
Supplemental taurine has a major impact on the adult brain as well as the developing brain, with the ultimate result that the taurine-supplemented brain appears to age more slowly than it might otherwise.Įnvironmental toxins, long known to contribute to congenital brain defects seen in newborns, are now increasingly recognized as factors in causation of adult neurodegenerativeĭisorders including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. Studies Reveal Taurine’s Neuroprotective Effects Attenuates damage caused by beta amyloid protein, a major contributing factor in Alzheimer’s disease 10,19.Protects brain cells against destruction following a stroke 17,18.Stimulates proliferation and new neuron formation to sustain learning and memory 14-16.Reduces brain inflammatory processes that are active in production of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases 13.Cooperates with other neurotransmitters to promote induction of long-term potentiation, which is the neurological process by which memories are formed and retained during learning 2,12.Enhances the inhibitory systems driven by the “relaxing” neurotransmitter GABA, which directly opposes excitotoxic effects 11.Protects brain cells against excitotoxicity, the chemically stressful effects of overstimulated brain cells 9.Prevents dysfunction of mitochondria within brain cells, thereby sustaining energy levels 9,10.Protects brain cells against environmental toxins including lead and organic pesticides 8.The basic science of taurine in the brain is rapidly emerging, demonstrating that it may prevent brain aging via the following mechanisms: Scientists have recognized for a decade or more that taurine is critical for normal brain development. It plays special roles in the brain, where it meets many of the criteria for being a neurotransmitter (a molecule that transmits signals between brain cells). Taurine is one of the most abundant amino acids in our bodies. In addition, recent studies show that this low-cost amino acid has brain-protective effects capable of preventing at least some of the cognitive changes associated with environmental toxins.
