Investigation of Some Pharmacological Effects of Caffeine and Taurine in Food Supplements

Abstract

Abstract:In modern times in all age groups energy supplements containing different amounts of Caffeine and Taurine are applied. Caffeine is purine alkaloid, which stimulates central nervous system action, enhances the strength and frequency of the cardiac contractions and increases the excretion of urine. Taurine is a sulfur containing amino acid, which possesses many fundamental biological roles including: effect on synaptic transmission in the central nervous system, cardiotropic action, antioxidant and anticonvulsant activity, improvement of energy processes, stimulation of reparative processes in tissues, protection of eyes cataract, decrease of cholesterol and stimulation of immune system. The combination of Caffeine and Taurine provide benefit due to obtaining synergism of pharmacological effects in increasing of physical activity, stimulation of brain action, cognition, memory and attention. In connection with the significant enlarging of the consumption of energy drinks, especially by children and young people in recent years the requirements for regulation and control of the labeling of these products in many countries are enlarged. In many food additives Caffeine and Taurine are added in not labeled high concentrations, which can provoke and increase their side effects. High consumption of Caffeine enhances its adverse effects on body: anxiety, headache, insomnia, nervousness, respiratory disorders, tachycardia, tremor, dehydration. In children the adverse reactions of Caffeine in much lower doses than adults are occurred. In high concentrations Taurine has adverse effects on brain activity and can induce psoriasis. The result of combination of Caffeine and Taurine is associated with increased diuretic effect and loss of water and salts from the body, especially in children and young people. Because of these facts the quality and quantity control of included compounds in food supplements is important for their health safety.

Prevention and treatment of osteoporosis

“…Low protein intake is associated with loss of bone mineral density in the thigh and spine. Adequate calcium intake is required to achieve the beneficial effect of the protein on bone mineral density (Tsvetkova et al 2015).…”

High Performance Liquid Chromatographic Methods for Analysis of Taurine in Energy Drinks after Pre-column Derivatization

“…The main ingredients of energy drinks are caffeine, taurine, vitamins, carbohydrates, and other ingredients such as tyrosine, citicoline and guarana [2]. These compounds stimulate brain activity, memory and attention [3].…”

“…Hence, it is essential to control the maximum limits of taurine in beverage and food. The European Authority for Food Safety reported that, acute health and fatal problems occurred due to Omer et al / HPLC Methods for Analysis of Taurine in Energy Drinks 2 / 8 the high consumption of energy supplements [3]. Therefore, development and validation of accurate analytical methods for analysis of taurine in energy drinks is very important issue.…”

Bone Microstructure of Mice After Prolonged Taurine Treatment

“…Our findings provide the first information related to taurine impact on bone microarchitecture after prolonged supplemental use. Adverse effects of taurine (in high concentrations) on brain activity have also been demonstrated (Tsvetkova et al 2015). Taurine is known to be an inhibitory neurotransmitter and neuromodulator.…”