Should vegetarians & vegans supplement taurine?
Taurine is an amino acid found naturally in animal foods, not in plant proteins. So, do vegans need to take a taurine supplement?
What is taurine?
Taurine is one of the most abundant amino acids in the body. It is present in the brain, eyes, muscles, and many other tissues.
We can make some taurine ourselves, so it is classed as non-essential or conditionally essential. Food is still the main source for most people.
Is taurine essential?
Because taurine is not strictly essential, it is often overlooked in plant-based diets. That can be a mistake.
Humans can synthesise taurine, but the process needs cysteine, methionine, and vitamin B6. These can be low in vegan meals. The key enzyme involved also appears to be less active in humans.
There is very little taurine in dairy or eggs. For vegetarians and vegans, supplementation is a sensible consideration.
Note on terminology: “Essential” means the body cannot make enough of a nutrient and must obtain it from food. “Conditionally essential” means the body can make it only if the right building blocks are available.
Are taurine supplements vegan?
Yes. Although taurine was first isolated from ox bile, modern taurine supplements are synthesised and suitable for vegans.
We use vegan L-taurine in our Night Support capsules for its calming support at bedtime.
Why consider taurine?
Taurine is concentrated in the eyes, brain, and muscles. It supports many cellular and nervous system functions.
- Calm mood and relaxation
- Eye health support
- Healthy brain development and protection
- Bile formation and natural detox pathways
- Healthy glucose metabolism
- Cardiovascular health markers
Taurine also acts as an antioxidant. It helps protect cells from oxidative stress and is active in the mitochondria, where cells produce energy.
Is taurine energising?
Energy drinks often include taurine, but the “energy” feeling mostly comes from caffeine.
On its own, taurine is calming. That is why we pair vegan L-taurine with magnesium glycinate and L-theanine in Night Support. The trio supports a relaxed state for natural sleep without sedatives.
How to stack with a daily multi
For daytime support, use Pollution Protection Multivitamin in the morning. It covers vitamin B12 and vitamin D3, and includes cysteine and extra antioxidants. Then use Night Support at bedtime.
Key takeaways
- Taurine is scarce in plant foods.
- Human synthesis needs cysteine, methionine, and vitamin B6.
- Vegan L-taurine is synthetic and suitable for plant-based diets.
- Consider taurine if you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet.