Nature Made Taurine is a dietary supplement featuring a substance that the body produces naturally. Taurine is involved in numerous processes throughout the body, and understanding its function provides context for why a person might consider supplementation.
The Role of Taurine in the Body
Taurine is a conditionally essential amino acid, meaning the body can synthesize it, but dietary intake also helps maintain adequate levels. It is one of the most plentiful amino acids in the brain, muscle tissue, heart, and retina.
The body utilizes taurine for several processes. It is a component of bile salts, which are necessary for digesting dietary fats. Taurine also helps manage the balance of electrolytes and water within cells and regulates calcium levels, supporting the central nervous system. Natural dietary sources are primarily animal-based, including meat, fish, and dairy products.
Potential Health Applications of Taurine
Research suggests taurine may support cardiovascular health. Studies indicate it can help regulate blood pressure, improve the function of the heart’s left ventricle, and improve exercise capacity in individuals with congestive heart failure.
For athletic performance, taurine’s antioxidant properties may protect muscles from cell damage during intense exercise. It may also reduce muscle fatigue and soreness by enhancing oxygen use, making it a common ingredient in sports supplements.
Taurine is also examined for its effects on metabolic health, with a role in blood sugar regulation and insulin resistance. Due to its high concentration in the nervous system and eyes, it is studied for its protective functions in the brain and its support of vision.
Nature Made Product Specifics
The Nature Made brand offers a taurine supplement formulated in a 1000 mg dose per capsule. Many of their products carry the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Verified Mark. This third-party verification provides assurance that the product contains the ingredients listed on the label, in the correct potency and amount.
The USP verification also confirms the supplement does not have harmful levels of specified contaminants and will break down to be absorbed by the body. It certifies the supplement was manufactured according to the FDA’s current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs). Nature Made’s taurine is formulated without synthetic dyes, artificial flavors, or gluten.
Usage and Safety Considerations
The manufacturer’s suggested use is one capsule taken daily with water and a meal. Taurine is considered well-tolerated by most individuals when taken in appropriate amounts, though some people may experience mild side effects like digestive upset.
As with any dietary supplement, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider before beginning use. This is particularly important for individuals who are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have pre-existing medical conditions.