Guest guest Posted May 21, 1999 Report Share Posted May 21, 1999 Here's my taurine story, and since Cheney, talks about it in cats, I feel ok about telling my story. My dog is a bit hyper and aggressive. I talked it over with my vet and he suggested I go to the health food store and try some Taurine. I tried it three times for a few days each time, with a couple of weeks between trials. My dog became VICIOUS. She had never seriously tried to bite anyone before, but I had to isolate her from the family while she was " under the influence " ! She was snapping at anyone and everyone. That's my story, needless to say, I don't think I'll try Taurine myself. Of course that doesn't mean that it won't be great for someone else. Barb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 5, 2001 Report Share Posted April 5, 2001 Hi , I have tried Taurine many years ago with my son . We saw no reduction of seizures but we continued for one year at a time because his amino acid profile was disclosing a taurine deficit. We suspected poor absorption and thus we tried administration in an empty stomach, using hypercapnia to facilitate entry throughout the brain blood barrier, etc. We observed no significant results (seizure rate went from one every seven days to one every 11 days but after a couple of months it would go back to the one a week rate) We also alternated DMG supplementation with Taurine supplementation, because we noticed the same short-term effect with DMG but after a while it would go back to ONE A WEEK. We have checked the recent research regarding the concomitant administration of certain electrolytes and taurine and we are ready to begin this approach as soon as we get the minerals. Whatever you do please keep in mind that amino acids compete for absorption into the bloodstream and thus you should avoid having any other protein in your system while taking Taurine. Taurine causes discomfort in an empty stomach so take it with plenty of liquids (not milk). We used 500 mg four times a day . My son was then 18 (170 lb.) he is now 32 (185 lb.). Warm regards Cuns-Rial Dillr@... wrote: > I was wondering, to those of you who tried taurine and saw a reduction of > seizures, did you see that reduction right away? I have used it for Karly > before (500mg) but saw no improvement. > > Thanks > > > > _ > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 5, 2001 Report Share Posted April 5, 2001 My son is on 1000mg...improvement in a week Kathy [ ] Taurine > I was wondering, to those of you who tried taurine and saw a reduction of > seizures, did you see that reduction right away? I have used it for Karly > before (500mg) but saw no improvement. > > Thanks > > > > _ > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 5, 2001 Report Share Posted April 5, 2001 In a message dated 4/5/01 11:50:13 AM Eastern Daylight Time, kblanco@... writes: << My son is on 1000mg...improvement in a week Kathy >> Kathy did you start out at 1000mg? How do you give it. I mean in AM and PM? On empty stomach or full? Thank you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 5, 2001 Report Share Posted April 5, 2001 In a message dated 4/5/01 12:47:41 PM Eastern Daylight Time, schauss@... writes: << A few additional things to think about with taurine is making sure you have adequate amounts of zinc, vitamin A, manganese and B6 to help the body build taurine. >> THANK you for this tip. I am very interested in good nutrition for Karly. Me too, but, I slip once in a while. :-) I have been giving her fresh veggie/fruit juice. The base is carrots. Usually Carrot, orange, banana. Sometimes I add beets, papaya and parsley. This is when I get on a juice kick until I get tired of cleaning the juicer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 5, 2001 Report Share Posted April 5, 2001 , My daughter (46 pounds 4 years old) is on 600-900 mg daily and it took 1 month to see results In health, Mark Schauss www.cellmatewellness.com [ ] Taurine > I was wondering, to those of you who tried taurine and saw a reduction of > seizures, did you see that reduction right away? I have used it for Karly > before (500mg) but saw no improvement. > > Thanks > > > > _ > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 5, 2001 Report Share Posted April 5, 2001 A few additional things to think about with taurine is making sure you have adequate amounts of zinc, vitamin A, manganese and B6 to help the body build taurine. In health, Mark Schauss www.cellmatewellness.com Re: [ ] Taurine > Hi , I have tried Taurine many years ago with my son . We saw no > reduction of seizures but we continued for one year at a time because his > amino acid profile was disclosing a taurine deficit. We suspected poor > absorption and thus we tried administration in an empty stomach, using > hypercapnia to facilitate entry throughout the brain blood barrier, etc. We > observed no significant results (seizure rate went from one every seven days > to one every 11 days but after a couple of months it would go back to the one > a week rate) > We also alternated DMG supplementation with Taurine supplementation, because > we noticed the same short-term effect with DMG but after a while it would go > back to ONE A WEEK. > We have checked the recent research regarding the concomitant administration > of certain electrolytes and taurine and we are ready to begin this approach as > soon as we get the minerals. > Whatever you do please keep in mind that amino acids compete for absorption > into the bloodstream and thus you should avoid having any other protein in > your system while taking Taurine. Taurine causes discomfort in an empty > stomach so take it with plenty of liquids > (not milk). We used 500 mg four times a day . My son was then 18 (170 lb.) he > is now 32 (185 lb.). > > > Warm regards > > > Cuns-Rial > Dillr@... wrote: > > > I was wondering, to those of you who tried taurine and saw a reduction of > > seizures, did you see that reduction right away? I have used it for Karly > > before (500mg) but saw no