WHAT IS TAURINE?
Taurine is a sulfur amino acid that was originally named so, since it was first isolated in the bile of an ox
(Taurus). Present in high concentrations in mammals, it is a conditionally essential amino acid in humans
(and in cats) with many functions, although it does not enter into protein synthesis. It is necessary in
proper neonatal, infant and child development, and deficiencies in developmental stages may be the
cause of epilepsy, poor eyesight and other problems. Taurine is found in animal proteins, primarily in
meat and milk (and especially high in human nursing mother's milk). Because it is so important for human
development, some baby formulas are enriched with Taurine. It is synthesized from Methionine and
Cysteine, and Vitamin B-6 is necessary for proper metabolism, however, infants have a limited capacity to
synthesize Taurine. A Pyridoxal 5'Phosphate (active B-6) deficiency decreases the amount synthesized
and can cause low levels of Taurine. Zinc is also essential, and a zinc deficiency is associated with an
increased excretion of Taurine. They also work synergistically as antioxidants to protect cell membranes
from free radical/ toxic damage. A deficiency of both may impair eyesight and low levels have been noted
in epileptics. Since Taurine is not available in vegetable proteins, strict vegetarians-may be low in this
important amino acid.
TAURINE AND HEART MUSCLE
There is a high concentration of Taurine in cardiac muscle tissue, and it controls the ionic
(calcium/magnesium) flux, helps to prevent potassium loss, and has a protective function against
myocardial injury and heart failure. It is involved with osmoregulation and regulates myocardial
contractions. It also has both antiarrhythmic activity and hypotensive properties. Studies show that
Taurine administered orally improves patients with congestive heart failure.
ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES
Taurine protects against damage to cells from toxic compounds, including carbon tetrachloride,
hydrazine, and 1,4-naphthoqunone. Low levels of Taurine, may lead to liver damage from exposure to
these chemicals. Taurine works along with Zinc in its antioxidant activities, helping to trap hydroxy
radicals and acting as a radioprotective mechanism in protecting healthy cell membranes from free
radical damage.
NEUROLOGICAL FUNTIONS
Taurine is important for brain development, and insufficient amounts in the growth stage may cause
neurological problems later on. It is involved in the maintenance of cerebella function, acts as a modulator
of neuronal excitability and neurotransmitter function, and has anticonvulsant properties.
• EPILEPSY
Taurine, like GABA, provides neuroinhibitory activity to the Central Nervous System. Zinc and Taurine
deficiencies have been noted in epileptics as well as low levels of GABA. Increasing Taurine levels may
help diminish seizures in Epileptics, as well as other seizure disorders.
TAURINE AND BILE FUNCTION
Taurine is a key component of bile, which is necessary for lipid metabolism and regulating cholesterol. By
influencing bile acid conjugation, it has an effect on gallstone formation. It also protects the liver through
proper regulation of the bile function, as well as its antioxidant effects.
CYSTIC FIBROSIS
Fat malabsorption is a problem in Cystic Fibrosis; therefore, Taurine may be an adjunct to conventional
therapies in helping with lipid metabolism and benefiting those with CF. This was noted in a medical study
published in the Am. J. Dis. Child. 1991.
EYE FUNCTION
High levels of Taurine, which regulates osmotic pressure, are generally found in the retina. A deficiency in
Taurine, as well as zinc, may lead to degeneration of the photoreceptive cells and impaired vision
associated with retinitis pigmentosa. For those with this disorder, a suggested dosage of 1-1.5 grams of
Taurine (2-3 capsules) along with 800 IU of Vitamin E per day may improve visual acuity. Human milk
contains high levels of Taurine, and when infants on Taurine-free parental nutrition were studied, retinal
disturbances were noted. Supplementation with Taurine prevented or reversed these retinal problems.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MONTIFF PURE TAURINE?
• Montiff supplies the highest quality Taurine in 500 mg. capsules, for quick assimilation.
• Taurine is also included in the following Montiff formulations: Super Antioxidant Formula, Cardio-
Care, Cir-Cu-Care, B-Complete, B-Long, Vita-Minz Plus, All-Basic Amino Acid Formula, and
Super Sports Amino Acid Formula.
DIRECTIONS: Take 1-3 capsules per day, or as needed, with a full glass of water or fruit or vegetable
uice. Do not take with hot fluids or dairy products.
Vitamins and minerals are necessary to help metabolize and work synergistically with Taurine, especially
B-6 (including Pyridoxal 5'Phosphate) and zinc. Because of this, Montiff B-Complete or B-Long are
recommended, as well as Vita-Minz Plus. For seizure disorders, including GABA may also be considered
in a supplemental program.
REFERENCES
• Latifi, Rifat MD, Amino Acids in Critical Care and Cancer, 1994. .
• Balch, J. M.D., Balch, P., C.N.C., Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 1997.
• Di Pasquale, M, Amino Acids and Proteins for the Athlete the Anabolic Edge, 1997.
• Smith, Lacaille, Lepage, Ronco, Lamarre, Roy, "Taurine Decreases Fecal Fatty Acid and Sterol Excretion in Cystic
Fibrosis", Am. J. Dis. Child., 1991.
• Lombardini, JB, "Taurine Retinal Function", Brain Res. Rev., 1991.
• Lomdardini, JB, "Recent Studies of Taurine on Taurine in the Central Nervous System", Adv. Exp. Med. Biol., 1992.
• Azuma, Savamura, Awata, et al.; "Double-blind Crossover Trial of Taurine in Congestive Heart Failure", Curr. Therap.
Res., 1983.
• Batuev, Brgina, Aleksandrov, Riabinskaia, "Audiogneic Epilepsy: a Morophofunctional Analysis" Bibliographic Citation: Zh-
Vyssh-Nerv-DeiatIm-1-P-Pavlove, 1997.
• Birdsall, TC, "Therapeutic Applications of Taurine", Alten-Med-Rev., 1998.
