as recommended by a healthcare professional. These vegetable capsules are totally free of common allergens such as wheat, dairy, soy, yeast, sugar, and sodium.
The Pros:
- Dairy, gluten, and soy-free
- Non-GMO
- No artificial colors or flavors
- Earth-friendly recyclable bottle containers
Summary: Solgar Taurine supplements give you a great product of pure, high-quality taurine in earth-friendly amber glass bottles to ensure freshness. It is made from non-GMO ingredients, free of artificial flavors, sweeteners, preservatives, and color while being completely suitable for vegans.
2. Best Potency Taurine supplement
Specific groups of individuals are at risk for taurine deficiency. They may benefit from taurine supplementation of greater potency.
This includes patients requiring long-term parenteral nutrition, those with chronic hepatic, heart, or renal failure (9). They can supplement their diets with extra potent taurine capsules to avail its antioxidant and cytoprotective effects.
About NOW Double strength Taurine Supplements
NOW is a family-owned and operated company that has been in service since 1968. They use clean, natural ingredients and manufacture their supplements in GMP-certified facilities, ensuring that every aspect of their process is tested for quality.
Their products are non-GMO, gluten, soy, and dairy-free, and completely kosher and halal.
These double-strength taurine supplements have double the amount of taurine making it extra potent in addition to being vegan friendly.
What It Contains:
The serving size of one vegetarian capsule will give you:
Taurine (free form) – 1000g
The other ingredients include a cellulose capsule and stearic acid. Each bottle contains 250 capsules with natural color variations since they don’t use artificial coloring.
The manufacturers recommend having 1 capsule once or twice daily along with juice or water, preferably between meals. These supplements aren’t meant for children, so must be kept out of their reach.
Strict rules have been adhered to and the supplement is not manufactured with wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish, or tree nut ingredients.
The Pros:
- Extra potent
- NPA A-rated GMP certified
- Non-GMO, gluten, soy, and dairy-free
- Kosher and halal certified
Summary: NOW Double Strength taurine supplements are extra potent supplements that provide double the amount of taurine per capsule. Packaged in the USA, these vegan-friendly veggie capsules are made of non-GMO ingredients. They are free of gluten, soy, and dairy.
3. Best for Weight Loss Taurine supplement
Along with its effect on the heart and brain, taurine supplementation has been shown to increase physiological performance during severe work intensities, which suggests its role in improving muscle performance during exercise (10).
Taurine also has a significant effect on fat metabolism and fat loss that promotes weight loss (11).
Since it also has antioxidant properties, taurine supplements can be used to relieve cramps, soreness, and fatigue.
About L-Taurine Fat Loss Supplement
L-Taurine Fat loss supplement is manufactured by Healthy Supplements LLC. This is a fully equipped U.S facility that follows good manufacturing practices (GMP).
The ingredients are tested for authenticity and quality. L-Taurine Fat loss supplement capsules are small and easy to swallow. This supplement supports testosterone production which plays a very important role in increasing muscle mass and proper fat deposition in the body.
The antioxidant property of L-taurine helps reduce oxidative stress and together with optimum testosterone production increases the capability of your muscles including the heart and joints. It supports better exercise performance by increasing protein synthesis.
What it Contains:
The serving size of 1 capsule is:
- L-Taurine – 500 mg
The other ingredients that are present in these vegetarian capsules are cellulose, rice powder, magnesium stearate, and silica.
The capsules are gluten, dairy, and soy-free. The product doesn’t contain salt, sugar, or any artificial colors and flavors.
One bottle holds a hundred capsules.
The Pros:
- GMP certified
- Good weight loss supplement
- Gluten, soy, dairy-free
- No artificial flavors or colors
Summary: L-Taurine Fat Loss supplements are a good choice if you want to lose weight and boost your exercise performance. These vegetarian capsules are free of gluten, soy, and dairy. Manufactured in the USA in facilities that abide by the GMP standards, they are totally free of artificial colors and flavors.
4. Best Vegan Taurine Supplements
For those who have a vegan lifestyle or have a restricted diet, it’s important to choose vegan-friendly dietary supplements.
