Taurine (2-aminoethane-sulfonic acid) is one the most abundant amino acids in your brain, spinal cord, eyes, and nearly every tissue in your body.
Every region of your brain including the retina in your eyes contains or takes up taurine.
You may be familiar with taurine only because it’s a featured ingredient in popular energy drinks like Red Bull, Rock Star, NOS, Amp, Full Throttle, and Monster.
Occasionally we’ll see a story about sudden death or seizure from consuming as few as 3 – 4 cans of some energy drink. And because taurine is the featured ingredient many assume that taurine is the problem.
Turns out that adding taurine to your nootropic stack is perfectly safe. The hidden issue often missed in the news is energy drink caffeine content ranging from 80 – 300 mg per can.[i]
Everyone from athletes to exhausted soccer moms grab a Red Bull® to improve performance and make it through their day.
But a better option is to avoid the sugar-laden energy drink. And stack a taurine supplement with a cup of coffee or green tea. For a similar effect. Without the negatives.
In this review we’ll dive into all the of the nootropic benefits provided by supplementing with taurine.
Taurine helps:
- Neurotransmitters. Taurine functions as a neurotransmitter and neuromodulator in your brain. Activating GABA and glycine receptors which affects memory and mood and prevents seizures.[ii]
- Neuroprotectant. Taurine protects brain cells by reducing intracellular free calcium (Ca2+) concentrations.[iii] It is a potent antioxidant, protects from mitochondrial dysfunction, modulates energy metabolism within cells, modulates genes to induce longevity, inhibits cellular stress associated with Alzheimer’s, acts as ‘quality control’ in brain cell health, and protects against stroke.[iv]
- Neurogenesis. Taurine increases stem cells and progenitor cells (neural precursor cells) in your brain including the aging hippocampus and increases the survival of newborn neurons (neurogenesis).[v]
Table of Contents
Overview
Taurine (2-aminoethane-sulfonic acid) is one of the most abundant amino acids in your body.
Taurine is synthesized in your body from methionine and cysteine via cysteinesulfinic acid decarboxylase (CSD).[vi]
Taurine is a “conditional” amino acid because some of this amino acid is synthesized naturally in your body. And you get the remaining taurine your body requires from eating seafood, meat, poultry, and eggs.
Taurine was discovered by German scientists Friedrich Tiedemann and Leopold Gmelin in 1827 who first extracted it from ox bile. It’s named after the Latin taurus which means bull or ox.
Since taurine is found almost exclusively in animal-based foods, many vegans and vegetarians are at risk for taurine deficiency.[vii]
Science also shows that taurine levels decline with age.[viii] Possibly because the aging body and brain cannot supply enough of the precursors required to synthesize taurine.[ix]
The structure of taurine has two primary differences from essential amino acids.
First, taurine’s amino group is attached to a beta-carbon instead of an alpha-carbon. And second, the acid group in taurine is sulfonic acid, instead of carboxylic acid like in other amino acids.[x]
Because of this distinctive structure, taurine is not used in the synthesis of proteins in your body and brain. Instead, it provides a host of other benefits which we’ll cover in this review.
The more we learn about taurine, the more we realize it is one of the most essential substances in the human body.
After extensive animal studies showing all the benefits of taurine, scientists in Japan were curious if there was a correlation in human health.
Using data from a WHO study covering 61 populations in 25 countries they confirmed that populations with the highest levels of taurine in their system lived the longest.[xi]
As a nootropic, taurine is essential for minimizing damage from beta-amyloid proteins associated with Alzheimer’s, protecting against environmental toxins, preventing mitochondrial dysfunction, and supporting the inhibitory GABA system.
Taurine is needed for promoting long-term potentiation for memory formation, reducing brain inflammation, stimulating growth of new neurons (neurogenesis), and protecting your brain from the damaging effects of stroke.
How does Taurine work in the brain?
Taurine boosts brain health and function in several ways. But two in particular stand out.