improvement. > > > > Thanks > > > > > > > > _ > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 5, 2001 Report Share Posted April 5, 2001 With meals, started out with 500, then saw 1000 might be better. AM. Kazthy Re: [ ] Taurine > In a message dated 4/5/01 11:50:13 AM Eastern Daylight Time, > kblanco@... writes: > > << > My son is on 1000mg...improvement in a week > Kathy >> > > Kathy did you start out at 1000mg? How do you give it. I mean in AM and PM? > On empty stomach or full? > > Thank you > > > _ > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 6, 2001 Report Share Posted April 6, 2001 , I did not see a " reaction " for about three weeks. Then there was more the recognition that, hey! I wasn't shorting out all duing day, strugling t stay fully conscious. I encouage you to do some searching and find out everything you can. Braverman's book lists a great number of research articles. I was able to get those through inter library loan. In applying it to seizures, it's especially important to understand it's function as a cell membrane stabilizer. There are a number of abstracts posted on my web page: http://www.indiana.edu/~pietsch/home.html#special Zoe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 10, 2001 Report Share Posted April 10, 2001 Thanks for the info on Taurine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 10, 2001 Report Share Posted November 10, 2001 From: MyHollstic.com http://www.myholistic.com/glossary/glossary.php3 Holistic Health Encyclopedia Taurine Taurine is a non-essential amino acid which can be derived from your diet or synthesized from the amino acid cysteine, if there is enough cysteine & pyridoxal-5-phosphate (co-enzyme B6.) Taurine is highly concentrated in animal & fish protein. Taurine is essential to fetal & new born central nervous system development. The infant cannot initially manufacture taurine & must obtain taurine from its mother's milk. Taurine plays a variety of roles in the normal functioning of the brain, heart, gallbladder, eyes, & vascular system. It is the most important & abundant free amino acid in your heart & contributes to your heart muscles' contractility & regulation of its rhythm. Taurine acts as a neurotransmitter in your brain where it is the second most abundant amino acid. It also protects & stabilizes the brain cells' fragile membranes. It is an inhibitory calming neurotransmitter. Taurine acts by regulating the sodium & potassium concentration in the cells & the magnesium level between the cells. This has everything to do with the electrical activity of the cells & subsequent communication between cells. By this mechanism, it has anti-anxiety & anti-convulsant activity Taurine is found in high concentrations in your eyes & is the most abundant amino acid in your retina. Taurine is known to re-invigorate the natural killer cells of your immune system & to stimulate the release of the immune substance, Interleukin-1. Additional benefits & uses are: Plays a role in decreasing the development of cataracts Useful in the management of chemical sensitivities as a powerful sulfur donor which removes foreign material & oxidized chlorine Useful with malabsorption of fats Important for proper bile production & fat metabolism, thus the ability to reduce body cholesterol For anxiety, agitation, hyperactivity For insomnia Depression Vegetarianism High blood pressure Certain heart iregularities Congestive heart failure Diabetes, potentiates & improves the action of insulin Alcoholism Gallbladder disease Macular degeneration/retinitis pigmentosa Immune problems Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 11, 2001 Report Share Posted November 11, 2001 One item that this article failed to mention is the necessity of certain electrolytes to help move taurine through the blood brain barrier. Sodium and chloride are essential in the movement of taurine to the brain and bicarbonate is critical in uptake through the intestinal tract. As I am in the midst of writing a book on my daughters life with epilepsy (almost completely seizure free), I have found other interesting tidbits like the pathway which creates homotaurine which may be more cardioprotective and neurologically beneficial than B-vitamins reducing homocysteine levels. It is exciting as a medical researcher as it now pertains to my own child. In health, Mark Schauss www.carbonbased.com [ ] Re: Taurine From: MyHollstic.com http://www.myholistic.com/glossary/glossary.php3 Holistic Health Encyclopedia Taurine Taurine is a non-essential amino acid which can be derived from your diet or synthesized from the amino acid cysteine, if there is enough cysteine & pyridoxal-5-phosphate (co-enzyme B6.) Taurine is highly concentrated in animal & fish protein. Taurine is essential to fetal & new born central nervous system development. The infant cannot initially manufacture taurine & must obtain taurine from its mother's milk. Taurine plays a variety of roles in the normal functioning of the brain, heart, gallbladder, eyes, & vascular system. It is the most important & abundant free amino acid in your heart & contributes to your heart muscles' contractility & regulation of its rhythm. Taurine acts as a neurotransmitter in your brain where it is the second most abundant amino acid. It also protects & stabilizes the brain cells' fragile membranes. It is an inhibitory calming neurotransmitter. Taurine acts by regulating the sodium & potassium concentration in the cells & the magnesium level between the cells. This has everything to do with the electrical activity of the cells & subsequent communication between cells. By this mechanism, it has anti-anxiety & anti-convulsant activity Taurine is found in high concentrations in your eyes & is the most abundant amino acid in your retina. Taurine is known to re-invigorate the natural killer cells of your immune system & to stimulate the release of the immune substance, Interleukin-1. Additional benefits & uses are: Plays a role in decreasing the development of cataracts Useful in the management