Where Does Taurine Come From? Revealing The Truth Of Energy Drinks

Taurine is known to be an amino sulfonic acid that is important in numerous metabolism-related processes in the human body.

This amino acid, taurine, is said to have antioxidant properties. However, a lot is not known about the long-term effects of supplemental taurine use. Taurine is found in human milk, fish, dairy products, meat and is also accessible as a dietary supplement. The research on the effect of amino acid on the human body is mixed.

But there are some studies present that suggest the taurine supplementation of taurine can boost athletic performance. Another study has seen that a human with congestive heart failure who took these supplements for two weeks and three times a day, showed an enhancement in their exercise capacity.

Furthermore, another study had suggested that taurine mixed with caffeine helped in improving mental performance.

However, further research on this is needed. The finding of this is said to be controversial, along with the use of taurine supplementation and its long-term effects.

It is necessary to know that energy drinks have many other ingredients present like sugar, herbal stimulants, and caffeine.

Sugar can lead to unwanted added calories and too much caffeine can cause various side effects on a human, like anxiety, interruption of sleep, and an increase in your blood pressure and heart rate. However, is this the only dark secret of an energy drink?

Let’s read the rest of the article to know more about taurine and then find out where tea comes from and where rubber comes from.

What is taurine and what is taurine made of?

The conditional amino acid, taurine which occurs naturally in the human body, is derived from natural dietary sources, produced by various chemical syntheses for commercial and bio-synthesized in the body. In 1827, it was first isolated by German scientists, Leopold Gmelin and Friedrich Tiedemann.

They had learned about the presence of this substance in ox bile.

It is also how taurine got its name, taurine is the Latin term for ox or bull. Taurine is included in energy drinks for the psychological effects it gives out to help improve physical performance and muscular function.

There are doses of 0.03-0.07 oz (1000-2000 mg) in the sources of taurine in each serving of an energy drink intake. According to some health advocates and stimulating research, drinking more than one serving a day can be a matter of concern.

Too much caffeine can lead to increased blood pressure and other side effects that can come with it. However, consuming a 0.1 oz (3000 mg) intake in one serving is generally considered safe.

Speaking of taurine or ‘bull’, you have all been aware of the famous energy drink called Red Bull. Red Bull was founded by Dietrich Mateschitz in 1987 with a Thai businessman, Chaleo Yoovidhya.

Dietrich Mateschitz was a marketing executive for the German company, Blendax.

It was known for shampoos. After he had tasted Krating Daeng, another drink that was invented by Yoovidhya, Mateschitz decided to go into the energy drink market.

The two of them partnered and went on to produce the energy drink, Red Bull. In 2019, Red Bull sold 7.5 billion cans that are estimated to provide caffeine for more than 80% of the planet.

Where does taurine in energy drinks come from?

The main source of amino acids in taurine are animal foods like fish, meat, and dairy. Though taurine means bull or ox in Latin, it doesn't mean it contains bull semen or bull urine. Bull semen and urine being present in taurine is to this day a famous urban myth.

Like we have read so far, taurine contains amino acids that are often added to numerous energy drinks for the benefits it provides. Human bodies produce amino acids. Taurine can help boost exercise performance.

According to animal studies, taurine causes muscle functions to work for longer and harder. These animal studies further show how mice have reduced damage in their muscles and fatigue during a workout.

Conferring to human studies, taurine removes the waste products that cause muscle burn and lead to fatigue. Apart from this, taurine also protects the muscles from oxidative stress and cell damage.

Speaking of energy drinks, you may have heard about another famous energy drink called monster energy drink. This energy drink is produced by the Monster Beverage Corporation, an American company. It contains 0.006 oz (160mg) of caffeine, 1.9 oz (54 g) of sugars, and 190 calories.

Compared to other energy drinks, it is slightly on the high side but that hasn’t become a factor for people to stop drinking it. Moderate consumption of this energy drink doesn’t bring any negative side effects.

Furthermore, it is said to not be healthy with the number of artificial flavors and sugar in it. Taurine was first isolated in 1827 by German scientists from Ox bile.

Does all energy drinks have taurine in them?

Taurine is present in almost every popular energy drink that we love and can’t wait to gulp down. It has an increase in GABA which is a suppressant in the central nervous system and glycine that helps in calming down the brain.

Taurine helps to reduce the anxiousness in the brain brought on by too much caffeine. It is known for its stimulating effect on the brain.

Speaking on popular energy drinks, let's talk about the myth surrounding Red Bull being an alcoholic drink. There have been studies conducted that claim Red Bull is a non-alcoholic energy drink.

There has been no indication whatsoever that Red Bull has any effect of alcohol in it. This was confirmed by the European Food Safety Authority. It also confirmed that the ingredients present in Red Bull are of no concern, as long as a person drinks it moderately.

How does taurine affect health?

So far, there has been no proven research that taurine has any bad side effects. But there have been various cases that show its benefits.

Taurine is said to have important functions present in the brain and heart. Nerve growth is supported by taurine. It has also benefited people suffering from heart failure. Taurine does this by lowering blood pressure and calms the nervous system. Even dogs need routine in their food. it can be provided in the form of fish, meat and supplements.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy!

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