- Taurine may help anxiety and depression. If you deal with anxiety or depression you know the negative effects on learning, work and your quality of life. Supplementing with taurine as a nootropic may help.[xii]
Research shows that taurine may help alleviate depression by changing depression-related signaling cascades in the hippocampus.[xiii]
One human study with 121 bipolar patients aged 18 – 25 demonstrated a reduction in manic episodes when supplemented with taurine.[xiv]
And several animal studies have shown taurine nootropic supplementation may help in the clinical treatment of anxiety. By modulating the GABA and glycine receptors in the brain. And preventing neurotoxicity and mitochondrial energy failure.[xv]
- Taurine is anti-aging. Studies show that taurine levels fall as you get older. And supplementing with taurine seems to slow the brain aging process.[xvi]
Taurine protects brain cells from pesticides and heavy metals such as lead.[xvii] It helps prevent mitochondrial dysfunction and regulates calcium levels.[xviii] And taurine prevents toxicity by reversing declines in the inhibitory GABA system.[xix]
Taurine supplementation reduces inflammatory processes caused by excessive iron accumulation that can lead to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.[xx] And it stops Amyloid-β from damaging mitochondria by activation of Sirtuin 1 (SIRT 1) which helps prevent Alzheimer’s.[xxi]
Taurine also plays a critical role in creating new brain cells (neurogenesis). Research has found that taurine activates dormant stem cells in the brain.[xxii] And boosts the survival of new neurons which results in an increase in adult brain cells.
How things go bad
Some taurine is produced in your body from methionine and cysteine. But the remainder must come from your diet. If you are vegan or vegetarian, chances are high that you are not getting enough taurine.
Diseases such as diabetes, cancer, liver disease, kidneys or heart can also deplete taurine. As can deficiencies in Vitamin B6 (P-5-P), zinc, magnesium and Vitamin A. And eating food containing monosodium glutamate (MSG).
Insufficient taurine means:
↓ reduced GABA can lead to anxiety and depression
↓ vision problems
↓ oxidative stress destroys neurons and synapses
↓ insulin resistance
↓ Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) declines
Taurine is one of the least expensive nootropic supplements there is. So if there the slightest doubt you are getting enough taurine then add it to your nootropic stack.
Taurine to the rescue
Taurine is the most abundant amino acid that you’ve never heard of. Strong evidence suggests taurine could be the secret factor in the world’s longest-living populations.[xxiii]
Studies show taurine:
- Critical for normal human brain development[xxiv]
- Prevents mitochondrial dysfunction within brain cells
- Supports GABA in your brain preventing neurotoxicity & stress
- Reduces inflammation that can lead to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s
- Stimulates neurogenesis which is anti-aging
- Shields brain cells from stroke-induced brain cell damage
- Prevents beta-amyloid damage that could lead to Alzheimer’s
- Protects brain cells from heavy metals and pesticides
- Needed along with NMDA and dopamine receptors for long-term potentiation needed for long-term memory formation[xxv]
And here we’re only investigating taurine’s effects on your brain. This essential amino acid can also restore insulin sensitivity, mitigate diabetic complications, reverse symptoms of heart disease, prevent and treat fatty liver, and reverse tinnitus.
If you are interested in living a longer, healthier and more active life, consider adding taurine to your nootropic stack.
How does Taurine feel?
Neurohackers report that supplementing with taurine is a simple way to support energy levels.
Sleep is better, and taurine may be a safe alternative to prescription sleep meds.
Most people using taurine report sharper eyesight. Muscle pain is reduced, less depression, and no more insulin resistance.
Some report that adding taurine to their nootropic stack helped relieve chronic fatigue syndrome.
Supplementing with taurine is effective for lowering blood pressure and reducing the occurrence of atrial fibrillation.
If you have issues after eating food containing monosodium glutamate (MSG), taurine can help eliminate the headache and nausea.
The Research
Taurine for autism
Autism spectrum disorder is thought to be associated with oxidative stress caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS). So oxidative stress could be a potential target for therapeutic intervention for autism.
Methylation capacity, sulfate levels, and total glutathione levels are decreased in autism. On the other hand, oxidative glutathione and the ratio of oxidative to reduced glutathione are increased.
So decreasing oxidative stress might be a potential treatment for autism.[xxvi]
Taurine is a well-known antioxidant and regulator of inflammation. Researchers in New York tested 66 children aged 1.5 – 11.5 years who were diagnosed with autism. And the controls in this study were the kids’ healthy siblings and parents.
The study found that 21 out of 66 autistic children had low taurine concentrations. The researchers concluded the data implied that taurine may be a valid biomarker for at least some with autism.[xxvii]
Taurine may help ADHD
Studies have shown low dopamine in the prefrontal cortex and striatum segments of the ADHD brain.
