Evidence supporting the use of: L-taurine
For the body system: Specific Neurotransmitters

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Synopsis

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

L-taurine is an amino sulfonic acid that plays a role in various physiological processes, including those related to the nervous system. Scientific research demonstrates that taurine has modulatory effects on neurotransmission, particularly via its influence on GABAergic and glycinergic systems. Taurine can act as a neuromodulator and has been shown in animal and in vitro studies to have inhibitory effects on neuronal excitability, partly by activating GABAA and glycine receptors, and by modulating calcium homeostasis within neurons. These actions suggest that taurine may help to stabilize neuronal membranes and reduce overexcitation, which is relevant to conditions such as epilepsy and neurotoxicity.

Some human studies have assessed taurine supplementation in the context of mood, cognition, and neuroprotection, but evidence remains preliminary with most data derived from animal models or cell cultures. Taurine is also known to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may offer indirect neuroprotection. However, high-quality human clinical trials specifically demonstrating substantial benefits for neurotransmitter-related disorders are limited. As such, while there is a plausible scientific rationale and some supporting data for the use of taurine to support the "Specific Neurotransmitters" body system, the overall evidence is moderate and not yet definitive.

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