A team of scientists from China Pharmaceutical University found that the dietary supplement taurine can reduce atherosclerosis. The study was published in the scientific publication Journal of Exploratory Research in Pharmacology (JERP).
Taurine is a sulfur-containing amino acid associated with nervous system function, muscle development, and heart health. It lowers blood sugar levels and improves physical endurance.
Atherosclerosis is a chronic disease of the arteries that occurs due to disturbances in lipid and protein metabolism and is accompanied by the deposition of cholesterol and some fractions of lipoproteins in the lumen of blood vessels.
According to researchers, taurine is an ingredient in many energy drinks. However, these foods often increase blood pressure, which is a key risk factor for atherosclerosis.
During the experiment, the team measured taurine levels in the blood plasma of 105 mice with varying degrees of coronary heart disease, as well as 40 healthy animals.
It turned out that during acute myocardial infarction, the level of taurine in the body increases significantly compared to the same indicator in rodents without heart problems.
In addition, administration of taurine to mice for four consecutive days significantly reduced the area of atherosclerotic plaques in the carotid artery. But at the same time, the substance disrupted the stability of these deposits.
According to scientists, taurine supplements should be used with caution if you have vascular problems.
