Taurine

Taurine or 2-aminoethanesulfonic acid or Tau is non-essential amino acid, meaning dietary sources are not needed and it can be created by the body from other amino acids. Taurine, methionine, cysteine and homocysteine are the sulphur-containing amino acids.

Potential uses
Taurine is has a number of functions in skeletal muscle, in the retina of the eyes, and in the central nervous system. Taurine supports the digestion of dietary fat and may also be relevant to fat metabolism.

Risks and side effects
Clinical trials of taurine supplements have not been carried out for ME/CFS patients, so side effects and safety is largely unknown.

In healthy people, side effects of taurine have not been established, but supplemental intakes of up to 3 grams per day have been found to be safe.

Costs and availability
Taurine is widely available and inexpensive, it is found in different foods including shellfish and dark meat, and non-animal sources of taurine are also sold as nutritional supplements or added to energy drinks, gum or snacks.