of chemical sensitivities as a powerful sulfur donor which removes foreign material & oxidized chlorine Useful with malabsorption of fats Important for proper bile production & fat metabolism, thus the ability to reduce body cholesterol For anxiety, agitation, hyperactivity For insomnia Depression Vegetarianism High blood pressure Certain heart iregularities Congestive heart failure Diabetes, potentiates & improves the action of insulin Alcoholism Gallbladder disease Macular degeneration/retinitis pigmentosa Immune problems Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 11, 2001 Report Share Posted November 11, 2001 Kathy, There is a caveat with electrolyte formulations. Some may cause a increased potentiation of calcium which can lead to a series of grandmals. Improper formulation and/or the wrong formula for the wrong person can induce a seizure. The individual can improve yet hit the proverbial wall with the wrong electrolyte. I just met with a group of researchers this past week in the Seattle area who concurred with my findings. I wish I could definitively report on my research, but things are still in its infancy. Another tantalizing arena on electrolytes is the possibility, emphasize possibility that they may increase the excretion of some, not all heavy metals. This is an area of research we will be running clinical trials on in the near future. Very exciting stuff. In health,. Mark Schauss www.carbonbased.com [ ] Re: Taurine From: MyHollstic.com http://www.myholistic.com/glossary/glossary.php3 Holistic Health Encyclopedia Taurine Taurine is a non-essential amino acid which can be derived from your diet or synthesized from the amino acid cysteine, if there is enough cysteine & pyridoxal-5-phosphate (co-enzyme B6.) Taurine is highly concentrated in animal & fish protein. Taurine is essential to fetal & new born central nervous system development. The infant cannot initially manufacture taurine & must obtain taurine from its mother's milk. Taurine plays a variety of roles in the normal functioning of the brain, heart, gallbladder, eyes, & vascular system. It is the most important & abundant free amino acid in your heart & contributes to your heart muscles' contractility & regulation of its rhythm. Taurine acts as a neurotransmitter in your brain where it is the second most abundant amino acid. It also protects & stabilizes the brain cells' fragile membranes. It is an inhibitory calming neurotransmitter. Taurine acts by regulating the sodium & potassium concentration in the cells & the magnesium level between the cells. This has everything to do with the electrical activity of the cells & subsequent communication between cells. By this mechanism, it has anti-anxiety & anti-convulsant activity Taurine is found in high concentrations in your eyes & is the most abundant amino acid in your retina. Taurine is known to re-invigorate the natural killer cells of your immune system & to stimulate the release of the immune substance, Interleukin-1. Additional benefits & uses are: Plays a role in decreasing the development of cataracts Useful in the management of chemical sensitivities as a powerful sulfur donor which removes foreign material & oxidized chlorine Useful with malabsorption of fats Important for proper bile production & fat metabolism, thus the ability to reduce body cholesterol For anxiety, agitation, hyperactivity For insomnia Depression Vegetarianism High blood pressure Certain heart iregularities Congestive heart failure Diabetes, potentiates & improves the action of insulin Alcoholism Gallbladder disease Macular degeneration/retinitis pigmentosa Immune problems Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 11, 2001 Report Share Posted November 11, 2001 Mark, interestingly, I have seen improvements in my son with the induction of electrolyte water source with taurine?? Kathy [ ] Re: Taurine From: MyHollstic.com http://www.myholistic.com/glossary/glossary.php3 Holistic Health Encyclopedia Taurine Taurine is a non-essential amino acid which can be derived from your diet or synthesized from the amino acid cysteine, if there is enough cysteine & pyridoxal-5-phosphate (co-enzyme B6.) Taurine is highly concentrated in animal & fish protein. Taurine is essential to fetal & new born central nervous system development. The infant cannot initially manufacture taurine & must obtain taurine from its mother's milk. Taurine plays a variety of roles in the normal functioning of the brain, heart, gallbladder, eyes, & vascular system. It is the most important & abundant free amino acid in your heart & contributes to your heart muscles' contractility & regulation of its rhythm. Taurine acts as a neurotransmitter in your brain where it is the second most abundant amino acid. It also protects & stabilizes the brain cells' fragile membranes. It is an inhibitory calming neurotransmitter. Taurine acts by regulating the sodium & potassium concentration in the cells & the magnesium level between the cells. This has everything to do with the electrical activity of the cells & subsequent communication between cells. By this mechanism, it has anti-anxiety & anti-convulsant activity Taurine is found in high concentrations in your eyes & is the most abundant amino acid in your retina. Taurine is known to re-invigorate the natural killer cells of your immune system & to stimulate the release of the immune substance, Interleukin-1. Additional benefits & uses are: Plays a role in decreasing the development of cataracts Useful in the management of chemical sensitivities as a powerful sulfur donor which removes foreign material & oxidized chlorine Useful with malabsorption of fats Important for proper bile production & fat metabolism, thus the ability to reduce body cholesterol For anxiety, agitation, hyperactivity For insomnia Depression Vegetarianism High blood pressure Certain heart iregularities Congestive heart failure Diabetes, potentiates & improves the action of insulin Alcoholism Gallbladder disease Macular degeneration/retinitis pigmentosa