| Peer-Reviewed

Investigation of Some Pharmacological Effects of Caffeine and Taurine in Food Supplements

Received: 12 November 2014    Accepted: 24 November 2014    Published: 29 November 2014
Views:       Downloads:
Abstract

In modern times in all age groups energy supplements containing different amounts of Caffeine and Taurine are applied. Caffeine is purine alkaloid, which stimulates central nervous system action, enhances the strength and frequency of the cardiac contractions and increases the excretion of urine. Taurine is a sulfur containing amino acid, which possesses many fundamental biological roles including: effect on synaptic transmission in the central nervous system, cardiotropic action, antioxidant and anticonvulsant activity, improvement of energy processes, stimulation of reparative processes in tissues, protection of eyes cataract, decrease of cholesterol and stimulation of immune system. The combination of Caffeine and Taurine provide benefit due to obtaining synergism of pharmacological effects in increasing of physical activity, stimulation of brain action, cognition, memory and attention. In connection with the significant enlarging of the consumption of energy drinks, especially by children and young people in recent years the requirements for regulation and control of the labeling of these products in many countries are enlarged. In many food additives Caffeine and Taurine are added in not labeled high concentrations, which can provoke and increase their side effects. High consumption of Caffeine enhances its adverse effects on body: anxiety, headache, insomnia, nervousness, respiratory disorders, tachycardia, tremor, dehydration. In children the adverse reactions of Caffeine in much lower doses than adults are occurred. In high concentrations Taurine has adverse effects on brain activity and can induce psoriasis. The result of combination of Caffeine and Taurine is associated with increased diuretic effect and loss of water and salts from the body, especially in children and young people. Because of these facts the quality and quantity control of included compounds in food supplements is important for their health safety.

Published in International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences (Volume 4, Issue 1-1)

This article belongs to the Special Issue Taurine and Caffeine Supplementation in Energy Food Drinks: Uses, Side Effects and Quality Control

DOI 10.11648/j.ijnfs.s.2015040101.14
Page(s) 18-23
Creative Commons

This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.

Copyright

Copyright © The Author(s), 2024. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Caffeine, Taurine, Food Supplements, Pharmacological Effects

