Taurine

TAURINE PACKAGING

What is Taurine?

Molecular Structure (Taurine): C₂H₇NO₃S

Molecular Weight: 125.15 g/mol

Chemical Name: Taurine

CAS Number: 107-35-7

It is an aminosulfonic acid that is the 2-amino derivative of ethanesulfonic acid. It is a naturally occurring amino acid derived from methionine and cysteine metabolism.

Although there is no precise information regarding its physiological function, it is known as an important amino acid for ensuring maximum cell viability and homeostasis.

It is an organic compound widely found in animal tissues. Taurine is a sulfur amino acid that is not used for protein synthesis.

Its natural form generally comes from meat, fish, and dairy products. It is associated with the bull (Taurus) by many people; however, taurine has no direct relation to bulls.

There are studies indicating that taurine helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Some evidence suggests that taurine improves the left ventricular function of the heart and calms the nervous system.

It does not participate in the biosynthesis of proteins in vivo. Although many amino acids are proteins, taurine is not a protein, even though it contains sulfur.

Other Names are as Follows;

• Bull

• 2-Ethanesulfonic Acid

• 107-35-7

• Ethanesulfonic Acid

• Aminoethylsulfonic Acid

• L-Form

• B-Aminoethylsulfonate

• Beta-Aminoethylsulfonate

• 99% Form

• Tauric Acid

How is Taurine Produced?

In the production method, it is synthesized starting from ethylene oxide and sodium bisulfite. Subsequently, liquid ammonia and sulfuric acid are added. As a result, the product and chloride are obtained, which are then purified.

In the subsequent production process, it is crystallized, centrifuged, dried, sieved, and mixed with a carrier to obtain an additive.

Taurine is obtained with high yield as a result of the sulfuric acid reaction, which reacts rapidly with ethylene.

What are the Physical and Chemical Properties?

Physically, it is in solid powder form. It can also be in colorless crystalline form.

It has a slightly acidic taste and is odorless.

The melting point is approximately 325 °C.

Boiling Point: Information is not available.

In terms of solubility, it has a solubility of 65 g/L in cold water.

Its density is 1.7 g/cm³ .

Regarding stability, it is stable under appropriate packaging conditions. It can be stored in closed sealed bags for 36 months.

What are the Usage Areas of Taurine?

• Among its usage areas, it has been found useful in preventing retinal degeneration and in the prevention and treatment processes of dilated cardiomyopathy in cats deficient in this chemical.

• It is used as an additive in the production of modern cat diets. Some research highlights it as an auxiliary treatment for heart disease in animals, even if there is no taurine deficiency.

• The most intensive usage areas include sports nutrition.

• It is used together with Caffeine in the production of sports foods to increase cellular energy production or to make the fight against fatigue more sustainable.

• Due to its properties contributing to cell viability on cell membranes, it is used in the manufacturing of beauty creams in the cosmetic industry. Applied in this field, it contributes to keeping the skin vibrant and youthful.

• It is used in certain medications to reduce the effects of Parkinson's disease.

• It has been determined that an improvement is observed in the immune and antioxidant systems of juvenile Seriola rivoliana fish after bacteria-induced stress as a result of providing Taurine nutritional supplements for a certain period of time.

• Since it stimulates stem cells, it increases the lifespan of neurons, thereby helping cells grow. Therefore, it is used in the manufacturing of drugs produced for such medical solutions.

• In addition, it is used in medications and added to fortified foods and beverages to ensure the development of new brain cells in the hippocampus, a part of the brain.

• It is used in the manufacturing of drugs that reduce metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome can have many causes.

• It activates mechanisms that prevent obesity. It lowers cholesterol, improves insulin sensitivity, and reduces blood pressure.

• It helps patients with periodontal disease.

• Fish meals used in fish farming may be used in low quantities due to cost. Therefore, the amount of Taurine from plant-based fish meals remains insufficient. To overcome this, adding it to fish meals at a certain rate has been found appropriate.

• Used as an excipient in pharmaceutical drugs, it strengthens cell defense by increasing the effect of the drug in these applications.

• It is used in the manufacturing of drugs produced for the treatment of Alopecia/Hair Loss conditions.

• Cats, which are domestic pets, cannot synthesize this amino acid. Therefore, they need to take it as a supplement in their food. It is an important ingredient in the production of cat foods containing taurine. 

What are the Factors Affecting Prices?

In terms of price, Taurine is directly related to the prices of the chemicals used in its production. As the price of Ethylene Oxide increases, the price of this chemical will increase. As the price of Sodium Bisulfite increases, prices will rise. As the prices of sulfuric acid and ammonia increase, the price of taurine will increase.

Price depends on the usage areas of this chemical. As usage areas expand, prices will increase.

Prices are directly dependent on the number of taurine production facilities. As the number of taurine production facilities increases, the price of taurine will decrease.