Taurin

Odorless

Almost odorless

Density = 1.7 g/cu cm

Bulk density = 0.65-0.75 g/cu cm

Colorless crystals

Monoclinic prisms from water

50 to 100 mg/mL at 74.3 °F (NTP, 1992)

65

In water, 94.9 g/L at 25 °C

Soluble in 15.5 parts of water at 12 °C; 100 parts of 95% alcohol dissolves 0.004 parts at 17 °C; insoluble in absolute alcohol

80.7 mg/mL

Soluble in water

572 °F (decomposes) (NTP, 1992)

300

325 °C (decomposes)

300 °C

Large white crystals or white powder.

Dry Powder

Colorless solid; [Merck Index] White solid; [CAMEO] Colorless crystals with lumps; [Sigma-Aldrich MSDS]

Solid

White to cream coloured crystaline solid;

Taurine (three batches, stored in polyethylene sealed bags) was demonstrated to have a shelf-life of 36 months at 25 geg C. Shelf-life was measured under accelerated conditions at 40 °C and no loss was observed for six months (three batches).

Stable under recommended storage conditions.

This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for 18.5% (307 of 1656) of reports.

Warning

H315 (81.5%): Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]；H319 (81.5%): Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]；H335 (81.4%): May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]

P261, P264, P264+P265, P271, P280, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P319, P321, P332+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Aggregated GHS information provided per 1656 reports by companies from 15 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.；Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 307 of 1656 reports by companies.；There are 14 notifications provided by 1349 of 1656 reports by companies with hazard statement code(s).；Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website.

Chemical: Ethanesulfonic acid, 2-amino-

Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 (amended)

Ethanesulfonic acid, 2-amino- is listed on the EPA's Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) system. Manufacturers and importers of Ethanesulfonic acid, 2-amino- are required to report information about their production and use of this chemical to the EPA under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). (40 eCFR Part 711)

Status: Active Update: 21-10-2022 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/24137；Status: Active Update: 20-08-2013 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/6448；Status: Active Update: 30-05-2018 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/26194

Taurine: Does not have an individual approval but may be used under an appropriate group standard

The food additive taurine (2-amino-ethanesulfonic acid) may be safely used in feed in accordance with the following prescribed conditions: (a) It is used as a nutritional supplement in the feed of growing chickens. (b) It is added to complete feeds so that the total taurine content does not exceed 0.054 percent of the feed.

EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.；SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment.；INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used; if not available, use a level of protection greater than or equal to that advised under Protective Clothing.；INGESTION: DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. If the victim is conscious and not convulsing, give 1 or 2 glasses of water to dilute the chemical and IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center. Be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital if advised by a physician. If the victim is convulsing or unconscious, do not give anything by mouth, ensure that the victim's airway is open and lay the victim on his/her side with the head lower than the body. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. (NTP, 1992)

Wear self contained breathing apparatus for fire fighting if necessary.

Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.

SMALL SPILLS AND LEAKAGE: If you spill this chemical, you should dampen the solid spill material with water, then transfer the dampened material to a suitable container. Use absorbent paper dampened with water to pick up any remaining material. Seal your contaminated clothing and the absorbent paper in a vapor-tight plastic bag for eventual disposal. Wash all contaminated surfaces with a strong soap and water solution. Do not reenter the contaminated area until the Safety Officer (or other responsible person) has verified that the area has been properly cleaned.；STORAGE PRECAUTIONS: You should store this material in a refrigerator. (NTP, 1992)

SRP: Criteria for land treatment or burial (sanitary landfill) disposal practices are subject to significant revision. Prior to implementing land disposal of waste residue (including waste sludge), consult with environmental regulatory agencies for guidance on acceptable disposal practices.

Do not let product enter drains.

Use personal protective equipment. Avoid dust formation. Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Evacuate personnel to safe areas. Avoid breathing dust.

Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Avoid formation of dust and aerosols. Provide appropriate exhaust ventilation at places where dust is formed.Normal measures for preventive fire protection.

SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses by industrial workers is inconsistent. The benefits or detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend not only upon the substance, but also on factors including the form of the substance, characteristics and duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye protection equipment, and the hygiene of the lenses. However, there may be individual substances whose irritating or corrosive properties are such that the wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to the eye. In those specific cases, contact lenses should not be worn. In any event, the usual eye protection equipment should be worn even when contact lenses are in place.

