Is Taurine Safe in Energy Drinks

Taurine, unlike caffeine, is not a stimulant. It’s actually an amino acid that is believed to have antioxidant properties. It helps support neurological development and regulate water and salt levels in the blood. In addition to showing up in energy drinks recently, taurine can also be found in meat, fish, and breast milk and is available as a supplement.

What does taurine do?

Some studies suggest that taurine, when taken alone or with caffeine, may improve athletic performance or mental performance. While there is evidence to show that it helps regulate water and salt levels and support neurological development, evidence linking taurine and caffeine to enhanced athletic performance is still considered controversial.

How much taurine is safe?

It’s recommended that you limit your taurine intake to no more than 3,000 milligrams per day. Excess taurine will likely be excreted by the kidneys, although little is known about the long-term effects of consistent or heavy taurine use. However, energy drinks that contain taurine may also contain other stimulants that can be harmful in large doses, including caffeine and sugar.

Is Safety the Problem?

Although it is appropriate to question the safety of additives in soda and energy drinks, for those of us concerned with weight loss the bigger problem is  the number of calories in these drinks.  While the long-term safety of taurine is being debated, the damage energy drinks can do to your weight loss goals is well known. Limit your intake of these drinks and look carefully at the calorie count included in the label.  When in doubt – drink water.