Another Taurine Question - Is it a stimulant?

[PlanetaryKim]

The amino acid Taurine is promoted as a useful supplement for heart rhythm problems. Many sources also state that Taurine is a relaxant, and can even be used as sleep aid before bed because it increases GABA in the brain.

Yet it is also included in energy drinks like Red Bull, which does not make sense if it is a sleep aid and relaxant.

For the last 3 mornings I have taken it (just 250 mg this morning, which is quite low for Taurine), it feels like it has a stimulant effect on me. And I have had a lot of trouble getting to sleep at night even though that's many hours later.

Have others had this experience with Taurine? I don't really want to add a stimulant when trying to reduce/eliminate Afib.

kim

[sleeksheep]

I had to stop taking Magnesium after 2.00pm as it was making me unable to sleep , I never thought that it was the Taurine that I take with it was the possible cause.

As I have never taken Taurine on its own but only when taking Magnesium , it does suggest what you experienced is the most likely explanation.

I have the same problem with L-Carnitine , never take it after 2.00pm or I have a restless sleep.

heartmdinstitute.com/diet-n...

Thats the reason I have never tried D-ribose as it is energy boosting.

[PlanetaryKim in reply to sleeksheep]

Thanks!

[secondtry]

I was told it was a relaxant that's why they put it in the caffeine loaded Red Bull etc as otherwise drinkers would 'hit the roof'.

[PlanetaryKim in reply to secondtry]

thank you.

[cpalmermn in reply to secondtry]

This sounds odd. Why wouldn’t they just put less caffeine in, then?

[PlanetaryKim in reply to secondtry]

Red Bull was banned in France for 12 years specifically because of the Taurine. France had to lift the ban in 2008 because of EU rules - one country can't ban a product that is sold in others. I don't think taurine would be put in Red Bull and other energy drinks unless it had stimulant properties... and it certainly had those for me. And at a dose as low as 250 mg. I literally couldn't sleep, even though I was taking the Taurine in the morning. I was also agitated and tense. (Red Bull contains 1,000 mg of Taurine).

But I see Taurine labeled as a sleep aid (although Red Bull never would be!), which I find very bizarre. For now I have halted taurine.

[Andyt36 in reply to PlanetaryKim]

I believe that taurine balances the stimulating effect of the caffeine, it's like having an upper and a downer, if that makes sense

[Andyt36 in reply to PlanetaryKim]

news-medical.net/health/Tau...

[PlanetaryKim in reply to Andyt36]

Interesting article you linked to. Thank you.

[Andyt36 in reply to PlanetaryKim]

There appears to be a misunderstanding of Taurine generally due to redbull

[GrannyE]

I have taken mag taurine 500mg and Vit C with bioflavonoids every night at bedtime for years now. Have no problem getting to sleep. I think Sanjay Gupta is a fan of mag taurine.

[Niki_]

It’s a mood enhancer .. It makes you feel better. That could be why you are feeling it as like energy ... it makes you feel better so that could be why you feel it’s giving you a stimulant effect ...because it does make you want to do more because your mood will be better if that makes sense.

[hurtingheart1 in reply to Niki_]

This makes sense I’ve read good things about it for boosting mood but maybe for some they need a smaller amount and maybe only earlier in the day! There’s a great book I’ve read that explains about different amino acids and other supplements and foods that can help mood it’s called - Natural Highs. By Hyla Cass and I believe another dr. co wrote it in case anyone here wants to check it out!

[PlanetaryKim in reply to hurtingheart1]

thanks for that title. i will check it out.

[dw98611]

Yes, I've had that experience. It made my AFIB worse. And, yes it is a stimulant; that's why it's added to energy drinks. I think it amplifies the effects of caffeine. I have vagal AFIB. Maybe it helps people with androgenic AFIB.