Meta Information
ID:taurine
Name:
Schema Version:2.4_uniform_evidence_2026_06_18
Created
2026-05-21T22:30:00Z
Model
phase-a-upgrade-claude-sonnet-4.6
Interactions
Target id:
/condition/renal-impairment
Target name:
Renal Impairment
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Taurine is primarily cleared from the body by the kidneys. In individuals with impaired kidney function, taurine can accumulate to potentially harmful levels, exacerbating renal stress.
Actionable advice:
Taurine supplementation should be avoided with any stage of kidney disease unless directed by a nephrologist.
Validation status:
validated_via_pubmed
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
pubmed_abstract_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
We concluded that plasma levels of all the principal sulphur amino acids except methionine are elevated in chronic renal failure emphasizing the importance of the kidney in sulphur excretion.
Label source:
PubMed: European journal of clinical investigation (1979)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
In ARF animals, taurine increased in plasma and liver two to three times the normal levels, remained unchanged in muscle and brain, but decreased in heart tissue; this decrease (-20%) was significantly correlated with the concomitant increase of BUN and plasma creatinine.
Label source:
PubMed: Kidney international. Supplement (1983)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Taurine concentration in plasma, liver and skeletal muscle was not depleted, but steady-state urinary taurine excretion (a measure of whole-body taurine biosynthesis) was strongly suppressed (28.3 ± 8.7 in NxC rats versus 78.5 ± 7.6 μmol/24 h in S, P < 0.05), accompanied by reduced taurine clearance (NxC 0.14 ± 0.05 versus 0.70 ± 0.11 ml/min/Kg body weight in S, P < 0.05).
Label source:
PubMed: BMC nephrology (2021)
Action type:
avoid
Target id:
/class/antihypertensives
Target name:
Antihypertensive Medications
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Taurine may lower blood pressure through various mechanisms, including vasodilation and regulation of the renin-angiotensin system. This can have an additive effect with antihypertensive drugs, increasing the risk of hypotension (abnormally low blood pressure).
Actionable advice:
It is important to consult a doctor before combining; regular blood pressure monitoring is essential if used together.
Validation status:
validated_via_primary_literature
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
primary_literature_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
To determine whether taurine exerts its antihypertensive action in man in a similar fashion, we studied the effect of oral administration of taurine (6 g for 7 days) on blood pressure and plasma catecholamines in 19 young patients with borderline hypertension in a double-blind, placebo-controlled fashion.
Label source:
PubMed: Effects of increased adrenomedullary activity and taurine in young patients with borderline hypertension. (PMID 3815764)
Action type:
monitor
Target id:
/class/antidiabetic-medications
Target name:
Diabetes Medications
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Taurine can improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood glucose levels. When taken with diabetes medications (e.g., metformin, sulfonylureas, insulin), it can increase the risk of hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar).
Actionable advice:
Blood glucose should be monitored very closely, and it is important to talk to a doctor, as medication dosages may need adjustment.
Validation status:
validated_via_primary_literature
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
primary_literature_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Preliminary human trials also indicate improvements in insulin sensitivity and fasting glucose levels.
Label source:
PubMed: Taurine in Type 2 Diabetes: Plasma Concentrations, Metabolic Pathways, and Potential as a Therapeutic Adjuvant. (PMID 41217691)
Action type:
monitor
Target id:
/class/cns-depressants
Target name:
CNS Depressants (e.g., Sedatives, Alcohol)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Taurine has calming effects by acting as an agonist on GABA receptors in the brain. This can potentiate the sedative effects of other CNS depressants like benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and alcohol, leading to excessive drowsiness or respiratory depression.
Actionable advice:
This is best used with extreme caution when combined with sedatives or alcohol, and driving or operating machinery is best avoided.
Validation status:
validated_via_pubmed
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
pubmed_abstract_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Both taurine and ethanol exert positive allosteric modulatory effects on neuronal ligand-gated chloride channels (i.e., GABA(A) and glycine receptors) as well as inhibitory effects on other ligand- and voltage-gated cation channels (i.e., NMDA and Ca(2+) channels).
