3 S. Taurine is an essential amino acid for the cat, which means that the cat can not synthesize sufficient Taurine from other amino acids. Humans and dogs, for example, synthesize Taurine from the amino acids Methionine and Cystine. Preformed Taurine is only available from animal tissue, and high concentrations of Taurine are found in the heart muscle, skeletal muscles, brain and eyes of mammals, as well as the meat from clams and oysters.
Taurine is very sensitive to heat, and Taurine content in meat is greatly reduced after cooking.
The role of Taurine in the body is complex. It is a building block of all the other amino acids as well as a key component of bile, which in turn is needed for the digestion of fats and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. It is vital for the proper utilization of Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, and Magnesium, and prevents loss of Potassium from the heart muscle. Also, Taurine has a protective effect on the brain and is essential in maintaining eye function. However, there is no difference between Taurine and L-Taurine.