Evidence supporting the use of: Taurine
For the health condition: Arrhythmia
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Taurine and Arrhythmia: Scientific Evidence Overview
Taurine, a sulfur-containing amino acid found abundantly in the heart, has been investigated for its potential antiarrhythmic properties. Several animal studies and a limited number of small human studies suggest that taurine may help stabilize cardiac membranes and modulate ion channels, such as calcium and potassium, which play key roles in cardiac electrical activity.
Mechanistically, taurine appears to exert antioxidant effects, modulate intracellular calcium handling, and support the function of the sodium-potassium pump. These actions are believed to help prevent abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias), particularly under conditions of stress or electrolyte imbalance.
Some small-scale human studies and case reports have indicated that taurine supplementation can reduce the frequency of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) and other benign arrhythmias. For instance, a few open-label trials reported reductions in arrhythmic episodes in patients taking taurine, sometimes in combination with magnesium. However, these studies are limited by small sample sizes, lack of rigorous controls, and short durations.
Currently, there is insufficient large-scale, high-quality clinical evidence to firmly establish taurine as a standard therapy for arrhythmia. Most major cardiology guidelines do not formally endorse its use. Nevertheless, the modest amount of positive animal and preliminary human data provide some scientific rationale for continued research, and taurine is sometimes used as an adjunctive therapy in complementary medicine settings.
