Taurine is a non-essential amino acid. However, some consider it to be 'conditionally-essential'. It can be useful for people who suffer from atherosclerosis, heart disorders, edema, and hypertension. It is important to the heart muscle, white blood cells, musculo-skeletal system, and central nervous system.

It has been used in the treatment of breast cancer, anxiety, poor brain function, epilepsy, and Down syndrome children. It is also reported to help boost the immune system, keeps diabetes at bay and aid in digestion. It has a hypoglycemic effect by potentiating the action of insulin. Other less-known uses for taurine supplements include treatment for depression, low sperm count and eye disease. Some body builders use it to help achieve muscle mass.

Diabetics may benefit from taurine intake but caution is advised until it's effectiveness has been clearly established. Yes, it can lower insulin requirements, but any experimenting should be done under a doctor's supervision.

The people most at risk of a taurine deficiency are infants, women and vegetarians. Infants cannot make taurine in their bodies, and because formula for babies usually does not include taurine, breast-fed babies have better taurine levels than formula-fed ones. Women have been known to have a taurine deficiency because the presence of female hormones inhibits its production. Vegetarians are also usually at risk because there is none in plant foods. The best source of taurine is meat and fish.

An Australian study discovered taurine to be one of the key properties in fish that protect against cardiovascular disease [Asia Pac J Clin Nutr 2001;10(2): pp.134-7]

Taurine tends to be well absorbed and tissue levels can go up rapidly after oral administration. Individuals seeking to boost their taurine intake can choose from all types of meat, fish, including fatty fish, mild fish, white fish and/or taurine supplements.

There are no major known side effects of taurine supplements, but that does not mean one can't have an adverse reaction. Someone did report to The Analyst that they experienced dizziness, nausea, joint pain, and muscle spasm from taurine supplement use.