Vegans and vegetarians are especially susceptible to taurine deficiency, making it even more necessary to supplement. Pure Encapsulation Taurine supplements ensure you just that! Nothing that isn’t vegan-friendly is used in their product, so it is a great choice.
About Pure Encapsulations Taurine Supplements
Pure Encapsulations have a state-of-the-art facility in Sudbury, Massachusetts, where they use only the best, quality-tested ingredients to formulate their products.
Carefully manufactured and tested with the guidance of nutritional experts, the product is hypoallergenic, gluten-free, fat-free, non-GMO, and completely natural. The supplement is tested for purest quality and potency.
Pure Encapsulations is NSF-GMP registered in the U.S., GMP certified in Canada, and exceeds the standards of the United States Pharmacopeia (USP). Pure Encapsulation’s Taurine supplements help detoxify the body because of its antioxidant property.
What it Contains:
One serving size of 1 capsule has:
- Taurine (free form) – 1000g
The other ingredients are ascorbyl palmitate and cellulose which form the capsule. Each container provides you with 120 capsules in one bottle.
The manufacturers recommend taking one capsule 1-4 times a day, between meals to avail of its benefits. Additionally, these capsules are small and easy to ingest.
The product is vegan and is free from wheat, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, artificial color, flavor, and sweetener. There are no unnecessary coatings, shellacs, binders, fillers, or preservatives. Therefore every capsule is hypoallergenic and a great option for people with allergies.
The Pros:
- Vegan-friendly
- Non-GMO
- Gluten, soy, dairy-free
- No artificial flavors or colors
- Hypoallergenic
Summary: Pure Encapsulations Taurine supplements offer high-quality vegan-friendly supplements that are also perfect for those on restricted diets. These capsules are made from non-GMO ingredients and free of gluten, soy, and dairy.
5. Best Taurine Powder Supplement
Some find it difficult to swallow tablets or capsules due to various reasons and prefer supplements that are either chewable or in powder form. Good powder supplements should not leave an aftertaste or chalky residue and should have a high absorption rate.
Bulksupplemets.com taurine powder supplement is our choice for the best powder supplements and ticks all the boxes.
About Bulksupplements.com Taurine Powder supplements
Bulksupplements.com is one of the largest distributors of pure food supplements. They manufacture and package their products in an NSF Certified, FDA-registered, and inspected food facility in Henderson, Nevada.
All their products are manufactured according to cGMP standards. The supplements are lab-tested at multiple stages of their production, and even third-party tested for compliance, standards, and consistency, thus promising quality assurance.
The powder supplement comes in convenient resealable pouches which are easy to carry and store. The purity and authenticity of its supplements are unmatched as they are third-party tested and lab-verified.
What it Contains:
One serving size of 500 milligrams will give you:
- Pure taurine – 500mg.
The supplement comes in a 1 kg pack and servings per pouch are two thousand. The manufacturers recommend taking 500mg (rounded ⅛ teaspoon) of the powder added into a smoothie, milk, or water twice daily. They have also provided the measuring standards for easy measuring.
Bulk Supplements taurine supplement is anti-inflammatory, supports heart health, and promotes muscle recovery after workouts. Therefore, it is a great pre-workout supplement that promotes weight loss.
It isn’t recommended for pregnant and lactating women and must be kept out of the reach of children. It is free of sugar, soy, dairy, yeast, gluten or any other additives.
The Pros:
- Resealable convenient pouches
- Powder form in place of capsules
- No harmful additives
- cGMP certified
- Manufactured in the USA
- Third-party tested
Summary: Bulksupplement.com taurine powder supplements are a great choice for those who prefer the powdered form of dietary supplements and a larger quantity of the supplement. Manufactured in an NSF-certified, FDA-registered, cGMP facility in the USA, the supplement is great as a pre-workout supplement that helps in weight management.
6. Best Overall Taurine Supplement
The product which is easily available in the market gives you maximum strength and provides a supplement that is made of the highest quality natural ingredients makes it the best overall product. PrimaForce® Taurine Supplements is our choice for the best overall taurine supplement.