Label source:
PubMed: Amino acids (2002)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Pentobarbital increased the binding of [3H]diazepam in a medium containing chloride and this effect was potentiated by taurine at 1-10 mM. These findings may be relevant to the modulatory role of taurine in the central nervous system.
Label source:
PubMed: Neurochemical research (1984)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
In the presence of the glycine receptor blocker strychnine (1μM), both taurine (0.3-1mM) and β-alanine (0.3mM) activated sustained anionic currents, which were partly blocked by TPMPA (100μM). Thus, both β amino acids activated ρ-containing GABA receptors in hypoglossal motoneurons.
Label source:
PubMed: Neuroscience (2016)
Action type:
avoid
Target id:
/intervention/beta-alanine
Target name:
Beta-Alanine
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
2
Hours after target:
2
Description:
Beta-alanine and taurine compete for the same transport protein (TauT) for uptake into cells, particularly in muscle and brain tissue. High-dose, simultaneous intake can reduce the absorption and cellular uptake of both compounds.
Actionable advice:
Doses of taurine and beta-alanine should be separated by at least 2 hours to ensure optimal absorption of each.
Validation status:
validated_via_primary_literature
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
primary_literature_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Results indicated that baclofen and both amino acids share the same carrier in the intestinal absorption process.
Label source:
PubMed: Interaction of taurine on baclofen intestinal absorption: a nonlinear mathematical treatment using differential equations to describe kinetic inhibition models. (PMID 8923334)
Action type:
separate
Target id:
/condition/pregnancy
Target name:
Pregnancy
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
While taurine is essential for fetal development, the safety of high-dose supplementation during pregnancy has not been established. It should be avoided due to unknown risks.
Actionable advice:
Taurine supplements should be avoided during pregnancy unless specifically prescribed by a physician.
Validation status:
anecdotal
Evidence tier:
tier_d
Evidence basis:
anecdotal_summary
Evidence anchors:
Exact phrase from label:
It is not known if or how taurine could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus.
Label source:
Anecdotal: WebMD
Action type:
avoid
Target id:
/condition/lactation
Target name:
Breastfeeding (Lactation)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
It is unknown if supplemental taurine passes into breast milk in significant amounts or what its effect on a nursing infant might be. Therefore, it should be avoided out of caution.
Actionable advice:
Taurine supplements should be avoided while breastfeeding.
Validation status:
anecdotal
Evidence tier:
tier_d
Evidence basis:
anecdotal_summary
Evidence anchors:
Exact phrase from label:
Taurine passes into breast milk.
Label source:
Anecdotal: WebMD
Action type:
avoid
Target id:
/condition/bipolar-disorder
Target name:
Bipolar Disorder
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Due to its effects on GABAergic neurotransmission and its potential interaction with mood-stabilizing medications like lithium, taurine supplementation could theoretically affect mood stability in individuals with bipolar disorder.
Actionable advice:
It is important to consult a psychiatrist before considering taurine supplementation for those with bipolar disorder.
Validation status:
validated_via_pubmed
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
pubmed_abstract_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Both drugs decreased whole brain concentrations of aspartate, glutamate, and taurine while brain concentrations of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and alanine decreased following chronic sodium valproate administration but not following chronic lithium administration.
Label source:
PubMed: European neuropsychopharmacology : the journal of the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (2003)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Single-nucleotide polymorphisms in glutamate decarboxylase-like protein 1 (GADL1) are found to be associated with lithium response in Han Chinese bipolar patients. In this study, we assessed GADL1 function using a neuroblastoma cell line that stably overexpressed GADL1.
Label source:
PubMed: Scientific reports (2019)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Taurine plays an important role in modulating glutamate and GABA neurotransmission and prevents excitotoxicity in vitro primarily through modulation of intracellular calcium homeostasis.