A very recent study conducted in Taiwan revealed that high-dose taurine calmed hyperactive behavior and brain signaling in ADHD rats.
Taurine significantly affected dopamine transporter levels, dopamine uptake and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression.[xxviii]
Mounting evidence in ADHD research also suggests a strong relationship between inflammation and ADHD.
Elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1 and C-reactive protein are turning out to be diagnostic markers of ADHD. These cytokines induce changes in dopamine and norepinephrine in the prefrontal cortex.
A recent study in Taiwan showed that high-dose taurine significantly reduced interleukin (IL)-1 and C-reactive protein which in turn reduced hyperactive behavior.[xxix]
Taurine for OCD
Studies show that patients with OCD have increased glutamate activity and decreased GABA in the brain. And it could be genetic.
One specific gene (SLC1A1) codes for transporters to clear glutamate from synapses, and boost GABA production.[xxx] If you are missing this gene you’ll have problems with glutamate and GABA and likely experience symptoms of OCD.
GABA plays a critical role in regulating excitability in neuronal networks in your brain. Taurine has been proven to activate GABA receptors and even boost GABA levels in your brain.[xxxi] Helping to reduce symptoms of OCD.
Taurine for epilepsy
Read the reviews of taurine supplements and now and again you’ll see someone mention that consistent use of taurine reduces the severity and number of seizures they experience.
Imbalances between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters appear to be the mechanism of epileptic seizures. And taurine serves as an inhibitory neuromodulator.
GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in your brain. So the regulation of GABA plays a prominent role in preventing excitability and seizures.
Taurine is a GABAA receptor agonist. High-doses of taurine activate this receptor as well as the glycine receptor which both suppress neuronal firing.
Several clinical studies have been conducted to test the efficacy in using taurine to control epilepsy. Reviews are mixed as only about 1/3 of patients respond favorably to taurine therapy.[xxxii] So if you’ve tried everything else with little success you may want to give taurine a try.
Dosage Notes
Recommended taurine nootropic dosage is 500 mg – 2 gm per day.
The safe upper limit for taurine is 3 gm per day.[xxxiii]
Instead of getting your taurine from an energy drink, try a taurine supplement with a cup of coffee or tea, and a high-quality B-Complex supplement. You’ll feel better and get the same benefit.
Taurine is rapidly absorbed and used in your body and brain. But studies show that a single dose won’t do much in providing a benefit you can feel.
Continual, daily, long-term nootropic usage of taurine builds and the maintains adequate levels of taurine in your system.[xxxiv]
With very few exceptions, high doses of taurine are well tolerated without adverse side effects.[xxxv]
Side Effects
Taurine is well-tolerated and safe for most people. And should not cause any side effects.
High taurine dosage should be avoided if you are dealing with bipolar disorder because it could make your symptoms worse.
Available Forms
Taurine is available in capsules and powder form.
Taurine capsules are usually 500 or 1000 mg each.
Avoid trying to get your taurine from energy drinks because the dose is too low for any nootropic benefit. And they are loaded with sugar, caffeine, and other ingredients that are contrary to good health.
Nootropics Expert Recommendation
Taurine 500 mg – 2 gm per day
We recommend using taurine as a nootropic supplement.
Your body does make some taurine on its own. But the rest must come from meat, poultry, seafood or dairy. Or a nootropic supplement.
Taurine is especially helpful for relieving anxiety and stress. If you haven’t had much luck with prescription anti-anxiety meds or antidepressants, or other nootropics for anxiety, you may want to try taurine.
For antiaging benefits, and a longer, healthier life you should add taurine to your nootropic stack.
Taurine is essential for a healthy brain, heart, muscles, eyes and hearing.
Taurine is particularly effective for those using levodopa to treat Parkinson’s Disease because this drug depletes taurine in your body.[xxxvi]
Doctors sometimes recommend dosages of taurine up to 6 grams per day for treating high blood pressure, diabetes, congestive heart failure, anemia, cystic fibrosis and after surgery.
But for most neurohackers, up to 2 grams per day of taurine is adequate.
Just avoid trying to get your daily taurine dose from energy drinks. The dose is too low and the risk from the other ingredients in these drinks is too high.
