ABSTRACT
Taurine is a sulfur-containing nonessential amino acid synthesized from methionine. Unlike most amino acids, it is not incorporated into the proteins of the body. Taurine is available from the diet and is found in relatively high concentrations in intracellular fluids. Taurine is involved in conjugation of bile acids; however, other potential functions including central nervous system neuromodulation, retinal development and function, endocrine effects, and antioxidant properties are less clearly understood. A role for taurine supplementation for exercise performance has not been established; however, one study in which taurine (0.5 g/kg body weight) was added to the water of rats for 2 weeks suggested that supplementation may improve treadmill running to exhaustion perhaps by maintaining muscle concentration of taurine, 371 which has been demonstrated to be decreased by exercise. 372
