Taurine is an amino sulphonic acid, but is often referred to as an amino acid, a chemical with a building block required by protein. Taurine is found in large amounts in the brain, retina, heart and blood cells called platelets. Its best sources are meat and fish.

Some people take taurine supplements as medication to treat congestive heart failure (CHF), high blood pressure, liver disease (hepatitis), high cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia), and cystic fibrosis. Other uses are seizure disorders (epilepsy), autism, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), eye problems (disorders of the retina), diabetes, psychosis, and alcoholism. It is also used to prevent the side effects of chemotherapy and to improve mental performance as an antioxidant. Antioxidants protect the body's cells from damage (oxidation) caused by certain chemical reactions involving oxygen.