RECOMMENDED RESPIRATOR: Where the neat test chemical is weighed and diluted, wear a NIOSH-approved half face respirator equipped with an organic vapor/acid gas cartridge (specific for organic vapors, HCl, acid gas and SO2) with a dust/mist filter. (NTP, 1992)

It prevented the development of ethanol-induced hypertension in rats.

In animal studies, taurine was found to ameliorate the pulmonary side effects (pulmonary fibrosis) of bleomycin.

...Three fatalities occurred after "energy" drinks had been consumed in combination with alcohol, whereby the forensic examinations including autopsy yielded negative results concerning medicaments and drugs, values between 0.59 and 0.87 parts per thousand of ethanol in blood samples, but no clear causes of death.

...Severe adverse effects arose after consumption of an "energy" drink in combination with physical efforts: A 31-year old regularly trained man consumed 750 mL of an "energy" drink while taking part in a 3,000 m competition. He developed a poor general condition with a rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure with tubular necrosis diagnosed one week after the competition.

For more Interactions (Complete) data for Taurine (10 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 1(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that taurine is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). Taurine has pKa values of 1.05 (the acid) and 9.06 (the amine)(3) indicating that this compound will exist as a zwitterion having both a cation and anion form in the environment and cations generally adsorb more strongly to soils containing organic carbon and clay than their neutral counterparts(4). Volatilization of taurine from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 1.7X10-12 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), using a fragment constant estimation method(2). Taurine is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon an estimated vapor pressure of 1.7X10-7 mm Hg at 25 °C(SRC), determined from a fragment constant method(2). Various species of bacteria and fungi are capable of degrading taurine and using taurine as a sole source of sulfur, carbon and energy(5,6), therefore, biodegradation may be an important fate process(SRC).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 1(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that taurine is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is not expected(3) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 1.7X10-12 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), developed using a fragment constant estimation method(2). Taurine has pKa values of 1.05 (the acid) and 9.06 (the amine)(4) indicating that this compound will exist as a zwitterion having both a cation and anion form in the environment that also suggests volatilization from water will not be an important fate process(SRC). According to a classification scheme(5), an estimated BCF of 3(SRC), from an estimated log Kow of -3.36(2) and a regression-derived equation(2), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Taurine is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions(3). Various species of bacteria and fungi are capable of degrading taurine and using taurine as a sole source of sulfur, carbon and energy(5,6), therefore, biodegradation may be an important fate process(SRC).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), taurine, which has an estimated vapor pressure of 1.7X10-7 mm Hg at 25 °C(SRC), determined from a fragment constant method(2), will exist in both the vapor and particulate phases in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase taurine is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 12 hrs(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 3.3X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) that was derived using a structure estimation method(2). Particulate-phase taurine may be removed from the air by wet and dry deposition(SRC).

Taurine is found in animal protein such as seafood, beef and chicken and nearly absent from vegetarian foods; the synthetic form has been petitioned for use in infant formula because insufficient taurine could result in subpar fat digestion and absorption in infants(1). The taurine concentration of various samples of fresh prune juice ranged from 16-155 mg/L of juice(2).

The mean daily intake of taurine from omnivore diets was determined to be around 58 mg (range from 9 to 372 mg) and to be low or negligible from a strict vegan diet(1). In another study taurine intake was estimated to be generally less than 200 mg/day, even in individuals eating a high meat diet(1). According to another study, taurine consumption was estimated to vary between 40 to 400 mg/day(1).

The following link will take the user to the National Toxicology Program (NTP) Test Agent Search Results page, which tabulates all of the "Standard Toxicology & Carcinogenesis Studies", "Developmental Studies", and "Genetic Toxicity Studies" performed with this chemical. Clicking on the "Testing Status" link will take the user to the status (i.e., in review, in progress, in preparation, on test, completed, etc.) and results of all the studies that the NTP has done on this chemical.[Available from, as of March 19, 2014: http://ntp-apps.niehs.nih.gov/ntp_tox/index.cfm?fuseaction=ntpsearch.searchresults&searchterm=107-35-7]

Using a structure estimation method based on molecular connectivity indices(1), the Koc of taurine can be estimated to be 1(SRC). According to a classification scheme(2), this estimated Koc value suggests that taurine is expected to have very high mobility in soil. Taurine has pKa values of 1.05 (the acid) and 9.06 (the amine)(3) indicating that this compound will exist as a zwitterion having both a cation and anion form in the environment and cations generally adsorb more strongly to soils containing organic carbon and clay than their neutral counterparts(4).

