Taurine is a conditionally essential, sulfur-containing amino acid produced from cysteine by the body. It is found abundantly in the body, particularly throughout the excitable tissues of the central nervous system, where it is thought to have a regulating influence.160 Taurine can promote optimal blood flow to nervous tissue. It also appears to play an important role in many physiological processes, such as osmoregulation, immunomodulation and bile salt formation.161 Recent studies suggested that taurine might have neuro- and cardioprotective properties and provide protection against oxidative stress.161-164 Taurine is also critical for maintaining cardiac health in certain aging individuals. Dietary taurine may help maintain healthy liver function.165 However, it is deficient in many diets.166-172