Breakdown product of hyaluronic acid; also found in some foods.

- Tartaric acid is a compound found in plant foods. It has been identified as a biomarker of grape intake, though it has also been identified in other foods. Tartaric acid levels peak at 4–8 hours after intake. Levels in foods vary significantly between types of foods and within individual foods.

- Tartaric acid cannot be processed by humans and is either excreted or utilized by gut bacteria as a carbon source. Some bacteria have genes for tartaric metabolizing enzymes, so levels can be impacted by gut microbiome. The process starts once tartaric acid is released (i.e., grapes are crushed or are invaded by pathogens), making it susceptible to catabolic enzymes from microorganisms, which may reduce it to oxaloacetate, glyceric acid, and pyruvic acid.

Breakdown product of hyaluronic acid; also found in some foods.

- Tartaric acid is a compound found in plant foods. It has been identified as a biomarker of grape intake, though it has also been identified in other foods. Tartaric acid levels peak at 4–8 hours after intake. Levels in foods vary significantly between types of foods and within individual foods.

- Tartaric acid cannot be processed by humans and is either excreted or utilized by gut bacteria as a carbon source. Some bacteria have genes for tartaric metabolizing enzymes, so levels can be impacted by gut microbiome. The process starts once tartaric acid is released (i.e., grapes are crushed or are invaded by pathogens), making it susceptible to catabolic enzymes from microorganisms, which may reduce it to oxaloacetate, glyceric acid, and pyruvic acid.

Common Dietary Sources:

Wine/grapes, chocolate, food additive/preservative

Tau/Tau-P Ratio is a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarker used to evaluate the relationship between total tau and phosphorylated tau (pTau), providing critical insights into the underlying pathology of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s disease. This ratio reflects both the extent of neuronal damage (indicated by total tau) and the degree of tau protein hyperphosphorylation (indicated by pTau).

The Tau/Tau-P ratio enhances the diagnostic specificity of Alzheimer’s disease when interpreted alongside amyloid-beta (Aβ42) levels and other CSF biomarkers. It helps differentiate Alzheimer’s from other dementias or neurodegenerative conditions, making it a valuable tool in early diagnosis, treatment planning, and monitoring disease progression.

Taurine differs from other amino acids because a sulfur group replaces the carboxyl group of what would be the nonessential amino acid, β-alanine. It takes part in biochemical reactions and is not fully incorporated into proteins. In most tissues, it remains a free amino acid.

Taurine’s highest concentration is in muscle, platelets, and the central nervous system. Taurine is mainly obtained via dietary sources (dairy, shellfish, turkey, energy drinks), but can also come from sulfur amino acid metabolism (methionine and cysteine).

It has been proposed that taurine acts as an antioxidant, intracellular osmolyte, membrane stabilizer, and a neurotransmitter.

Taurine differs from other amino acids because a sulfur group replaces the carboxyl group of what would be the nonessential amino acid, β-alanine. It takes part in biochemical reactions and is not fully incorporated into proteins. In most tissues, it remains a free amino acid.

Taurine’s highest concentration is in muscle, platelets, and the central nervous system. Taurine is mainly obtained via dietary sources (dairy, shellfish, turkey, energy drinks), but can also come from sulfur amino acid metabolism (methionine and cysteine).

It has been proposed that taurine acts as an antioxidant, intracellular osmolyte, membrane stabilizer, and a neurotransmitter.

Taurine is a crucial amino acid that serves multiple roles in the body:

(1) It acts as a powerful antioxidant, helping to protect cells from damage caused by harmful molecules known as free radicals.

(2) Taurine also aids in the regulation of minerals such as calcium within cells

(3) and supports the healthy function of the heart and blood vessels.

(4) Additionally, it is vital for the proper functioning of the brain and eyes.

Taurine differs from other amino acids because a sulfur group replaces the carboxyl group of what would be the nonessential amino acid, β-alanine. It takes part in biochemical reactions and is not fully incorporated into proteins. In most tissues, it remains a free amino acid.

Taurine’s highest concentration is in muscle, platelets, and the central nervous system. Taurine is mainly obtained via dietary sources (dairy, shellfish, turkey, energy drinks), but can also come from sulfur amino acid metabolism (methionine and cysteine).

It has been proposed that taurine acts as an antioxidant, intracellular osmolyte, membrane stabilizer, and a neurotransmitter.

Taurine important for proper heart function, healthy sleep and promoting calmness.

Taurine is an amino sulfonic acid, but it is often referred to as an amino acid, a chemical that is a required building block of protein. Taurine is found in large amounts in the brain, retina, heart, and blood cells called platelets. 

Taurine improves sleep, relieves anxiety, and has neuroprotective properties.

Taurine differs from other amino acids because a sulfur group replaces the carboxyl group of what would be the nonessential amino acid, β-alanine. It takes part in biochemical reactions and is not fully incorporated into proteins.

In most tissues, it remains a free amino acid. Taurine’s highest concentration is in muscle, platelets, and the central nervous system.

Taurine is mainly obtained via dietary sources (dairy, shellfish, turkey, energy drinks), but can also come from sulfur amino acid metabolism (methionine and cysteine).

Taurine differs from other amino acids because a sulfur group replaces the carboxyl group of what would be the nonessential amino acid, β-alanine. It takes part in biochemical reactions and is not fully incorporated into proteins. In most tissues, it remains a free amino acid.

Taurine’s highest concentration is in muscle, platelets, and the central nervous system. Taurine is mainly obtained via dietary sources (dairy, shellfish, turkey, energy drinks), but can also come from sulfur amino acid metabolism (methionine and cysteine).

It has been proposed that taurine acts as an antioxidant, intracellular osmolyte, membrane stabilizer, and a neurotransmitter.

Taurine differs from other amino acids because a sulfur group replaces the carboxyl group of what would be the nonessential amino acid, β-alanine. It takes part in biochemical reactions and is not fully incorporated into proteins. In most tissues, it remains a free amino acid.

Taurine’s highest concentration is in muscle, platelets, and the central nervous system. Taurine is mainly obtained via dietary sources (dairy, shellfish, turkey, energy drinks), but can also come from sulfur amino acid metabolism (methionine and cysteine).

It has been proposed that taurine acts as an antioxidant, intracellular osmolyte, membrane stabilizer, and a neurotransmitter.

Taurine differs from other amino acids because a sulfur group replaces the carboxyl group of what would be the non-essential amino acid, β-alanine. It takes part in biochemical reactions and is not fully incorporated into proteins. In most tissues, it remains a free amino acid. Taurine’s highest concentration is in muscle, platelets, and the central nervous system. Taurine is mainly obtained via dietary sources (dairy, shellfish, turkey, energy drinks), but can also come from sulfur amino acid metabolism (methionine and cysteine). [L], [L]

Taurine is a sulfur-containing amino acid required for bile formation.