About PrimaForce® Taurine Supplements
Disruptive Enterprises LLC is a U.S based company in North Carolina, USA. One of their brands PrimaForce® produces many dietary supplements using all naturally sourced ingredients and formulate products that have an overall effect on the body. Their taurine supplements are an effective energy management supplement, maintaining hydration and electrolyte balance.
PrimaForce® Taurine powder supplements are lab-tested, using high-quality ingredients that are backed by the latest research and development. It is produced in a GMP-compliant facility. They do not use any artificial flavoring and preservatives. It is an efficient weight management supplement and supports energy production.
What It Contains
Each serving size of 1 scoop consists of:
- Taurine – 1400 mg
There is 250g of supplement per container. The product is produced in a facility that may also process ingredients containing nuts, dairy, wheat, eggs, milk, soybeans, shellfish, tree nuts, and peanuts, so those with allergies need to be cautious.
As a dietary supplement, the manufacturer recommends taking 1 scoop of the supplement 1-2 times daily, before exercise.
The Pros:
- cGMP facility
- Pure ingredients
- No artificial colors or flavors
- Manufactured in the USA
Summary: PrimaForce® Taurine supplements come in powder form and are produced using high-quality ingredients and are a good overall supplement. It contains no artificial colors or flavors and tested for purity and potency.
Taurine and the Heart
One of taurine’s myriad effects on the body is its role in the health of the heart. There is a wealth of evidence and literature that suggests taurine can be beneficial in cardiac diseases like ischaemic heart disease, hypertension, cardiomyopathies, etc (12).
Animal studies done on the calcium and sodium levels in oxygen-distressed hearts showed that taurine supplementation can potentially protect the heart from ischaemic damage, which is damage caused due to decreased oxygen to the heart muscles (13), (14).
A similar animal study done in 2020 demonstrated how taurine treatment significantly decreased the oxidative stress that causes heart injury associated with cirrhosis. This clearly shows that taurine has a protective effect on the heart (15).
Patients living with congestive heart failure experience weakness and fatigue as one of their symptoms, which makes it difficult to exercise and do any physical activity which can greatly improve their health.
Taurine supplementation has been proven to increase the exercise capacity in such patients (16). Taurine has also been shown to improve the functional capacity and cardiac function of heart failure patients (17).
To investigate its effect on prehypertensive patients, whether taurine can help reduce or prevent its progression, a randomized controlled study was conducted in 2016 on 120 eligible patients.
They were randomly assigned to the experimental group and placebo group. The test group received 1.6g of taurine a day for 12 weeks. The results of the study concluded that taurine could be used in the treatment of prehypertension through its role in vascular function (18).
Both animal and human studies have proven taurine supplementation to be effective in reducing blood pressure and can be looked at as a hypotensive agent (19).
The mechanisms through which taurine benefits patients with congestive heart failure have been studied in detail. It has a diuretic (increases urine output) and natriuretic effect (increases excess salt excretion). It regulates calcium and sodium exchange which is affected in failing hearts.
Lastly, it can depress the action of angiotensin II, a plasma protein whose action increases blood volume, and thus blood pressure (20). All these functions help reduce the damaging effects of heart failure and diabetes-associated cardiomyopathy.
Summary: Taurine has a positive role to play in cardiovascular diseases, and helps protect the heart from damages caused by cardiac injuries associated with other systemic diseases.
Dosage and Interactions of Taurine supplement
Taurine is a very safe supplement to take daily. Although taurine is available in food like meat and fish, many of us don’t consume enough to reach the amounts that are recommended.
Generally, the dosage of taurine supplements can range from 500-2000mg per day (21). A study conducted in 2013 to know the effect of taurine ingestion on running performance revealed that taking 1000mg of taurine before a 3km run, significantly improved the running time (22).
Another study was done to note the effect of taurine supplementation on exercise capacity of patients with heart failure showed that 500mg of taurine 3 times a day improved their capacity (23).
