Taurine Unit Converter

Taurine is a conditionally essential amino acid found abundantly throughout the body, particularly in the heart, brain, eyes, and muscles. Unlike most amino acids, taurine is not used to build proteins. Instead, it functions as a free amino acid involved in regulating cell volume, stabilizing cell membranes, and modulating nerve signaling.

It accounts for roughly 50% of the total free amino acids in the heart and is one of the most abundant amino acids in the human body. Plasma taurine levels are measured as part of a quantitative amino acid profile.

Circulating taurine levels naturally decline with age, and research suggests that maintaining adequate levels may support healthy aging.

Taurine is synthesized primarily in the liver and kidney from the amino acid cysteine, through a pathway involving the enzyme cysteine sulfinic acid decarboxylase. It is also obtained directly from dietary sources, especially meat, fish, and shellfish.