What is Taurine?
Taurine is an amino acid, a type of organic compound used to make proteins. While there are many amino acids found in nature, only nine are essential for human life. Taurine is not one of these. Our bodies naturally produce taurine, but it is not used in protein synthesis, which is why it is classified as a conditionally essential amino acid, depending on circumstances.
Key Functions of Taurine in the Body
Taurine plays important roles in the heart, brain, and immune system. It supports nerve growth and is a key component of bile salts, which help digest fats. Additionally, taurine regulates minerals and supports general functions in the nervous system, vision, and eye health.
Taurine in Breast Milk
Taurine is one of the most abundant free amino acids in breast milk. Evidence suggests that it plays a crucial role in fat absorption, liver function, and the development of hearing and vision in premature or low-birth-weight babies.
Taurine Supplements in Infant Formula
When babies are fed formula without taurine or do not receive taurine in intravenous feeding, plasma and urinary taurine levels drop significantly. Premature babies are at a higher risk for taurine deficiency due to immature kidney function.
Benefits of Taurine for Premature Babies
Taurine supplements are essential for fat absorption, especially in premature babies and those with cystic fibrosis. They help reduce differences in brain phospholipid composition between babies fed with formula and those breastfed.
In both premature and full-term babies, taurine deficiency can lead to poor fat absorption, reduced bile acid secretion, and impaired retinal and liver function. These effects can be reversed with taurine supplementation.
In conclusion, providing essential nutrients like taurine in infant formula is critical for healthy growth and development, especially in premature or low-birth-weight infants. At KULALAC, we ensure that all vital nutrients, including taurine, are included in our products to give your baby the best possible nutrition. Our baby formula is carefully designed to be as close as possible to breast milk, ensuring your baby receives full support for healthy growth and a strong immune and nervous system during early development.
