Does Taurine Help With Weight Loss?

Taurine, also known as tauric acid, is an amino acid commonly added to energy drinks and sports nutrition supplements for its purported energy and endurance-enhancing benefits. Taurine is also in protein-rich foods such as beef,. Taurine itself does not directly produce weight or fat loss, but it may help with weight control in some ways. Consult a doctor before using supplements or starting a diet.

Calorie Burning

Taurine does not directly cause weight loss in the traditional sense, as it does not increase your body's energy expenditure, or calorie-burning ability. Additionally, researchers who published a study in the August 2008 edition of "Journal of Applied Physiology" found that taurine supplementation did not increase fat or caloric burning during exercise.

Taurine and Endurance

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While using taurine alone will not produce weight loss, it may help you get the most out of your exercise sessions. Authors of a 2009 study, published in the journal "Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology," found that taurine consumption promoted increased endurance. This can help you exercise longer and burn more calories, which would be beneficial for weight loss.

Taurine and Testosterone

One mechanism through which taurine may aid in weight loss is by influencing increases in hormonal release. Researchers from a study published in the June 2010 edition of "Amino Acids" found that taurine supplementation promoted increases in testosterone levels. While testosterone does promote muscle-building, it can also reduce body fat, which aids in weight loss.

Taurine-Rich Foods

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Taurine, as with all amino acids, is a building block of protein, so it can be found in high-protein foods. Concentrations of taurine vary, but research from the March 2004 issue of "Meat Science" indicates that lamb and beef are both rich in taurine. You can find taurine levels in individual foods by using the USDA's searchable nutrient database, listed in the Resources section.