Taurine is a small sulfonic acid occurring naturally in animal tissues. Chemically known as 2-aminoethanesulfonic acid, it is classified as an organic compound and is present in substantial amounts in humans — up to about 0.1% of total body mass. Taurine is a major component of bile and is abundant in several organs.
Biological roles
Taurine takes part in multiple physiological processes. It is important for the normal function of the heart, the skeletal muscles, the retina, and nerves. Other documented or proposed roles include:
- conjugation of bile acids and support of bile composition
- helping to regulate cell volume and electrolyte balance (osmoregulation)
- modulation of calcium signaling in some tissues
- possible antioxidant and membrane-stabilizing actions
Synthesis and dietary sources
Humans can produce taurine internally from the amino acid cysteine via oxidative pathways found in liver and other tissues. Enzymes in this pathway convert cysteine to intermediate compounds that are then decarboxylated to form taurine. In addition to endogenous synthesis, taurine is obtained from dietary sources; it is particularly concentrated in meat, fish, and other animal-derived foods.
History and name
The name "taurine" derives from the Latin word taurus, meaning bull or ox. It was first isolated from ox bile in 1827, which is the origin of its common name.