Label source:
PubMed: Advances in experimental medicine and biology (2019)
Action type:
informational_none
Target id:
/dietary/high-protein-meal
Target name:
Large Protein Meal
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
1
Hours after target:
2
Description:
As an amino sulfonic acid, taurine competes with other amino acids from a protein-rich meal for absorption transporters in the gut. This competition may slightly reduce its peak concentration and overall bioavailability.
Actionable advice:
For maximal absorption, taurine is best taken on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after a meal.
Validation status:
validated_via_pubmed
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
pubmed_abstract_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Furthermore, Sar and Pro, but not BCH, decreased taurine Cmax In vitro it was clearly shown that PAT1 mediated the cellular uptake of taurine and thereby facilitated the transepithelial taurine transport, which could be inhibited by Pro and Sar, but not BCH
Label source:
PubMed: Physiological reports (2017)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
In male Sprague Dawley rats pre-dosed with E-E2 a decreased maximal plasma concentration (Cmax) of taurine and increased the time (tmax) to reach this was indicated, suggesting the possibility for an in vivo effect on the absorption of PAT1 substrates.
Label source:
PubMed: Journal of pharmaceutical sciences (2021)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
The interaction can be described as a complete competitive inhibition plus a second component, K, noninhibited, K = 0.58 (+/- 0.03) h-1, Ki = 20.62 (+/- 4.04) mM, Vmi = 28.12 (+/- 6.12) mM h-1, Kmi = 11.71 (+/- 2.53) mM, Kai = 0.47 (+/- 0.10) h-1.
Label source:
PubMed: Journal of pharmaceutical sciences (1996)
Action type:
separate
Target id:
/class/anticoagulants-antiplatelets
Target name:
Anticoagulants and Antiplatelets
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
There is a theoretical risk based on some in-vitro evidence that taurine may have mild antiplatelet effects. This could potentially increase the risk of bleeding when combined with anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications.
Actionable advice:
It is a good idea to talk to a doctor before use while taking blood-thinning medication, and to watch for unusual bruising or bleeding.
Validation status:
validated_via_pubmed
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
pubmed_abstract_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Taurine has been repeatedly reported to elicit an inhibitory action on platelet activation and aggregation, sustained by in vivo, ex vivo, and in vitro animal and human studies.
Label source:
PubMed: Journal of clinical medicine (2022)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Platelets from taurine-depleted cats were twice as sensitive to aggregation as platelets from cats receiving taurine. On the other hand, platelets from humans with normal taurine status increased resistance to aggregation by 30-70% when supplemented with taurine at 400 or 1600 mg/d, respectively.
Label source:
PubMed: The American journal of clinical nutrition (1989)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
The effective dose (mean +/- SEM) of arachidonic acid required for platelets to aggregate was significantly lower in diabetic patients than in control subjects (0.44 +/- 0.07 mmol compared with 0.77 +/- 0.02 mmol, P < 0.001, whereas after taurine supplementation it equaled the mean value for healthy control subjects (0.72 +/- 0.04 mmol). In in vitro experiments, taurine reduced platelet aggregation in diabetic patients in a dose-dependent manner, whereas 10 mmol taurine/L did not modify aggregation in healthy subjects.
Label source:
PubMed: The American journal of clinical nutrition (1995)
Action type:
monitor
Target id:
/circadian/sleep
Target name:
Going to Sleep
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
1
Hours after target:
null
Description:
Taurine's calming effect on the central nervous system, mediated by its action on GABA receptors, may help promote relaxation and improve sleep quality for some individuals.
Actionable advice:
Consider taking your daily dose of taurine about 30-60 minutes before bedtime to support sleep.
Validation status:
validated_via_pubmed
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
pubmed_abstract_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Taurine is a GABA receptor agonist, which is inhibitory to neuronal firing. We show here that flies receiving a low dose of caffeine (0.01%) increase locomotor activity by 25%, and decrease total sleep by 15%. Treatment with taurine at 0.1% to 1.5% reduces locomotor activity by 28% to 86%, and shifts it from diurnal to nocturnal. At 0.75%, taurine also increases total sleep by 50%.