Immune problems Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 11, 2001 Report Share Posted November 11, 2001 Thanks for this information. The electrolyte water I have been using is ESSENTIA and there is some studies on this water how it seems to help those with acidosis problems, which my son has. Glad to hear that you can excrete possibly metals with it, it makes sense with it's molecular structure? Kathy [ ] Re: Taurine From: MyHollstic.com http://www.myholistic.com/glossary/glossary.php3 Holistic Health Encyclopedia Taurine Taurine is a non-essential amino acid which can be derived from your diet or synthesized from the amino acid cysteine, if there is enough cysteine & pyridoxal-5-phosphate (co-enzyme B6.) Taurine is highly concentrated in animal & fish protein. Taurine is essential to fetal & new born central nervous system development. The infant cannot initially manufacture taurine & must obtain taurine from its mother's milk. Taurine plays a variety of roles in the normal functioning of the brain, heart, gallbladder, eyes, & vascular system. It is the most important & abundant free amino acid in your heart & contributes to your heart muscles' contractility & regulation of its rhythm. Taurine acts as a neurotransmitter in your brain where it is the second most abundant amino acid. It also protects & stabilizes the brain cells' fragile membranes. It is an inhibitory calming neurotransmitter. Taurine acts by regulating the sodium & potassium concentration in the cells & the magnesium level between the cells. This has everything to do with the electrical activity of the cells & subsequent communication between cells. By this mechanism, it has anti-anxiety & anti-convulsant activity Taurine is found in high concentrations in your eyes & is the most abundant amino acid in your retina. Taurine is known to re-invigorate the natural killer cells of your immune system & to stimulate the release of the immune substance, Interleukin-1. Additional benefits & uses are: Plays a role in decreasing the development of cataracts Useful in the management of chemical sensitivities as a powerful sulfur donor which removes foreign material & oxidized chlorine Useful with malabsorption of fats Important for proper bile production & fat metabolism, thus the ability to reduce body cholesterol For anxiety, agitation, hyperactivity For insomnia Depression Vegetarianism High blood pressure Certain heart iregularities Congestive heart failure Diabetes, potentiates & improves the action of insulin Alcoholism Gallbladder disease Macular degeneration/retinitis pigmentosa Immune problems Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 12, 2001 Report Share Posted November 12, 2001 Just curious on the acidosis issues. . .my daughter is on the ketogenic diet and has big issues with acidosic -- her system runs very acidic naturally and this really increases it. What problems does your son have with acidosis and what do you do about it? Also, does Essentia have any carbs and/or additives in it?--D --- <kblanco@...> wrote: > Thanks for this information. The electrolyte water > I have been using is ESSENTIA and there is some > studies on this water how it seems to help those > with acidosis problems, which my son has. Glad to > hear that you can excrete possibly metals with it, > it makes sense with it's molecular structure? > Kathy ===== DeEtte -- Mom to (, 6, keto-kid since 1/01, med-free, seizures greatly reduced) and (, 4), sdale, AZ " I know God would never give me more than I can handle. . .I just wish he didn't trust me so much. " -- Mother Theresa __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 12, 2001 Report Share Posted November 12, 2001 My son builds up too much pyruvate and lactic acid from the carbohydrate metabolism, this makes him appear as someone like who has AIDS or CHRONS disease, he has a lot of muscle wasting, he hyperventalates and at times has odd posturing and movement disorders. HOWVER, I am coming to the opinion that these may be issues of mercury and heavy metal poisining as well, not just a genetic miss up, and also the result of the doings of the STEALTH VIRUS, which exhausts mitochondria and works on them. (www.ccid.org ). Also check to see if your daughter has a carnitine deficiency, which mirrors acidosis problems. A simple supplementation program of L-carnitine might also help as well as mitochondrial cocktail consisting of NIACINIMIDE, Co Q 10 or Ibedenone, Vitamin A (cis), E, K, C and even blends of amino acids, as well as b6 and mag and calcium. What I was told was low carbos, and maybe even keto, but this was intolerable for him, so I keep with the low carbo, no sugar, no gluten no cassein no corn variety of diet. The water I speak of does have a web site, and a PDF format text that you can read about electrolytes. They use osmosis also to remove flouride. www.essentiawater.com . This program basically participated with him gaining weight (sorely needed) over the last 2 years. I also do AMBROTOSE (which is known to fix over 20 genetic diseases). www.glycoscience.com Kathy Re: [ ] Re: Taurine > Just curious on the acidosis issues. . .my daughter is > on the ketogenic diet and has big issues with acidosic > -- her system runs very acidic naturally and this > really increases it. What problems does your son have > with acidosis and what do you do about it? Also, does > Essentia have any carbs and/or additives in it?--D > > --- <kblanco@...