Amino acids

Taurine

Also called: taurine

An amino-acid-like compound in heart, muscle and brain; added to energy drinks.

Why people take it
Exercise, heart health, ageing.
What the evidence says
Small studies show modest benefits for exercise and blood pressure.
How it is usually taken
Usually 500 mg to 3 g a day; many energy drinks contain 1 g.
Be careful
Generally safe at up to 3 g a day.
Medicines it can interact with
May add to blood-pressure lowering and affect lithium levels.

Other amino acids

L-arginineL-citrullineL-glutamineL-carnitineBeta-alanineBCAAsEAAsL-tyrosineL-lysineGlycineN-acetylcysteine (NAC)Glutathione5-HTPL-tryptophanGABASAMe

Common questions

What is Taurine?

An amino-acid-like compound in heart, muscle and brain; added to energy drinks.

Why do people take Taurine?

Exercise, heart health, ageing.

Does Taurine work?

Small studies show modest benefits for exercise and blood pressure.

How much Taurine do people take?

Usually 500 mg to 3 g a day; many energy drinks contain 1 g.

Is Taurine safe?

Generally safe at up to 3 g a day.

Does Taurine interact with medicines?

May add to blood-pressure lowering and affect lithium levels.

Sources and further reading

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu.

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For information only, not medical advice. Supplements are not medicines: they are not tested and approved like drugs before they are sold, and they can interact with medicines. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you start one, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take regular medicines, or have kidney, liver or heart disease.