It is also a component of bile acids, needed to absorb fats and fat-soluble vitamins. It is needed for the development of the nervous system. 2 Taurine is made by the body from the amino acid methionine. As a result, even vegans , who have almost no taurine in their diet, seldom have a deficiency.
Infants are unable to make taurine.
Since it is present in breastmilk 3 and formula, however, they seldom show a deficiency. Formula-fed infants may benefit from supplementation, because it appears to prevent large amounts of protein from being excreted in urine. 4 Taurine regulates heart pumping. Taken as a supplement, it appears to help Chronic Heart Failure patients. 5 Taurine is often deficient in Type 1 diabetics .