[i] Curran C.P., Marczinski C.A. “Taurine, caffeine, and energy drinks: Reviewing the risks to the adolescent brain.” Birth Defects Research 2017 Dec 1;109(20):1640-1648. (source)
[ii] Wu J.Y., Prentice H. “Role of taurine in the central nervous system” Journal of Biomedical Science 2010; 17(Suppl 1): S1. (source)
[iii] Leon R., Wu H., Jin Y., Wei J., Buddhala C., Prentice H., Wu J.Y. “Protective function of taurine in glutamate-induced apoptosis in cultured neurons.” Journal of Neuroscience Research. 2009 Apr; 87(5):1185-94. (source)
[iv] Schaffer S., Kim H.W. “Effects and Mechanisms of Taurine as a Therapeutic Agent” Biomolecules & Therapeutics (Seoul). 2018 May; 26(3): 225–241. (source)
[v] Gebara E., Udry F., Sultan S., Toni N. “Taurine increases hippocampal neurogenesis in aging mice.” Stem Cell Research. 2015 May;14(3):369-79. (source)
[vi] Stipanuk M.H. “Metabolism of sulfur-containing amino acids.” Annual Review of Nutrition 1986;6:179-209. (source)
[vii] Laidlaw S.A., Shultz T.D., Cecchino J.T., Kopple J.D. “Plasma and urine taurine levels in vegans.” American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 1988 Apr;47(4):660-3. (source)
[viii] El Idrissi A., Boukarrou L., Splavnyk K., Zavyalova E., Meehan E.F., L'Amoreaux W. “Functional implication of taurine in aging.” Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology. 2009;643:199-206. (source)
[ix] Eppler B., Dawson R. “The Effects of Aging on Taurine Content and Biosynthesis in Different Strains of Rats” in Schaffer S., Lombardini J.B., Huxtable R.J. (eds) Taurine 3. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, vol 442. Springer, Boston, MA (source)
[x] Andrews S., Schmidt C.L. “TITRATION CURVES OF TAURINE AND OF CYSTEIC ACID” Journal of Biological Chemistry 1927 73: 651-. (source)
[xi] Yamori Y., Liu L., Mori M., Sagara M., Murakami S., Nara Y., Mizushima S. “Taurine as the nutritional factor for the longevity of the Japanese revealed by a world-wide epidemiological survey.” Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology. 2009;643:13-25 (source)
[xii] Wu G.F., Ren S. Tang R.Y., Xu C., Zhou J.Q., Lin S.M., Feng Y., Yang Q.H., Hu J.M., Yang J.C. “Antidepressant effect of taurine in chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depressive rats” Scientific Reports. 2017; 7: 4989. (source)
[xiii] Toyoda A., Iio W. “Antidepressant-like effect of chronic taurine administration and its hippocampal signal transduction in rats.” Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology 2013;775:29-43 (source)
[xiv] O'Donnell C.P., Allott K.A., Murphy B.P., Yuen H.P., Proffitt T.M., Papas A., Moral J., Pham T., O'Regan M.K., Phassouliotis C., Simpson R., McGorry P.D. “Adjunctive Taurine in First-Episode Psychosis: A Phase 2, Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study.” Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. 2016 Dec; 77(12):e1610-e1617. (source)
[xv] Pereira C., et. al. “Mitochondrial Agents for Bipolar Disorder” International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology 2018 Jun 1; 21(6): 550–569. (source)
[xvi] Suarez L.M., Munoz M.D., Martin Del Rio R., Solis J.M. “Taurine content in different brain structures during ageing: effect on hippocampal synaptic plasticity.” Amino Acids 2016 May;48(5):1199-208 (source)
[xvii] Akande M.G., Aliu Y.O., Ambali S.F., Ayo J.O. “Taurine mitigates cognitive impairment induced by chronic co-exposure of male Wistar rats to chlorpyrifos and lead acetate.” Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology. 2014;37(1):315-25. (source)
[xviii] Kumari N., Prentice H., Wu J.Y. “Taurine and its neuroprotective role.” Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology. 2013;775:19-27 (source)
[xix] El Idrissi A., Shen C.H., L'amoreaux W.J. “Neuroprotective role of taurine during aging.” Amino Acids. 2013 Oct;45(4):735-50. (source)
[xx] Ward R.J., Dexter D.T., Crichton R.R. “Ageing, neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.” Frontiers in Bioscience. 2015 Jun 1;7:189-204. (source)
[xxi] Sun Q., Hu H., Wang W., Jon H., Feng G., Jia N. “Taurine attenuates amyloid beta 1-42-induced mitochondrial dysfunction by activating of SIRT1 in SK-N-SH cells”. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. 2014;447(3):485-9. (source)
