Evidence supporting the use of: L-taurine
For the body system: Sympathetic Nervous System

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

L-taurine is an amino sulfonic acid found abundantly in animal tissues and is involved in several physiological processes, including cardiovascular function, development and function of skeletal muscle, the retina, and the central nervous system. Regarding the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS), taurine has been studied for its modulatory effects on neuronal excitability and neurotransmission. Some animal and in vitro studies suggest that taurine may exert an inhibitory effect on the overactivity of the SNS, possibly by enhancing GABAergic transmission and modulating calcium signaling, which can affect neurotransmitter release.

Human research is limited, but some studies indicate that taurine supplementation can attenuate SNS-mediated increases in blood pressure and heart rate, particularly under stress or in hypertensive individuals. However, the evidence is not robust and is largely indirect—mostly focusing on cardiovascular outcomes rather than direct measures of SNS activity. Thus, while there is some scientific basis for taurine's impact on the SNS, the level of evidence is modest, and more high-quality clinical trials are needed to establish its efficacy and mechanism of action in supporting sympathetic nervous system function.

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