Taurine
Taurine, also known as 2-aminoethanesulfonic acid, is a biologically important chemical compound. Its empirical formula is C2H7NO3S. It is not an essential nutrient in humans: It can be synthesized internally from cysteine and pyridoxine. Dogs can also synthesize the compound, but cats cannot.
There is a widespread misconception that taurine is an amino acid. Although it contains an amino group, it lacks the requisite carboxyl group.
Taurine has two major roles in human metabolism: it is a neurotransmitter inhibitor and plays a role in the digestion(see bile). It has been linked to a number of other metabolic functions but its use is not clear.
It has been tested medically in the treatment of congestive heart failure, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, epilepsy and several other conditions. Some who question the safety of monosodium glutamate recommend taurine as a kind of antidote.
Taurine is one of the ingredients commonly found in energy drinks such as Red Bull, and in pills which often feature caffeine and/or other stimulant ingredients.