[xxii] Pasantes-Morales H., Ramos-Mandujano G., Hernandez-Benitez R. “Taurine enhances proliferation and promotes neuronal specification of murine and human neural stem/progenitor cells”. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology 2015;803:457-72 (source)
[xxiii] Yamori Y. “Food factors for atherosclerosis prevention: Asian perspective derived from analyses of worldwide dietary biomarkers.” Experimental & Clinical Cardiology. 2006 Summer;11(2):94-8. (source)
[xxiv] Hernández-Benítez R., Vangipuram S.D., Ramos-Mandujano G., Lyman W.D., Pasantes-Morales H. “Taurine enhances the growth of neural precursors derived from fetal human brain and promotes neuronal specification.” Developmental Neuroscience. 2013;35(1):40-9. (source)
[xxv] Suarez L.M., Bustamante J., Orensanz L.M., Rio M., Solis J.M. “Cooperation of taurine uptake and dopamine D1 receptor activation facilitates the induction of protein synthesis-dependent late LTP.” Neuropharmacology. 2014;79:101-11. (source)
[xxvi] Ghanizadeh A., Akhondzadeh S., Hormozi M., Makarem A., Abotorabi-Zarchi M., Firoozabadi A. “Glutathione-related factors and oxidative stress in autism, a review.” Current Medicinal Chemistry. 2012;19(23):4000-5. (source)
[xxvii] Park E., Cohen I., Gonzalez M., Castellano M.R., Flory M., Jenkins E.C., Brown W.T., Schuller-Levis G. “Is Taurine a Biomarker in Autistic Spectrum Disorder?” Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology. 2017;975 Pt 1:3-16 (source)
[xxviii] Chen V.C., Chiu C.C., Chen L.J., Hsu T.C., Tzang B.S. “Effects of taurine on striatal dopamine transporter expression and dopamine uptake in SHR rats.” Behavioral Brain Research. 2018 Aug 1;348:219-226 (source)
[xxix] Chen V.C., Hsu T.C., Chen L.J., Chou H.C., Weng J.C., Tzang B.S. “Effects of taurine on resting-state fMRI activity in spontaneously hypertensive rats” PLOS 1 12(12): e0190203. (source)
[xxx] Arnold P.D., Sicard R., Burroughs E. “Glutamate Transporter Gene SLC1A1 Associated With Obsessive-compulsive Disorder” Archives of Genetic Psychiatry. 2006;63(7):769-776. (source)
[xxxi] Jia F., Yue M., Chandra D., Keramidas A., Goldstein P.A., Homanics G.E., Harrison N.L. “Taurine Is a Potent Activator of Extrasynaptic GABAA Receptors in the Thalamus” The Journal of Neuroscience 2 January 2008, 28 (1) 106-115 (source)
[xxxii] Schaffer S., Kim H.W. “Effects and Mechanisms of Taurine as a Therapeutic Agent” Biomolecules and Therapeutics (Seoul). 2018 May; 26(3): 225–241. (source)
[xxxiii] Shao A., Hathcock J.N. “Risk assessment for the amino acids taurine, L-glutamine and L-arginine.” Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology. 2008 Apr;50(3):376-99 (source)
[xxxiv] Sved D.W., Godsey J.L., Ledyard S.L., Mahoney A.P., Stetson PL, Ho S., Myers N.R., Resnis P., Renwick A.G. “Absorption, tissue distribution, metabolism and elimination of taurine given orally to rats.” Amino Acids 2007;32(4):459-66. (source)
[xxxv] Ghandforoush-Sattari M., Mashayekhi S., Krishna C.V., Thompson J.P., Routledge P.A. “Pharmacokinetics of oral taurine in healthy volunteers.” Journal of Amino Acids 2010;2010:346237. (source)
[xxxvi] Zhang L., Yuan Y., Tong Q., Jiang S., Xu Q., Ding J., Zhang L1, Zhang R., Zhang K. “Reduced plasma taurine level in Parkinson's disease: association with motor severity and levodopa treatment.” International Journal of Neuroscience. 2016;126(7):630-6 (source)
David how does taurine differ from l-theanine? I’ve heard a lot of people say that taurine + caffeine works a lot better for them than l theanine + caffeine? Is there anything wrong with using them both? Do they both work synergistically with caffeine or is only using one preferred? I currently use 2g taurine + 200mg l-theanine + 50mg caffeine in a single dose in the morning, is that ok? Would you split the dosages so that I take theanine and taurine once in the morning and once in the evening? Also on top of that I use NAC if that makes any difference
Sven, Taurine (https://nootropicsexpert.com/taurine/) and L-Theanine (https://nootropicsexpert.com/l-theanine/) are two very different supplements. I suggest comparing those to pages side by side and you’ll see what I mean.
