Skip to main content
Evidence-Based Supplement Research
Evidence-Based Supplement Research
Pillser
Search
Sign UpLog In

Taurine reduces the risk for metabolic syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

  • 2024-05-16
  • Nutrition & diabetes 14(1)
    • Chih-Chen Tzang
    • Liang-Yun Chi
    • Long-Huei Lin
    • Ting-Yu Lin
    • Ke-Vin Chang
    • Wei-Ting Wu
    • Levent Özçakar

Study Design

Type
Meta-Analysis
Sample size
n = 1,024
Population
1024 participants from 25 RCTs
Methods
meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials; electronic searches through databases like Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials.gov, encompassing publications up to December 1, 2023
Duration
follow-up periods varying between 5 and 365 days

Background

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of interconnected risk factors that significantly increase the likelihood of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Taurine has emerged as a potential therapeutic agent for MetS. This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) aimed to evaluate the effects of taurine supplementation on MetS-related parameters.

Methods

We conducted electronic searches through databases like Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials.gov, encompassing publications up to December 1, 2023. Our analysis focused on established MetS diagnostic criteria, including systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), fasting blood glucose (FBG), triglyceride (TG), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Meta-regression explored potential dose-dependent relationships based on the total taurine dose administered during the treatment period. We also assessed secondary outcomes like body composition, lipid profile, and glycemic control.

Results

Our analysis included 1024 participants from 25 RCTs. The daily dosage of taurine in the studies ranged from 0.5 g/day to 6 g/day, with follow-up periods varying between 5 and 365 days. Compared to control groups, taurine supplementation demonstrated statistically significant reductions in SBP (weighted mean difference [WMD] = -3.999 mmHg, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -7.293 to -0.706, p = 0.017), DBP (WMD = -1.509 mmHg, 95% CI = -2.479 to -0.539, p = 0.002), FBG (WMD: -5.882 mg/dL, 95% CI: -10.747 to -1.018, p = 0.018), TG (WMD: -18.315 mg/dL, 95% CI: -25.628 to -11.002, p < 0.001), but not in HDL-C (WMD: 0.644 mg/dl, 95% CI: -0.244 to 1.532, p = 0.155). Meta-regression analysis revealed a dose-dependent reduction in DBP (coefficient = -0.0108 mmHg per g, p = 0.0297) and FBG (coefficient = -0.0445 mg/dL per g, p = 0.0273). No significant adverse effects were observed compared to the control group.

Conclusion

Taurine supplementation exhibits positive effects on multiple MetS-related factors, making it a potential dietary addition for individuals at risk of or already experiencing MetS. Future research may explore dose-optimization strategies and potential long-term benefits of taurine for MetS management.

Research Insights

  • Taurine→Increased Adverse Event

    No significant adverse effects were observed compared to the control group.

    Effect
    Neutral
    Effect size
    Small
    Dose
    0.5 g/day to 6 g/day
  • Taurine→Increased HDL Cholesterol Levels

    not in HDL-C (WMD: 0.644 mg/dl, 95% CI: -0.244 to 1.532, p = 0.155)

    Effect
    Neutral
    Effect size
    Small
    Dose
    0.5 g/day to 6 g/day
  • Taurine→Reduced Diastolic Blood Pressure

    taurine supplementation demonstrated statistically significant reductions in ... DBP (WMD = -1.509 mmHg, 95% CI = -2.479 to -0.539, p = 0.002)

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Small
    Dose
    0.5 g/day to 6 g/day
  • Taurine→Reduced Fasting Blood Glucose Levels

    taurine supplementation demonstrated statistically significant reductions in ... FBG (WMD: -5.882 mg/dL, 95% CI: -10.747 to -1.018, p = 0.018)

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Small
    Dose
    0.5 g/day to 6 g/day
  • Taurine→Reduced Systolic Blood Pressure

    taurine supplementation demonstrated statistically significant reductions in SBP (weighted mean difference [WMD] = -3.999 mmHg, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -7.293 to -0.706, p = 0.017)

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Small
    Dose
    0.5 g/day to 6 g/day
  • Taurine→Reduced Triglyceride Levels

    taurine supplementation demonstrated statistically significant reductions in ... TG (WMD: -18.315 mg/dL, 95% CI: -25.628 to -11.002, p < 0.001)

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Small
    Dose
    0.5 g/day to 6 g/day
Back to top