Some studies suggest that taurine supplementation may improve athletic performance, which may explain why taurine is used in many energy drinks. However new research suggests it may enhance recuperation. Scientists had 21 participants randomly divided into two groups—placebo and taurine. Fourteen days afer starting supplementation, subjects performed eccentric exercises (3 sets until exhaustion, with eccentric exercise at 80% 1RM). Blood samples were collected and muscle performance was measured on days 1, 14, 16, 18, and 21 after starting the supplements. The taurine supplementation resulted in an increase in strength levels and decreased muscle soreness. Markers of muscle damage such as lactate dehydrogenase level, creatine kinase activity, and oxidative damage were all reduced following taurine supplementation. The results suggest that taurine supplementation represents an important factor in improving performance and decreasing muscle damage and oxidative stress. – FLEX