The stack that you describe is fine and as long as it works for you keep on using it. You may want to reduce your L-Theanine dose to 100 mg instead of 200 mg however. 200 mg can make you sleepy and be counter to what you are trying to achieve.
You could use the same stack minus the caffeine in the evening and it should help you sleep. NAC is another great supplement because it is a precursor to glutathione which is a major component of your immune system. And it supports dopamine receptors as well which makes dopamine more effective.
Great Article. I have a type of bipolar disorder that is related to anxiety induced insomnia. (basically if I go for too many days without sleep I become “manic”). Some people on amazon reviews say that taurine relaxes them, others say it gives them energy. Which is it? I’m considering taking taurine for anxiety and I have to be careful to make sure I don’t take anything that can cause insomnia.
Dave, taurine activates GABA and glycine receptors which affects memory and mood and prevents seizures. I suggest scrolling back to the top of this reviews and reading it again. All the way through to the bottom. You’ll have your answer.
Hello David, do you think a diet with enough meat, around 400 grams a day, gets enough benefits from taurine as a nootropic?
– I would also like to know, please, in which cases would you recommend L Theanine and in which Cases L Taurine?, since their effects seem very similar
Wilma, Taurine is an amino acid and works as a neurotransmitter. It helps activate GABA and glycine receptors. Plus provides other benefits described above.
L-Theanine (https://nootropicsexpert.com/l-theanine/) is a completely different supplement. It’s derived from green tea and chemically is similar to glutamine.
Please read each review from top to bottom and compare them. I would recommend Taurine only if you think you are low in taurine. And recommend L-Theanine if you need something calming and to help you think.
Dear Mr. Toman,
You say it is best to take Taurine in the morning with a cup of coffee and a high quality, B-complex supplement. I have been taking Taurine with my morning coffee for years and would like to add B-complex as well. Is it okay to take a B-complex supplement on an empty stomach along with my morning coffee and Taurine?
Mike, absolutely because the B-Vitamins are water soluble and are happy to enter your system anytime you decide to take them.
Hi! I was wondering if there were any long acting taurine? want i mean is a molecule with the same effect but takes more time to kick in (as a nootropic with caffeine) , just after the actual taurine quantity and i intook was consumed. ??
Same question for L théanine (please)
Thx.
Medk, you don’t need “long acting taurine”. Because it is only continual, daily, long-term nootropic usage of taurine that builds and maintains adequate levels of taurine in your system. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17514497
Please don’t fall for the wow factor when expecting benefits from using nootropics like Taurine and L-Theanine. It is consistent daily use over the long-term where you’ll experience the most benefit.
I realize there’s nothing sexy about this approach to using nootropics. But it works. And you get to the point where something happens that you happen to notice. That hasn’t happened before. Something little like recalling a name or specific memory.
It’s subtle and it’s then that you know without a doubt that your work with nootropics is paying you back.
Hello David,
I’m not seeking medical advice but do you know if it’s safe to take taurine while taking the drug Gabapentin ?
Considering they both share a mecanism of action on GABA.
Thanks !
Gaby, taurine works inpart by activating of extrasynaptic GABAa receptors in your brain.
Gabapentin however does not bind to the GABA receptors, does not convert into GABA, and is not a GABA receptor agonist (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16376147/). It works by acting as an inhibitor of α2δ subunit-containing VDCCs (voltage-dependent calcium channels).
I am not aware of any contraindication between the two: https://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/gabapentin-index.html
Hi
I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2015 I don’t take any alopathic meds.
I wanted to ask if you could suggest to me beneficial supplements for ms fatigue.
