Taurine

One of the thermogenic substances used in weight loss supplements is Taurine, extracted from the liver of live cattle. Its name derives from Bos Taurus (Ox Bile) from which it was first isolated more than 150 years ago.

Thermogenics increase the ability to expend calories and raise the body's internal temperature, but without exercise they don't help at all because they don't increase energy expenditure, so they don't help you lose weight.

There is evidence that taurine participates in several important physiological functions. In the nervous system it is associated with osmoregulation, anti-oxidation, detoxification and stimulation of glycolysis and glycogenesis. In the liver, taurine conjugates with a wide variety of toxic products such as drug metabolites and xenobiotics, allowing these toxins to be quickly excreted by the body. Taurine can also complex with heavy metals and reduce the levels of these metals through a detoxification mechanism through rapid reduction with the formation of stable products. It acts as an emulsifier of lipids in the small intestine, promoting their intestinal absorption. Taurine also acts as a metabolic transmitter and strengthens heart contractions. Another attribute related to this amino acid is that it can intensify the effects of insulin, having been responsible for a better functioning of glucose and amino acid metabolism.

At the recommended dosage, 3 doses per day of 500 mg, it is far from having any type of effect, whether therapeutic or undesirable. As it is produced by the body, if there is no excess there are no problems.

The problem begins when the intended result is not obtained during use of the product! Then the person increases the dose and is subject to tachycardia, high blood pressure, strokes, mood changes, insomnia, anxiety, shortness of breath, liver and kidney problems, lung complications and heart failure, as these thermogenic supplements can harm the heart, liver, lungs and kidneys.

Individuals with kidney or liver problems should consult a doctor before consumption. People who have suffered a myocardial infarction, with established coronary artery disease or hypotension, nor people with glaucoma or herpes vulgaris should also not take it, unless prescribed by a doctor.

Some studies have demonstrated pharmacological interactions, and the consequent harmful effects, of the association of taurine with caffeine and guarana extract, rich in caffeine, a chemical compound that greatly stimulates the central nervous system, being considered a psychotropic drug; as well as with ginseng and other ingredients that also act on the autonomic nervous system as a stimulant, producing excitability.

Studies with laboratory animals have demonstrated pharmacological interactions between alcohol and taurine. Some reports suggest that there is an interaction with alcohol, expressed by an increase in excitatory effects or a reduction in its depressant effects.

Bibliography:

• Andersen, T., and Fogh, J., “Weight Loss and Delayed Gastric Emptying Following a South American Herbal Preparation in Overweight Patients,” J Hum Nutr Diet 14.3 (2001) : 243-50.

• Bempong, D.K., and Houghton, P.J., “Dissolution and Absorption of Caffeine from Guarana” J Pharm Pharmacol 44.9 (1992): 769-71.

• BALDWIN, C.A.; ANDERSON, L.A. et al. What pharmacists should know about ginseng?

• The Pharmaceutical Journal, 1986, 237: 583-586.

• Revista da Associação Médica Brasileira

• Print version ISSN 0104-4230. Rev. Assoc. Med. Bras. Vol.50 no.1 São Paulo 2004. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0104-42302004000100034.

• http://www.suplementos-vitaminas.com.br/artigo.php?a=Ginseng_Coreano acesso em 16/12/10