What Is Taurine?

Sources Of Taurine

Dietary sources of taurine are found exclusively in meat, dairy, eggs, and fish. Salmon is one of the most popular sources of taurine for those who eat fish, and beef, lamb, and other types of red meat are also rich in this nutrient. Generally, darker meat and poultry contain more taurine than lighter meat. For example, dark meat chicken has more taurine than white meat chicken. Organ meats, including chicken hearts, contain particularly high concentrations of dietary taurine. A 100-gram serving of seafood contains an average of eleven to 827 milligrams of taurine, and the same portion of meat or poultry contains between eleven to 306 milligrams of taurine. Dairy products typically have two to eight milligrams of taurine in a hundred-milliliter serving. Although vegetarians and vegans might not consume any of these foods, a 2017 study showed most adults who follow a plant-based diet already produce enough taurine on their own, and supplementation was not recommended for these individuals. Rather, the use of supplements is only recommended for patients who have low levels of this nutrient. Taurine is often added to energy drinks.

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