Label source:
PubMed: Nature and science of sleep (2010)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
In vitro, Eaat2 is a transporter of taurine [9], which promotes sleep when fed to flies [10]. We find that the acute effect of taurine on sleep is abolished in Eaat2 mutant flies.
Label source:
PubMed: Current biology : CB (2018)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Taurine's action could be due to its binding to and activating of strychnine-sensitive glycine receptor in vivo as it inhibited convulsion caused by strychnine; however, it has little effect on picrotoxin-induced convulsion, suggesting its anti-anxiety activity may not be linked to GABA receptor.
Label source:
PubMed: Annals of nutrition & metabolism (2007)
Action type:
informational_none
Target id:
/intervention/caffeine
Target name:
Caffeine
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Taurine may modulate the excitatory effects of caffeine, potentially reducing some of the associated jitteriness and anxiety by acting on inhibitory GABA receptors. This is a primary reason for its inclusion in many energy drinks.
Actionable advice:
Taking taurine concurrently with caffeine may help mitigate some of the stimulant's unwanted side effects.
Validation status:
validated_via_pubmed
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
pubmed_abstract_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Taurine is a GABA receptor agonist, which is inhibitory to neuronal firing. We show here that flies receiving a low dose of caffeine (0.01%) increase locomotor activity by 25%, and decrease total sleep by 15%. Treatment with taurine at 0.1% to 1.5% reduces locomotor activity by 28% to 86%, and shifts it from diurnal to nocturnal.
Label source:
PubMed: Nature and science of sleep (2010)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
It is known that taurine is an agonist of GABAA receptors, and their affinity depends of the subunits that conform this receptor. GABA is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter of the CNS and exerts its effect through the activation of two types of specific receptors, called GABAA and GABAB.
Label source:
PubMed: Expert review of neurotherapeutics (2019)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
At the cardiovascular level, they concluded that "if there are any interactions between caffeine and taurine, taurine might reduce the cardiovascular effects of caffeine." Although these interactions remain to be further examined in humans, the physiological functions of taurine appear to be inconsistent with the adverse cardiovascular symptoms associated with excessive consumption of caffeine-taurine containing beverages.
Label source:
PubMed: Amino acids (2014)
Action type:
informational_none
Target id:
/class/chemotherapy-radiation
Target name:
Cytotoxic Cancer Therapies
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Preclinical research suggests taurine may protect healthy cells from the toxic side effects of certain chemotherapy drugs (e.g., cisplatin, doxorubicin) and radiation. However, it could also theoretically interfere with treatment efficacy.
Actionable advice:
Taurine or any antioxidant is best avoided during cancer treatment without explicit approval from an oncologist.
Validation status:
validated_via_pubmed
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
pubmed_abstract_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Moreover we evaluated the effects of taurine, a cytoprotective beta-amino acid able to counteract oxidative stress, apoptosis, and endoplasmic reticulum stress in different tissues and organs. Our microscopic results indicate that autophagy occurs very early in 50 μM CisPt challenged myotubes (4 h-8 h) before overt atrophy but it persists even at 24 h, when several autophagic vesicles, damaged mitochondria, and sarcoplasmic blebbings engulf the sarcoplasm.
Label source:
PubMed: Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity (2014)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Oral administration of taurine (3% w/v in tap water) dramatically reduced the mortality rate in both the acute or sub-acute toxic models of DOX toxicity. It was shown that taurine prevented DOX-induced oxidative stress as determined from cardiac glutathione content.
Label source:
PubMed: Advances in experimental medicine and biology (2009)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Taurine effectively protects human peripheral blood lymphocytes from radiation-based apoptosis.
Label source:
PubMed: Journal of biomedical physics & engineering (2024)
Action type:
avoid