Thanks
Naeem, you can try Ginkgo Biloba (https://nootropicsexpert.com/ginkgo-biloba/) and Panax Ginseng (https://nootropicsexpert.com/ginseng/). I’d also add a good DHA supplement (https://nootropicsexpert.com/dha/) and a high quality multivitamin (https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-multivitamin-for-women-to-buy-in-2020/ or https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-multivitamin-for-men-to-buy-in-2020/)
Thanks so much for all of the info. Your site is such a great resource! Taurine seems to be the only thing that works for my anxiety after trying so many other things.
I read that the long-term use of Taurine can downregulate GABA receptors. Is that something to be concerned about? I take a low dose of 500mg a day.
Sean, not something I would be concerned about.
Hello David I suffer from anxiety and take Escitalopram, also I have ADHD… Adding Taurine might help? Wh
Mike, if your truly clinical ADHD it’s going to take a lot more than just Taurine. Please see my ADHD protocol in this post: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-adhd-add/
Just wanted to check, i’m currently taking magnesium taurate 1500mg a day.. 250mg of that is magnesium.
I guess that means I’m getting 1250mg taurine?
Matthew, magnesium taurate is magnesium bound with taurine. Not sure about the math because haven’t seen the formulation. I’d check the label and if that’s not clear then check with the manufacturer.
Hi. Regarding coffee-taurine stack, I read the review that goes:
“At the cardiovascular level, they concluded that “if there are any interactions between caffeine and taurine, taurine might reduce the cardiovascular effects of caffeine.” Although these interactions remain to be further examined in humans, the physiological functions of taurine appear to be inconsistent with the adverse cardiovascular symptoms associated with excessive consumption of caffeine-taurine containing beverages”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24615238
It sounds like its not optimal to take taurine with coffee, your thoughts?
Any other stack that you recommend for taurine to optimize its effects?
Omar, you are fine using taurine with caffeine as long as it is supported by a dose of L-Tyrosine (dopamine) and B-Complex (which is excreted when using caffeine).
Here’s an idea; stack Taurine with Performance Lab Stim (https://nootropicsexpert.com/performance-lab-stim-review/) which provides all of the above. I would think that’d be a great temporary energy boost.
Greetings David,
I’m enjoying your Head First Book. Yet, I’d like to know if you’ve any experience with DMG or NMN?
If so, I’d appreciate it if you could expound on the knowledge that you may have of them both
Thank you
Fan, I have not done the research on Dimethylglycine (DMG) so can’t help there.
But everything I know about Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) is in these two reviews: https://nootropicsexpert.com/vitamin-b3-niacin/ and https://nootropicsexpert.com/nadh/
Hi, I heard L-Taurine and NALT are not too different? Is there any point having both in one stack or is one more beneficial than the other? Thanks for the report
Richard, these are two complete unique amino acids. NALT is L-Tyrosine which is the precursor to dopamine synthesis. Taurine functions as a neurotransmitter and has a unique mechanism of action. Please compare the two reviews to see the difference.
Hi, I heard L-Tyrosine and NALT are not too different? Is there any point having both in one stack or is one more beneficial than the other? Thanks for the report
Richard, NALT is simply an acetyl group added to L-Tyrosine to make it more bioavailable. Some prefer one over the other. Depends on what works best for you.
Hi;
I have AFIB (atrial Fibrillation). Its actually called heart flutter because my pulse went to 134 and stayed there. After spending 3 days in the hospital and being the guinea pig for some very bad actor pills. I went home and took the pills for a month. Nothing changed in my heart but the rest of my body seized up.
So I started to do my home work and found that 1000mg taken once a day steadied my arrhythmia and stopped the AFIB. So any time I noticed I had arrhythmia I would take the Taurine and bingo no more arrhythmia and high heart rate. So you cant beat that.
My big question is why am I short of Taurine because I eat a normal diet. Well, maybe a little low on the proteins but not intentionally. I am 75.
Harry, the problem is that you “eat a normal diet”. But it’s not your fault. It’s the underlying problem with our food supply. Rather than going into it here I’d like you to read this post on choosing a multivitamin. Because it explains why and no matter how hard you try, you cannot get the nutrients your body needs from food only for a healthy body in 2019: https://nootropicsexpert.com/how-to-select-the-best-multivitamin-for-brain-function/
I have been unable to download Secrets of Optimized Brain
please advise thanks dmarko
Donna, what happens when you try to download Secrets of the Optimized Brain? Do you get an error message?
Hi David,
I’ve read online that Taurine can slow down the release of adrenaline. Have you found this in your research?
