Profiling inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers following taurine supplementation: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of controlled trials.
Level 1 - systematic review of randomized trials
Systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials
PubMed 34584225 · doi:10.1038/s41430-021-01010-4
What was done
Authors conducted a PRISMA-compliant systematic review and random-effects meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials searched across PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Embase through March 30, 2021. The review assessed the effects of taurine supplementation on inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers (MDA, CRP, TNF-α, and IL-6) using dose-response and time-response analyses, with trial quality evaluated via the Cochrane Collaboration tool.
What was found
Taurine supplementation significantly reduced malondialdehyde (SMD = -1.17 µmol/l; 95% CI: -2.08, -0.26; P = 0.012) and C-reactive protein (SMD = -1.95 mg/l; 95% CI: -3.20, -0.71; P = 0.002). No statistically significant effects were observed for TNF-α (SMD = -0.18 pg/ml; 95% CI: -0.56, 0.21; P = 0.368) or IL-6 (SMD = -0.49 pg/ml; 95% CI: -1.13, 0.16; P = 0.141). Time-response analysis showed a greater alleviating effect on oxidative stress and inflammation at 56 days (8 weeks) after supplementation (P < 0.05).
Why it matters
This meta-analysis suggests oral taurine supplementation selectively targets systemic inflammation (CRP) and lipid peroxidation (MDA), highlighting 8 weeks as an effective intervention duration.
Limits
The abstract does not report the total number of included trials, sample sizes, participant demographics, baseline health conditions, or specific dosage amounts. The reported confidence intervals for MDA and CRP reductions are broad.
Cited by
- supports In human trials, taurine doses typically range from 1.5 to 3 grams per day for 8 to 12 weeks.