What is Taurine? The role of taurine in breast milk for babies

The human body has many types of amino acids that help in healthy growth. Taurine is also an amino acid, although not an essential amino acid, it is also very important and necessary for the best health, especially for children. Below is information about Taurine, please refer to it.

Note: The article is for reference only and is not a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment.

What is Taurine?

Taurine is an amino acid, which plays an important role in health

Taurine , also known as 2-aminoethanesulfonic acid , is an amino acid that plays an important role in the development of the brain and retina (eyes), helps prevent cardiovascular diseases, anti-oxidants, prevents diabetes. in meat, fish and seafood.

Taurine helps infants absorb fats through the digestive tract, ensures the liver processes waste, and protects nerves, especially in the eyes and ears. Deficiency of taurine can cause impaired liver and retinal function.

The role of taurine in health

In the body, Taurine is found in almost all tissues, but is mainly concentrated in nerve tissue, skeletal muscle, heart and retina.

The role of taurine in breast milk

In breast milk, the concentration of taurine is usually higher than in other milks, so breastfeeding will help provide the baby with all the taurine needed for the baby’s body:

• Taurine, along with DHA and Choline, are essential nutrients for a baby’s brain development, especially at birth. Taurine concentration in the brain of children is 4 times more than that of adults.
• Taurine-deficient infants are susceptible to retinal damage, impaired vision and, more seriously, loss of vision.
• It helps children absorb fat, dispose of waste, and protects nerves, especially in the eyes and ears.
• Adding taurine to the diet of premature and low birth weight infants can improve growth and development.

The role of taurine in breast milk

For adults

• Taurine helps regulate heart rate, improve heart function, prevent cardiovascular diseases.
• Taurine has antioxidant capacity, protects the body from harmful toxins, removes dead cells, toxins from the body.
• Regulates blood sugar, thereby controlling and preventing the risk of diabetes.
• Taurine also aids in the treatment of epilepsy, restores strength, and improves the body’s performance.
• One study found that people with diabetes had 25% lower taurine levels than people without diabetes. This suggests that taurine may have a role in the management of diabetes.

Food supplement Taurine for the body

Food supplement Taurine for the body

Taurine is found in many foods of animal origin , such as pork, pork heart, beef, chicken and fish such as mackerel, salmon, shrimp, crab, squid …

Breast milk is an additional source of taurine for infants. However, the amount of taurine in breast milk will gradually decrease after birth. Therefore, children should drink more formula to supplement taurine for the body.

Some notes when supplementing with Taurine

Some notes when supplementing with Taurine

• Energy drinks contain taurine and caffeine to keep the body awake, but combined, it is not good for pregnant women and children, because it will reduce short-term memory, affect the heart.
• Note that taurine supplementation does not apply to all children. Children with liver and kidney function problems or allergic diseases should consult their doctor before taking taurine supplements.
• Taurine supplementation with food is generally safe and effective. However, it is necessary to follow the right dosage. The average dose per person needs about 50 mg of Taurine a day. Children need up to 1 g of Taurine per day and adults need up to 2 g.
• Subjects at risk of taurine deficiency include: pregnant women, infants, premature babies, children in the developmental stage, people who are physically active and have a lot of vision.
• Supplementing Taurine in combination with an effective diet and exercise will bring better results.

Thus, Taurine has many uses for the functioning of the brain, heart and eyes. Hope this article helps you understand what taurine is? The role of taurine in breast milk for the body and some notes to properly supplement taurine to help the whole family have the best health.

Source: Healthline, Vinmec was consulted with Master, Doctor Ngo Thi Oanh – Pediatrician – Department of Pediatrics – Neonatology – Vinmec Ha Long International General Hospital

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