Kenneth, taurine does a lot of things but that one I didn’t come across in my research.
“The administration of taurine, in both in vivo and in vitro, inhibited the release of adrenaline from adrenal medullary granules, but that of dopamine-beta-hydroxylase was not significantly affected.”
“These findings indicate that taurine antagonizes the stress-induced elevation of blood sugar by reducing adrenaline output from the adrenal gland. ”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6814
But then above they seem to write the opposite.
“Oral administrations of taurine (4-7 g/kg/day, for 3 days) prevented the stress-induced decline of adrenaline in the adrenal gland and this preventive effect could not be duplicated by the administration of L-isoleucine or DL-methionine. ”
David, what does this study now explains: if taurine now lowers or not adrenaline?
this study seems to confirm it i think: https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1161/01.CIR.75.3.525
Wim, the first study was done in rats and second in humans with high blood pressure. In the 2nd study it didn’t seem to have much effect in those with normal blood pressure.
I would go with the conclusions in the newer study using humans.
thanks David,
Taurine is a great supplement and of the few with magnesium & melatonin to lower adrenaline. I can confirm the study of the students.
After I take 1000mg of Taurine on an empty stomach, I also feel the adrenaline/norepinephrine (who goes high up after waking up) , coming down again.
thanks
Thank you so much David!
I found that there is also L-Taurine. What do you think about this?
What is the difference between L-Taurine and Taurine? Is it better to take L-Taurine?
Thank you in advance for your answer!
Jay, there is no such thing as L-Taurine. If it’s labeled L-Taurine it’s a mistake on the part of the marketer.
With amino acids, the “L” prefix means it’s a natural form of that amino acid. A “D” prefix means it is synthetic.
But without going into a detailed explanation, all you need to know is that Taurine does not polarize light. So natural vs. synthetic can’t be measured using left or right light polarization when it comes to taurine.
Most major supplement companies sell and label their product “taurine”. Go with one of the trustworthy manufacturers and then check user reviews if you’re still not sure.
Thanks your answer David!
I found L-Taurine in iHerb. Life Extension sells both types of taurine products.
Jay, great example of a labeling issue with Taurine vs. L-Taurine. Not sure why they do it. Maybe someone in their marketing dept. thinks L-Taurine on the label looks more natural or something.
Thank you for your reply and thank you for correcting my mistake:)
L and D refer to chirality of the molecule sometimes called “left” or “right handed”. This is because the same molecule has two mirror images. So L-taurine is a real thing.
James, the majority of people just refer to this as “taurine”.
And your best bet for getting great quality is look for a supplement using AjiPure® L-Taurine by AJINOMOTO®.
Thanks David for the reply on the other supplement. (I try to avoid overpopulating your comment section with another “thank you” if I have nothing useful to ad)
Regarding Taurine:
I just found in Examine:
“deficiency states can be induced experimentally with overfeeding of beta-alanine which competes at the level of the transporter due to being structured similarily.[1] Guanidinoethane sulfonate (GES) may also be used to inhibit taurine uptake”
I am taking whey concentrate for 1,5 years (full of alanine) and must have created a definency in taurine as I have now every day AF what I did not had in the past.
Taurine seems to be the most important supplement for hart health I read now & was taking L-Carnitine for it already 1.5y
Thanks in advance
Thank you so much David, I’m always benefiting from your research and your reply.
I saw what you said, “amino acids should be taken on an empty stomach because they compete with other amino acid in your meal. Things like meat. Anything in your meal that provides amino acids will prevent the full effect of an amino acid supplement.”
So, what do you think about taking a variety of amino acid supplements at the same time in the morning?
For example -> Taurine + L-theanine +L-Tyrosine + ? + ?
Is it OK to take at once because there are no large amounts of amino acids like ‘meal’? Or can I get better absorption if I take various amino acid supplements at different times?
Thank you in advance for your answer. 🙂
Jay, you make a good point but at some stage we need to ‘draw the line’ and let our bodies sort it out. Amino acids compete for transporters. But in my humble opinion we could drive ourselves crazy trying to get this perfect. I take my amino acid supplements together but well before a meal. And it seems to work just fine.
Love your videos, was wondering what you think of carbon 60?
Martin, I haven’t done any research with Carbon 60 (buckyballs) but it does look like an interesting substance. Thanks for mentioning it.