Taurine is one of a number of amino acids that occur in the brain and have some physiological activity as neurotransmitter(1). Taurine is a naturally occurring substance, formed in organisms by oxidation of cysteine, and is a building block of taurocholic acid(2). Taurine is a major constituent of bile and can be found in the large intestine and accounts for approximately 0.1% of total human body weight(3). Taurine is found in animal protein such as seafood, beef and chicken(4). Taurine occurs in seaweed(5), garlic and parsley(6).

/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ ...taurine has been administered, mostly by oral ingestion on a daily basis for periods up to one year, and with daily doses generally in the 3-6 g range, to a large number of patients (adults, children and even infants) suffering from a wide variety of serious diseases. Taurine has also been administered parenterally at a daily dose of 0.64 g for 20 months or by intravenous administration at daily doses of 12 g for 15 days and 18 g for 60 days. Although the principal aim of these clinical studies was not to evaluate potential adverse effects of chronic administration of taurine it is apparent that these doses produced no adverse health effects. Such information has revealed that oral daily ingestion of taurine doses in the 3-6 g range for periods up to one year, did not produce adverse health effects.

/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ it was discovered that children receiving total parenteral nutrition not containing taurine had abnormal electroretinograms, as well as low plasma taurine levels.

/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ ...taurine has an inotropic effect in humans with congestive heart failure.

/EPIDEMIOLOGY STUDIES/ Taurine is a conditionally essential amino acid that functions as an antioxidant and osmoregulator. It is transported into cells from the extracellular environment via the taurine transporter (Taut). Taurine is highly abundant in oocytes and the reproductive tract, and is beneficial as an additive to embryo culture media. Taurine deficiency causes extreme subfertility in cats and mice, suggesting that taurine levels might be important in human fertility. To test the hypothesis that taurine levels are lower in patients with unexplained infertility as compared to controls with mechanical infertility, and to examine Taut expression in granulosa cells. This is a case-control study of plasma and follicular fluid taurine levels and Taut expression in granulosa cells obtained from IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) patients at oocyte retrieval. All patients were enrolled in the IVF program at the Univ. of PA and gave informed consent. This study was approved by the IRB (Institutional Review Board). Inclusion criteria for all cases and controls were infertility for >12 months, age <38, regular ovulatory cycles, and normal cycle day #3 FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone), LH (Luteinizing hormone), TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone), and prolactin. Unexplained infertility cases also had documented tubal patency and normal semen analysis (WHO criteria). Controls had either documented bilateral tubal obstruction or severe male factor infertility (<4 million total motile sperm). Taurine levels in plasma and follicular fluid were measured on the day of oocyte retrieval. In addition, total RNA was isolated from granulosa cells and Taut mRNA levels were assessed by quantitative PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction). To date, 12 unexplained infertility cases and 12 controls have been enrolled, and a preliminary analysis was performed. Compared to controls, unexplained infertility patients had a trend toward lower follicular fluid taurine levels (median: 21.9 vs 29.9, p=0.07

For more Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for Taurine (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Chemical: Ethanesulfonic acid, 2-amino-

Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 (amended)

Ethanesulfonic acid, 2-amino- is listed on the EPA's Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) system. Manufacturers and importers of Ethanesulfonic acid, 2-amino- are required to report information about their production and use of this chemical to the EPA under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). (40 eCFR Part 711)

Status: Active Update: 21-10-2022 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/24137；Status: Active Update: 20-08-2013 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/6448；Status: Active Update: 30-05-2018 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/26194

Taurine: Does not have an individual approval but may be used under an appropriate group standard

The food additive taurine (2-amino-ethanesulfonic acid) may be safely used in feed in accordance with the following prescribed conditions: (a) It is used as a nutritional supplement in the feed of growing chickens. (b) It is added to complete feeds so that the total taurine content does not exceed 0.054 percent of the feed.

Taurine is involved in the pre-and post-natal development of CNS and visual system...

Taurine deficiency in cats can result in a variety of clinical abnormalities, including central retinal degeneration, dilated cardiomyopathy and platelet function abnormalities.

Taurine is a nonprotein amino acid. It is an end product of L-cysteine metabolism and the principal free intracellular amino acid in many tissues of human and other animal species... It is classified as a conditionally essential amino acid because it is necessary to be supplied in the diet of infants for normal retinal and brain development.

