Taurine

Taurine is a naturally occurring sulfur-containing amino acid found throughout the body, with particularly high concentrations in the heart, brain, eyes and skeletal muscle. It supports several fundamental processes, including cell hydration, bile acid formation, calcium signalling and normal cardiovascular and nervous system function.

Unlike most amino acids, taurine is not primarily used to build proteins. Instead, it works inside cells to help maintain their stability and normal function.

Heart and Cardiovascular Function

The heart contains relatively high levels of taurine, where it contributes to normal calcium handling, electrolyte balance and muscle contraction.

These roles have made taurine a common ingredient in formulas aimed at cardiovascular health, circulation and healthy ageing.

Taurine also helps regulate fluid balance within cells, which is important for maintaining normal function in heart and muscle tissue.

Brain and Eye Health

Taurine is abundant in the nervous system and retina.

In the brain, it contributes to normal neurotransmission and helps regulate the movement of calcium and other ions across cell membranes. Within the eye, taurine is particularly concentrated in retinal tissue and supports normal visual function and cellular integrity.

This makes it relevant to nutritional formulas for brain health, nervous system support and healthy vision.

Cellular Protection and Metabolism

Taurine helps stabilise cell membranes and contributes to the body's defence against oxidative and metabolic stress.

It is also used to form bile salts, which help digest and absorb dietary fats and fat-soluble vitamins.

Its wide distribution throughout the body reflects a broader role in maintaining normal cellular function rather than acting on one single system.

Taurine for Pets

Taurine is especially important in pet nutrition.

Cats cannot produce enough taurine to meet their needs and must obtain it from their diet. Adequate taurine is essential for feline heart function, vision, reproduction and normal development.

Dogs can usually synthesise taurine from other amino acids, although dietary intake and individual requirements can vary. Taurine is therefore also commonly included in dog supplements aimed at heart health, brain function, cellular energy and healthy ageing, often alongside CoQ10, L-carnitine and omega-3 fatty acids.

Taurine in O2B Products

At O2B Healthy, taurine is included in O2B NRG-FX, where it forms part of a broader sports nutrition formula, as well as O2B Feline+ Joints, O2B Feline+ Calm, O2B Feline+ Allergies and O2B Feline+ Synbiotic for cats. Taurine is particularly important in feline nutrition because cats cannot produce sufficient amounts themselves. Across these formulas, it provides nutritional support for normal heart function, vision, nervous system health, cellular function and overall wellbeing.