Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Taurine is an amino sulfonic acid that is present in high concentrations in the brain and is known to modulate neurotransmission. Scientific studies have indicated that taurine can influence the GABAergic system—GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) being the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Taurine has been shown in vitro and in animal models to act as a weak agonist at GABA_A and GABA_B receptors, as well as to increase GABA synthesis and release. Some studies have demonstrated that taurine supplementation can produce anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) and anticonvulsant effects, which are typically associated with enhanced GABAergic activity. However, the majority of the evidence comes from preclinical research, and robust clinical trials in humans are limited.

Despite its promising mechanisms and animal data, the translation to clear clinical outcomes in humans remains incomplete. Taurine is sometimes included in dietary supplements intended to support relaxation or mental calmness, based on its proposed GABA-modulating effects. While there is a scientific rationale for its use in supporting the GABA system, more high-quality human studies are needed to substantiate its efficacy for this purpose. Therefore, the evidence is rated as moderate (3/5), reflecting a basis in mechanistic and animal studies, but a lack of definitive human clinical validation.

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