Taurine is an essential beta-amino acid for some species. Taurine is not incorporated into proteins and is found in the tissues of most animal species in its free form. Taurine is involved in a number of physiological processes including bile acid conjugation, osmoregulation, neuronal excitability, inflammatory reactions and glucose metabolism. In some animal species, low dietary levels of taurine have been associated with retinal degeneration, dilated cardiomyopathy and growth retardation.

For more Bionecessity (Complete) data for Taurine (9 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

The diet supplements containing taurine are formulated as a well-tolerated nitrogen source for nutritional support. Administration of diet supplements regulates the level of plasma amino acid concentration, nitrogen balance, weight and serum protein concentration to reach normal values, thus improving the nutritional status.

The diet supplements containing taurine function by replacing the missing nutriments in the body. Taurine, as a single agent, presents different functions like substrate for formation of bile salts, cell volume regulation, modulation of intracellular calcium, cytoprotection of central nervous system, etc.

Taurine can be metabolized by diverse organisms to form different types of metabolites derived from the original form of taurine. In the human, the pathways that form the metabolism of taurine are divided in the formation of 5-glutamyl-taurine by the action of the enzyme gamma-glutamyltransferase 6 or the formation of taurocholate by the action of the bile acid-CoA:amino acid N-acyltransferase.

There are two sources of taurine in the body: dietary and endogenous. In mammals, taurine is synthesised in many tissues; the main sites are liver, brain and pancreas, predominantly in alpha-islets. Taurine is synthesised from cysteine and methionine in a few steps, one of which requires pyridoxal-5-phosphate (vitamin B6) as coenzyme of cysteine sulphinate decarboxylase. In species other than mammals, the biosynthesis of taurine has been poorly studied. The extent of synthesis varies widely between species. An adult rat consuming standard laboratory food produces about 80 % of its total body taurine and obtains the remainder from the diet. However, if required, rats can obtain all body taurine from biosynthesis, since rats fed taurine-free diets for extended periods do not exhibit any decrease in tissue taurine concentrations. Cats have low levels of activity of cysteine sulphinate decarboxylase, the rate-limiting enzyme for taurine biosynthesis, and are, therefore, dependent on a dietary source to maintain their body pool of this amino acid. Thus, taurine is an essential nutrient in cats.

Taurocholate, the bile salt conjugate of taurine and cholic acid, is the principal conjugate formed via the action of the enzyme choloyl-CoA N-acyltransferase.

In all vertebrates except mammals, taurine is the sole amino acid conjugated to form bile salts. Among the mammals, carnivores also tend to be conjugators of taurine only, whereas other species tend to conjugate both taurine and glycine. High concentrations of taurine are present in retina, liver, pancreas, central nervous system and white blood cells. The largest pools of taurine are found in skeletal and cardiac muscles, where it regulates intracellular Ca2+ concentration...

Oral administration of taurine was studied and it reported dose-dependent values of AUC, Cmax and tmax wherein a dose of 1-30 mg/kg ranged from 89-3452 mcg min/L, 2-15.7 mcg min/ml and 15 min respectively. Further studies in healthy individuals gave an AUC, Cmax and tmax in the range of 116-284.5 mg h/L, 59-112.6 mg/L and 1-2.5 h.

Taurine flows and gets distributed in veins and arteries and reports have observed the presence of a significant released of taurine in portally drained viscera, thus suggesting that the main elimination route of taurine is by the gut. This elimination route may be explained by the enterohepatic cycle of taurine.

The distribution of taurine was studied under the two-compartment model and each one of the compartments gave a range for the volume of distribution of 299-353 ml/kg in compartment 1 and 4608-8374 ml/kg in compartment 2 in mice. Further studies in healthy indivudals gave a volume of distribution that ranged from 19.8 to 40.7 L.

The clearance rate of orally administered taurine was reported to be dose-dependent wherein a dose of 1 mg/kg it presents a clearance rate of 11.7 ml min/kg, 10 mg/kg generates a clearance rate of 18.7 ml min/kg and a dose of 30 mg/kg reports a clearance rate of 9.4 ml min/kg. Further studies in healthy individuals generate a clearance rate that ranged from 14 to 34.4 L/h.

Taurine is not usually completely reabsorbed from the kidneys, and some fraction of an ingested dose of taurine is excreted in the urine.