A controlled clinical trial conducted in 2008 noted that giving 2g of taurine 3 times a day for 3 months helped reduce liver injury in hepatitis patients (24).
Although many of the studies have looked into the benefits of short-term, high doses of taurine, research on the safety of taurine shows that taking up to 3000mg per day for an entire lifetime is still safe (25).
Interactions
Taurine has been known to reduce the blood pressure of the heart. Taking excess taurine along with blood pressure medications that lower blood pressure should be avoided (26). Taurine supplementation offsets the depletion of taurine by beta-alanine (27).
It is wise to consult your doctor before taking lithium if you’re on medication with lithium as taurine might slow down the rate at which lithium is flushed from the body, which could increase the levels of lithium in the body.
Summary: Taurine can be safely taken up to 3g/day without any significant danger and any negative interaction. The average doses can range from 500-2000mg/day.
Risks and Side Effects of Taurine supplements
Since taurine is a fairly safe substance, there aren’t any specific risks involved in taking their supplements. Of course, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers are cautioned to take them only with the approval of their healthcare providers.
There has been a case reported and documented of an individual known to have sulfite and sulfonamide allergies, showing hypersensitivity to sulfur-containing substances like taurine (28). So those with similar allergies must avoid taking these supplements.
As is the case with most amino acid-based supplements, those with kidney-related issues should talk to their doctors before supplementing their diets with taurine.
On the whole, there aren’t any reported negative side effects of taking taurine supplements, so they are generally safe to consume.
Summary: Taurine supplements have not been reported to have any risks or side effects and are considered to be quite safe for consumption. Those with allergies to sulfites must avoid it, of course.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Taurine supplements
Is taurine safe for the kidneys?
Taurine has been shown to play a protective role against kidney diseases like chronic renal failure or acute kidney injury (29). Animal studies conducted reveal taurine to have protective effects on the immune- or toxicity-induced forms of glomerulonephritis due to its antioxidant effect (30).
Patients suffering from chronic liver failure have been shown to have reduced taurine in their blood and muscles (31). Taurine regulates and stabilizes the renal blood flow in the vessels (32).
In general, taurine supplementation can protect the body against a toxin or diet-induced oxidative stress (33).
How does taurine work for the eyes?
Taurine is one of the most abundant conditionally essential amino acids found in the retina and its deficiency can cause severe damage to the retinal neurons (34). It is essential for photoreceptor development and acts as a cell protector against stress-related nerve damage.
Taurine may help prevent the development of cataracts and dry eyes through its osmoregulatory action. Therefore, the dietary intake of taurine is a major factor in eye health (35).
Taurine being an antioxidant can be important in preventing age-related vision loss like macular degeneration (36).
Can taurine supplements help with sleep?
Taurine activates GABA(A) receptors in the region of the brain known to regulate sleep, and is involved in the production of melatonin which is a “sleep hormone”. It acts as a neural sedative to calm anxiety and reduce stress, which is a very common factor that induces insomnia.
Taurine supplementation has been shown to improve sleep by 50%, changing from diurnal to nocturnal. Experts recommend taking 1000-2000mg of taurine per day before bedtime for a calm and stress-free sleep.
The Final Note
Taurine may not be categorized as an “essential” amino acid on account of the fact that it can be produced in the body, but it has certainly earned its position as an essential substance on account of the important role it plays in the proper functioning of the cells and organs of our body system.
This unique substance is involved in the nervous system’s functioning, both in the brain and the other organs such as the eyes. Its antioxidant properties are so important in protecting the body from oxidative stress that its deficiency is related to conditions like epilepsy, congestive heart failure, depression, chronic liver, or kidney disease, etc.
Taurine supplementation has wonderful benefits, extending from increasing exercise performance to protecting the body from heart and brain injuries. It helps calm the mind and reduce anxiety, ensuring a good night’s sleep. Taurine is even known to protect the organs from diabetes-related issues like diabetic retinopathies, and neuropathies (37),(38).
Taking all of this into account, it’s no wonder taurine has become such a sought-after dietary supplement! This is why choosing the right one is equally important.