> wrote: > > Thanks for this information. The electrolyte water > > I have been using is ESSENTIA and there is some > > studies on this water how it seems to help those > > with acidosis problems, which my son has. Glad to > > hear that you can excrete possibly metals with it, > > it makes sense with it's molecular structure? > > Kathy > > ===== > DeEtte -- Mom to (, 6, keto-kid since 1/01, med-free, seizures greatly reduced) and (, 4), sdale, AZ > > " I know God would never give me more than I can handle. . .I just wish he didn't trust me so much. " -- Mother Theresa > > __________________________________________________ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 14, 2001 Report Share Posted November 14, 2001 From Earl Mindell's Vitamin Bible - 1991 Taurine I'm prone to convulsions, and my doctor put me on DILANTIN (phenytoin) a year ago. Recently, a friend told me about Taurine, which she said was a nonessential amino acid that was natural and could help me the same way. What I want to know is, if it's nonessential why would I need it ? And why would it work? Let me begin by clearing up a major point of misunderstanding: where amino acids are concerned, nonessential does not mean unnecessary. All the amino acids are necessary, it's just that the ones that are deemed essential can't be synthesized by the body in sufficient quantities to promote effective protein synthesis. If these essential ones are not supplied in the diet, all amino acids are reduced in the same proportion as the one that's low or missing. As for substituting Taurine for an anticonvulsant medication, that's a decision only your doctor can make. I can say though that Taurine has been shown to be quite successful as an anti-convulsant when taken in combination with glutamic and aspartic acids, but would not recommend undertaking it without consulting a doctor . (For listings of nutritionally oriented doctors in your area, see section 293.) x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 14, 2001 Report Share Posted November 14, 2001 From - A-to-Z Guide To Supplements by F. Balch, M.D., Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C. Taurine [Amino Acid] High concentrations of taurine are found in the heart muscle, white blood cells, skeletal muscle, and central nervous system. It is a building block of all the other amino acids as well as a key component of bile, which is needed for the digestion of fats, the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, and the control of serum cholesterol levels. Taurine can be useful for people with atherosclerosis, edema, heart disorders, hypertension, or hypoglycemia. It is vital for the proper utilization of sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, and it has been shown to play a particular role in sparing the loss of potassium from the heart muscle. This helps to prevent the development of potentially dangerous cardiac arrhythmias. Taurine has a protective effect on the brain, particularly when the brain is dehydrated. It is used to treat anxiety , epilepsy, hyperactivity , poor brain function, and seizures. Taurine is found in concentrations up to four times greater in the brains of children than in those of adults. It may be that a deficiency of taurine in the developing brain is involved in epileptic attacks. Zinc deficiency also is commonly found in people with epilepsy, and this may play a part in the deficiency of taurine. Taurine is also associated with zinc in maintaining eye function; a deficiency of both may impair vision. Taurine supplementation may benefit children with Down syndrome and muscular dystrophy. This amino acid is also used in some clinics for breast cancer treatment. Excessive losses of taurine through the urine can be caused by many metabolic disorders. Cardiac arrhythmias, disorders of platelet formation, intestinal problems, an overgrowth of candida, physical or emotional stress, a zinc deficiency , and excessive consumption of alcohol are all associated with high urinary losses of taurine. Excessive alcohol consumption also causes the body to I lose its ability to utilize taurine properly. Diabetes increases the body's requirements for taurine; conversely, supplementation with taurine and cystine may decrease the need for insulin. Taurine is found in eggs, fish, meat, and milk, but not in vegetable proteins. It can be synthesized from cysteine in the liver and from methionine elsewhere in the body, as long as sufficient quantities of vitamin B6 are present. For vegetarians, synthesis by the body is crucial. For individuals with genetic or metabolic disorders that prevent the synthesis of taurine, taurine supplementation is required. x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 15, 2001 Report Share Posted November 15, 2001 Hello, What is the best way to detect acidosis - urine, slaive fecal matter? And does acidosis indicate anything about homeostasis imbalance? Thanks, Gail Z. --- DeEtte Person <annarebecca85259@...> wrote: > Just curious on the acidosis issues. . .my daughter > is > on the ketogenic diet and has big issues with > acidosic > -- her system runs very acidic naturally and this > really increases it. What problems does your son > have > with acidosis and what do you do about it? Also, > does > Essentia have any carbs and/or additives in it?--D > > --- <kblanco@...> wrote: > > Thanks for this information. The electrolyte > water > > I have been using is ESSENTIA and there is some > > studies on this water how it seems to help those > > with acidosis problems, which my son has. Glad to > > hear that you can excrete possibly metals with it, > > it makes sense with it's molecular structure? > > Kathy > > ===== > DeEtte -- Mom to (, 6, keto-kid since 1/01, > med-free, seizures greatly reduced) and (, > 4), sdale, AZ > > " I know God would never give me more than I can > handle. . .I just wish he didn't trust me so much. " > -- Mother Theresa > > __________________________________________________ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 22, 2002 Report Share Posted April 22, 2002 From Alternative Medicine Review http://www.thorne.com/altmedrev/contents6-1.html Monograph taurine Introduction Taurine is a conditionally essential amino acid that is found in the tissues of most animal species. It is not incorporated into proteins, but is found free in many tissues. Taurine is involved in a number of physiological processes including bile acid conjugation, osmoregulation, detoxification of xenobiotics, cell membrane stabilization, modulation of cellular calcium flux, and modulation of neuronal excitability. Low levels of