Following ingestion, taurine is absorbed from the small intestine via the beta-amino acid or taurine transport system... Tautine is transported to the liver via the portal circulation, where much of it forms conjugates with bile acids... The taurine conjugates are excreted via the biliary route. Taurine that is not conjugated in the liver is distributed via the systemic circulation to various tissues in the body.

27-Hydroxylase Deficiency；Cerebrotendinous Xanthomatosis (CTX)；Congenital Bile Acid Synthesis Defect Type II；Congenital Bile Acid Synthesis Defect Type III；Familial Hypercholanemia (FHCA)；Primary bile acid biosynthesis；Taurine and Hypotaurine Metabolism；Zellweger Syndrome

A conditionally essential amino acid; Used as a nutritional supplement; [Merck Index] Used in biochemical research, pharmaceuticals, and as a wetting agent; [NTP]

Derivatives of taurine, especially fatty acid derivatives, are important wetting, washing, and dispersion agents in body and household cleaning agents, and also in textile processing.

Biochemical research, pharmaceuticals, wetting agents

Nutritional supplement

Cosmetic compositions

For more Uses (Complete) data for Taurine (10 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Taurine is a white crystalline powder that is almost odourless but with a slightly acidic taste. It contains by specification at least 98.0 % taurine in dried substance. Analysis of five batches of the active substance showed an average content of 99.5 +/- 0.1 % taurine and a loss on drying of 0.07 +/- 0.01 %.11 The final additive may be formulated by adding a maximum 0.8 % of an anti-caking agent (SiO2). Three batches of the additive were analysed for impurities, one batch with six replicate samples and another batch with three replicate samples. In all batches, sulphated ash was < 0.06 % (in one batch residue on ignition 0.06 %), chloride < 0.01 %, sulphate < 0.01 %, ammonium salt < 0.02 %, related substances < 0.2 %, heavy metals (expressed as lead) < 10 mg/kg and arsenic < 1.0 mg/kg (two batches).

2023: 35,273 lb；2021: 35,273 lb；2020: 35,274 lb

Production volumes for non-confidential chemicals reported under the Inventory Update Rule.[Table#8141]

Production volume for non-confidential chemicals reported under the 2006 Inventory Update Rule. Chemical: Ethanesulfonic acid, 2-amino-. Aggregated National Production Volume: < 500,000 pounds.

Taurine is synthesised starting from ethylene oxide and sodium bisulphite. Subsequently, liquid ammonia and sulphuric acid are added. The product is then decolorised, purified, crystallised, centrifuged, dried, sieved and blended with the carrier to obtain the additive.

Ethyleneimine reacts rapidly with sulfurous acid to give taurine in high yield.

Diabetic Support Formula Tablets: Taurine 50 mg /and minerals, vitamins, herbs/

Diabetiks Tablets: Taurine 375 mg /and vitamins, minerals, herb extracts/

Enfamil Kindercal Liquid with Fiber: Taurine 15 mg /and vitamins, minerals, fiber/

Enfamil Kindercal Liquid: Taurine 15 mg /with vitamins and minerals/

EPA Safer Chemical Functional Use Classes -> Processing Aids and Additives

Safer Chemical Classes -> Green half-circle - The chemical is expected to be of low concern

Flavouring Agent -> FLAVOURING_AGENT -> JECFA Functional Classes

Flavoring Agents -> JECFA Flavorings Index

Flavouring Agent -> FLAVOURING_AGENT -> JECFA Functional Classes

Cosmetics -> Buffering

Miscellaneous Manufacturing

Ethanesulfonic acid, 2-amino-: ACTIVE

Dietary taurine mainly comes from animal food. Taurine is present in very low levels in plant foods. Taurine is found in seaweeds.

Taurine is the only known naturally occurring sulfonic acid. The material is an essential amino acid for cats and is used extensively by Ralston Purina Company as a food supplement in cat food manufacture. Approximately 5,000-6,000 tons of taurine (synthetic and natural) were produced in 1993; 50% for pet food manufacture, 50% in pharmaceutical applications.

Taurine and D-glucurono-gamma-lactone are constituents of the so-called energy drinks, but they also occur at much lower levels as natural ingredients in food, and they are also normal human metabolites.

Taurine occurs naturally in food, especially in seafood and meat, and it is a normal metabolite in humans. It is a metabolic product of sulphur-containing amino acids, and it is mainly biosynthesised from cysteine in the liver.