taurine have been associated with retinal degeneration, growth retardation, and cardiomyopathy. Taurine has been used clinically in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, hypercholesterolemia, seizure disorders, ocular disorders, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, hepatic disorders, cystic fibrosis, and alcoholism. Biochemistry and Biosynthesis Taurine (2-aminoethanesulfonic acid) is different from other amino acids in that it contains a sulfonic acid group in place of the carboxylic acid group, and it is not incorporated into proteins. Therefore, it is not an amino acid in the true sense of the word.1 It is synthesized in human liver tissue from cysteine and methionine via three known pathways, all of which require pyridoxal-5'-phosphate, the active coenzyme form of vitamin B6.2 The highest concentrations of taurine are found in the neutrophil and the retina, and the largest pools of taurine are found in skeletal and cardiac muscles.3 Taurine excretion is via the urine or in the bile as bile salts.4 Physiological Functions Bile Acid Conjugation: Bile acids, primarily cholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid, result from cholesterol metabolism in the liver and are involved in emulsification and absorption of lipids and fat-soluble vitamins. In order for this to occur, bile acids must be bound to either glycine or taurine, forming bile salt conjugates. The conjugation of bile acids by taurine results in increased cholesterol solubility and excretion.5,6 Detoxification: Research has demonstrated that taurine reacts with and neutralizes hypochlorous acid, which is generated during oxidative neutrophil burst. The result is a stable taurochloramine compound, as opposed to unstable aldehyde compounds formed in states of taurine deficiency. Individuals who are taurine deficient may become more susceptible to tissue damage by xenobiotic agents such as aldehydes, chlorine, and certain amines.3 Animal studies have also demonstrated taurine's ability to complex with and neutralize the xenobiotic effects of carbon tetrachloride and retinol.7,8 Research also suggests that translocation of bacterial endotoxins may be a factor in determining a person's response to xenobiotic insult. Even small amounts of endotoxin markedly enhance liver injury from hepatotoxic substances such as carbon tetrachloride, ethanol, and cadmium. Taurine was found to significantly inhibit intestinal endotoxin translocation and subsequently decrease hepatic injury from these substances.9,10 Membrane Stabilization: Taurine's ability to stabilize cell membranes may be attributed to several events. Taurine has been shown to regulate osmotic pressure in the cell, maintain homeostasis of intracellular ions, inhibit phosphorylation of membrane proteins, and prevent lipid peroxidation. As an osmotic regulator, it has been suggested that taurine, along with glutamic acid, is instrumental in the transport of metabolically-generated water from the brain.11 Calcium Flux: Taurine is both an intra- and extracellular calcium regulator. Excessive accumulation of intra-cellular calcium ultimately leads to cell death. Excessive influx of calcium into cells has been demonstrated in various types of myocardial injury, as well as migraines and prolonged epileptic episodes. Taurine supplementation has been shown to be cardioprotective, and of benefit in patients predisposed to epilepsy or migraine.4,12 Clinical Indications Cardiovascular Disease: Several studies indicate taurine is a safe, effective therapeutic tool in the management of various types of cardiovascular disease. Research indicates supplementation with taurine at three to six grams daily for two to three weeks results in reduced serum cholesterol levels in human subjects when compared to placebo.5,6 In addition, taurine aids in the regulation of intracellular calcium levels, thereby protecting heart muscle from intracellular calcium imbalances, which can lead to cell death, and subsequent myocardial damage.11 Taurine's use in preventing cardiac arrhythmia is well documented and it is thought it may act by modulating potassium flux in and out of cardiac muscle cells.13 Research has also shown taurine to be capable of lowering blood pressure, due to its positive inotropic effects.14,15 Taurine's antioxidant properties are seen in its ability to inhibit neutrophil burst and subsequent oxidative stress, which can result in reperfusion injury to heart tissue.16 It is also capable of improving the clinical manifestations of congestive heart failure. A Japanese study revealed taurine was significantly more effective than placebo at decreasing the severity of dyspnea, palpitation, crackles, and edema in congestive heart failure patients, while increasing their capacity for exercise.17 Seizure Disorders: A number of studies have been conducted on taurine's role in alleviating seizure conditions. Unfortunately, many had design flaws, dosages varied greatly, and no firm conclusions can be drawn. Some patients with epilepsy have an aberration in taurine and glutamic acid metabolism. It is believed that taurine's anti-epileptic activity is due to its ability to maintain a normal glutamic acid concentration in the central nervous system.2 As mentioned above, benefits may also be due to taurine's effect on intracellular calcium.12 It appears however, that taurine's anti-epileptic action is transient and disappears rapidly over a period of a few weeks.18 Retinal Degeneration: Taurine is very abundant in the vertebrate retina, and taurine deficiency in cats has been shown to cause damage to the cone photoreceptor cells, resulting in permanent retinal degeneration. It is also thought that abnormalities in taurine metabolism might be associated with retinitis pigmentosa in humans.1 Retinal taurine appears to regulate osmotic pressure, stabilize cell membranes as well as calcium ion concentrations, inhibit lipid peroxidation after oxidant exposure, and act as an antioxidant by scavenging damaging free radicals.1,4 Growth and Development: The research on retinal degeneration in taurine-deficient kittens1 prompted further studies of taurine deficiency in formula-fed pre-term and full-term infants. Taurine is present in high concentrations in human milk, but significantly decreases over the first few months of the infant's life. Because humans have limited ability to synthesize taurine and infants have decreased capacity to store it, a dietary source of taurine is essential for normal development during the neonatal period.19 Research on taurine's effects on growth and development in humans shows it may act as a "growth modulator" and that taurine deficiency is responsible for neurological defects involving motor dysfunction and cerebral activity, growth retardation, and retinal degeneration.4 Animal and in vitro studies also support the theory that taurine is essential for proper growth and development.20,21 As a result, taurine has been added to most commercially-available infant formulas. Diabetes: Animal and human studies indicate that taurine supplementation is effective in alleviating some of the complications of insulin-dependant diabetes. Taurine has been found to influence blood glucose and insulin levels, as well as increasing glycogen synthesis, and it may also be involved in the functioning and integrity of pancreatic beta cells.3 In insulin-dependent diabetic patients, both plasma and platelet taurine levels were decreased but were corrected by oral taurine supplementation.22 Cystic Fibrosis: Cystic fibrosis is usually characterized by nutrient malabsorption in the ileum, impaired bile acid conjugation, and steatorrhea.23 Human studies using 30 mg/kg taurine daily for four months resulted in a significant decrease in fecal fatty acids.23 Alzheimer's Disease: Low levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and altered taurine metabolism have been found in patients with Alzheimer's disease, and it is thought these abnormalities might contribute to the characteristic memory loss.4 Also, taurine levels in cerebrospinal fluid were decreased in patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease.24 To date, no clinical trials of taurine supplementation in patients with Alzheimer's disease have been conducted, but in animal models supplementation increased acetylcholine levels in brain tissue.25 Hepatic Disorders: In a double-blind, randomized study, acute hepatitis patients with significantly elevated bilirubin levels were given oral taurine - four grams three times daily after meals. Taurine-supplemented patients exhibited notable decreases in bilirubin, total bile acids, and biliary glycine:taurine ratios within one week when compared to control subjects. The icteric period was also decreased.26 In patients undergoing ursodeoxycholic acid (UDC) treatment for cholesterol gallstones, taurine therapy may also be beneficial. The taurine conjugate of UDC is better able to solubilize cholesterol than the glycine conjugate, thereby effecting a greater decrease in the bile acid pool size.27 Alcoholism: Both taurine and acamprosate (a synthetic taurine analog) have been shown to be clinically useful in treating patients with alcohol dependence. In patients undergoing alcohol withdrawal, taurine given at one gram three times daily for seven days resulted in significantly fewer psychotic episodes when compared to control subjects.28 A pooled analysis of 11 studies involving over 3,000 patients given oral acamprosate at similar doses revealed it was more effective than placebo at preventing alcohol relapse. The efficacy appeared to be dose dependent and was enhanced by the addition of disulfiram.29 Safety With few exceptions, animal and human studies have shown taurine administration to be safe, even at higher doses. Intense, temporary itching has been noted to occur in psoriasis patients at dosages of 2 g taurine daily1 and some epileptic patients reported dosages of 1.5 g daily resulted in nausea, headache, dizziness, and gait disturbances.30 One study found that taurine administration to patients with uncompensated adrenocortical insufficiency can induce hypothermia and hyperkalemia.2 Dosage and Administration Taurine is usually administered orally, with the adult dosage being 500 mg to 3 g daily in divided doses. Pediatric dosages vary according to the size and age of the child, but range from 250 mg to 1 g daily in divided doses. Patients should be monitored for possible side effects, and taurine administration should be discontinued if serious side effects develop. References 1. Kendler BS. Taurine: An overview of its role in preventative medicine. Prev Med 1989;18:79-100. 2. Shin HK, Linkswiler HM. Tryptophan and methionine metabolism of adult females as affected by vitamin B6 deficiency. J Nutr 1874;104:1348-1355. 3. Timbrell JA, Seabra V, Waterfield CJ. The in vivo and in vitro protective properties of taurine. Gen Pharmac 1995;26:453-462. 4. Bradford RW, HW. Taurine in health and disease. J Adv Med 1996;9:179-199. 5. Hardison WGM, Grundy SM. Effect of bile acid conjugation patterns on bile acid metabolism in normal humans. Gastroenterology 1983:84:617-620. 6. Mizushima S, Nara Y, Sawamura M, Yamori Y. Effects of oral taurine supplementation on lipids and sympathetic nerve tone. Adv Exp Med Biol 1996;403:615-622. 7. Nakashima T, Taniko T, Kuriyama K. Therapeutic effect of taurine administration on carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic injury. Jpn J Pharmacol 1982;32:583-589. 8. Gaull GE, Pasantes-Morales H, CE. Taurine in human nutrition. In: Taurine: Biological Actions and Clinical Perspectives. New York City, NY: Alan R. Liss, Inc.; 1985:3-21. 9. Roth RA, Harkema JR, Pestka JP, Ganey PE. Is exposure to bacterial endotoxin a determinant of susceptibility to intoxication from xenobiotic agents? Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 1997;147:300-311. 10. Wang WY. Intestinal endotoxin translocation in endotoxemic rats. Sheng Li Ko Hsueh Chin Chan 1995;26:41-44. 11. Van Gelder NM. Neuronal discharge hypersynchrony and the intracranial water balance in relation to glutamic acid and taurine redistribution: migraine and epilepsy. In: Pasantes-Morales H, DL, Shain W et al., eds. Taurine: Functional Neurochemistry, Physiology, and Cardiology. New York City, NY: Wiley-Liss; 1990:Vol. 351. 12. Satoh H, Sperelakis N. Review of some actions of taurine on ion channels of cardiac muscle cells and others. Gen Pharmac 1998;30:451-463. 13. Chazov EL, et al. Taurine and electrical activity of the heart. Circ Res 1974;35:S3-S11. 14. Fujita T, Ando K, Noda H, et al. Effects of increased adrenomedullary activity and taurine in young patients with borderline hypertension. Circulation 1987;75:525-532. 15. Bousquet P, Feldman J, Bloch R, Schwartz J. Central cardiovascular effects of taurine: comparison with homotaurine and muscimol. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 1981:219:213-218. 16. Raschke P, Massoudy P, Becker BF. Taurine protects the heart from neutrophil-induced reperfusion injury. Free Radic Biol Med 1995;19:461-467. 17. Azuma J, Sawamura A, Awata N, et al. Double-blind randomized crossover trial of taurine in congestive heart failure. Curr Ther Res 1983;34:543-557. 18. Konig P, Kriechbaum G, Presslich O, et al. Orally administered taurine in therapy-resistant epilepsy. Wien Klin Wochenschr 1977;89:111-113. 19. Rassin DK, Sturman JA, Gaull GE. Taurine and other free amino acids in milk of man and other mammals. Early Human Dev 1978;2:1-13. 20. KC, Stephan ZF, Sturman JA. Growth depression in taurine-depleted infant monkeys. J Nutr 1980;110:2058-2064. 21. Gaull GE, GE, Tallen JJ. Taurine in human lymphoblastoid cells: uptake and role in proliferation. In: Kuriyama J, Huxtable RJ eds. Sulfur Amino Acids: Biochemical and Clinical Aspects. New York City, NY: Alan R. Liss; 1983:297-303. 22. Franconi F, Bennardini F, Mattana A, et al. Plasma and platelet taurine are reduced in subjects with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus: effects of taurine supplementation. Am J Clin Nutr 1995;61:1115-1119. 23. U, Lacaille F, Pepage G, et al. Taurine decreases fecal fatty acid and sterol excretion in cystic fibrosis. A randomized double-blind study. Am J Dis Child 1991;145:1401-1404. 24. Csernansky JG, Bardgett ME, Sheline YI, et al. CSF excitatory amino acids and severity of illness in Alzheimer's disease. Neurology 1996;46:1715-1720. 25. Tomaszewski A, Kleinrok A, Zackiewicz A, et al. Effect of various amino acids on acetylcholine metabolism in brain tissue. Ann Univ e Curie Sklodowska 1982;37:61-70. 26. Matsuyama Y, Morita T, Higuchi M, Tsujii T. The effect of taurine administration on patients with acute hepatitis. ProgClin Biol Res 1983;125:461-468. 27. Igimi H, Carey MC. Cholesterol gallstone dissolution kinetics of crystalline (anhydrate monohydrate) cholesterol with chenodeoxycholate, ursodeoxycholate and their glycine and taurine conjugates. J Lipid Res 1981;22:254-271. 28. Ikeda H. Effects of taurine on alcohol withdrawal. Lancet 1977;2:509. 29. Wilde MI, Wagstaff AJ. Acamprosate. A review of its pharmacology and clinical potential in the management of alcohol dependence after detoxification. Drugs 1997;53:1038-1053. 30. Van Gelder NM, Sherwin AL, Sacks C, Andermann F. Biochemical observations following administration of taurine to patients with epilepsy. Brain Res 1975;94:297-306. y Return to Table of Contents Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 20, 2003 Report Share Posted November 20, 2003 We have tried Taurine for my son. I have tried him at 500mg. 1-3 times a day. I have not noticed any change at the higher doses so we have continued to use the lower dosage just in case there is any help being derived from it. I have heard of folks being helped by doses of Taurine. It could also depend on the brand people use. I have not had any specific brnads recommended to me. I have experimented with The Vitamin Shoppe brand. M Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 20, 2003 Report Share Posted November 20, 2003 Hi Jill, I used taurine and it helped get my intractable seizures under control--permanently. My epilepsy surgery (1988) failed. I have not had a seizure since July of 1998 after I started using the taurine. My seizures were pretty much in control by then--I had had about four years of therapy learning ways to control seizures on my own without drugs. Taurine can cause stomach upset, so watch for any symptoms. Check it out thorougly before you use it. There is more about it and on other non-drug treatments for seizures, on my web page, " Looking For Zoey " : http://www.indiana.edu/~pietsch/zoe-taurine.html Zoe(y) > Hi > Has anyone tried supplementing with Taurine? I'd welcome hearing of any > experiences either good or bad. > Many thanks > Jill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 21, 2003 Report Share Posted November 21, 2003 What is Taurine good for? Grace On Fri, 21 Nov 2003 07:58:50 +0800 jill@... writes: > Hi > Has anyone tried supplementing with Taurine? I'd welcome hearing of > any > experiences either good or bad. > Many thanks > Jill > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 17, 2004 Report Share Posted April 17, 2004 , That's really interesting becuase I have read several articles on epilepsy and one of the supplements they recommend to take is Taurine. I have heard of a couple of moms who wanted to give it to their children, but I don't know if they ever did or not and how it was working for them. Grace On Fri, 16 Apr 2004 16:47:24 -0000 angel_lts@... writes: > I have just ordered Taurine and just received it in the mail. I was > going to try it for my epilepsy. On the back says, specificly if you > > have epilepsy do not take. Now I am afraid to try it. I sm going to > > ship I back. Someone told me to try it and I have heard a lot of > good things about taurine to be helpful in epilepsy. > I'm curious, Does anyone take Taurine????????? > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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