References
[1] Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), Public Law, Act 42 U.S.C. 287C-11, 1994, 103–417.
[2] K.A. Clauson, K.M. Shields, C.E McQueen, N. Persad, Safety issues associated with commercially available energy drinks, J. Am. Pharm. Assoc., 2008, 48(3), 55–63.
[3] B.B. Fredholm, Notes on the history of Caffeine use, Handb. Exp. Pharmacol., 2011, 200, 1–9.
[4] T.T. Brunyé, C.R. Mahoney, H.R. Lieberman, G.E. Giles, H.A. Taylor, Acute Caffeine consumption enhances the executive control of visual attention in habitual consumers, Brain and Cognition, 2010, 74, 186–192.
[5] R.J. Bloomer, I.C. Harvey, T.M. Farney, Z.W. Bell, R.E. Canale, Effects of 1,3-dimethylamyl-amine and Caffeine alone or in combination on heart rate and blood pressure in healthy man and women, Phys. Sportsmed., 2011, 39(3), 111–120.
[6] N.P. Riksen, P. Smits, G.A. Rongen, The cardiovascular effects of methylxanthines, Handb. Exp. Pharmacol., 2011, 200, 413–437.
[7] O. Firuzi, R. Miri, M. Tavakkoli, L. Saso, Antioxidant therapy: current status and future prospects, Curr. Med. Chem., 2011, 18(25), 3871–3888.
[8] R.P. Barcelos, M.A. Souza, G.P. Amaral, S.T. Stefanello, G. Bresciani, M.R. Fighera, F.A. Soares, N.V. Barbosa, Caffeine supplementation modulates oxidative stress markers in the liver of trained rats, Life Sci., 2014, 96(1–2), 40–45.
[9] F. Zeidán-Chuliá, D.P. Gelain, E.A Kolling, J.L. Rybarczyk-Filho, P. Ambrosi, S.R. Terra, A.S. Pires, J.B. da Rocha, G.A. Behr, J.C. Moreira, Major components of energy drinks (caffeine, taurine, and guarana) exert cytotoxic effects on human neuronal SH-SY5Y cells by decreasing reactive oxygen species production, Oxid. Med. Cell. Longev., 2013, 2013, 1–22.
[10] H. Ashihara, Metabolism of alkaloids in coffee plants, Braz. J. Plant Physiol., 2006, 18 (1), 1–8.
[11] R.V. Abreu, E.M. Silva-Oliveira, M.F. Moraes, G.S. Pereira, T. Moraes-Santos, Chronic coffee and Caffeine ingestion effects on the cognitive function and antioxidant system of rat brains, Pharmacol. Biochem. Behav., 2011, 99(4), 659–664.
[12] M.A. Tarnopolsky, Effect of Caffeine on the neuromuscular system-potential as an ergogenic aid, Appl. Physiol. Nutr. Metab., 2008, 33(6), 1284–1289.
[13] D.J. Pelchovitz, J.J. Goldberger, Caffeine and cardiac arrhythmias: a review of the evidence, Am. J. Med., 2011, 124(4), 284–289.
[14] M. Bidri, P. Choay, Taurine: a particular amino acid with multiple functions, Ann. Pharm. Fr., 2003, 61(6), 385–391.
[15] Y. Yamori, T. Taguchi, A. Hamada, K. Kunimasa, H. Mori, M. Mori, Taurine in health and diseases: consistent evidence from experimental and epidemiological studies, J. Biomed. Sci., 2010, 17(Suppl 1), S6.
[16] M.M. Rahman, H.M. Park, S.J. Kim, H.K. Go, G.B. Kim, C.U. Hong, Y.U. Lee, S.Z. Kim, J.S. Kim, H.S. Kang, Taurine prevents hypertension and increases exercise capacity in rats with fructose-induced hypertension, Am. J. Hypertens., 2011, 24(5), 574–581.
[17] M. Sinha, P. Manna, P.C. Sil, Taurine protects the antioxidant defense system in the erythrocytes of cadmium treated mice, BMB Rep., 2008, 41(9), 657–663.
[18] J.Y. Wu, H. Prentice, Role of Taurine in the central nervous system, J. Biomed. Sci., 2010, 17, 1, S1.
[19] R. Leon, H. Wu, Y. Jin, J. Wei, C. Buddhala, H. Prentice, J.Y. Wu, Protective function of Taurine in glutamate-induced apoptosis in cultured neurons, J. Neurosci. Res., 2009, 87(5), 1185–1194.
[20] S.S. Oja, P. Saransaari, Pharmacology of Taurine, Proc. West. Pharmacol. Soc., 2007, 50, 8–15.
[21] A. Zulli, Taurine in cardiovascular disease, Curr. Opin. Clin. Nutr. Metab. Care, 2011, 14(1), 57–60.
[22] 29. A. El-Idrissi, E. Okeke, X. Yan, F. Sidime, L.S. Neuwirth, Taurine regulation of blood pressure and vasoactivity, Adv. Exp. Med. Biol., 2013, 775, 407–425.
[23] S. Roysommuti, J.M. Wyss, Taurine effects on arterial pressure control bioactive food as dietary interventions for cardiovascular disease. In: Bioactive food as dietary interventions for cardiovascular disease, 2013, Chapter 10, 183–195.
[24] W. Abebe, M.S. Mozaffari, Role of Taurine in the vasculature: an overview of experimental and human studies, Am. J. Cardiovasc. Dis., 2011, 1(3), 293–311.
[25] T.Yanagita, S.Y. Han, Y. Hu, K. Nagao, H. Kitajima, S. Murakami, Taurine reduces the secretion of apolipoprotein B100 and lipids in HepG2 cells, Lipids Health Dis., 2008, 7, 38.
[26] Y. Ijiri, H. Ikarugi, Y. Tamura, M. Ura, M. Morishita, A. Hamada, M. Mori, H. Mori, Y. Yamori, H. Ishii, J. Yamamoto, Antithrombotic effect of Taurine in healthy Japanese people may be related to an increased endogenous thrombolytic activity, Thromb. Res., 2013, 131(2), 158–161.
[27] M.F. McCarty, Supplementary Taurine may stabilize atheromatous plaque by antagonizing the activation of metalloproteinases by hypochlorous acid, Med. Hypotheses, 2004, 63(3), 414–418.
[28] J. Das, P.C. Sil, Taurine ameliorates alloxan-induced diabetic renal injury, oxidative stress-related signaling pathways and apoptosis in rats, Amino Acids, 2012, 43(4), 1509–1523.
[29] J.S. Huang, L.Y. Chuang, J.Y. Guh, Y.L.Yang, M.S. Hsu, Effect of Taurine on advanced glycation end products-induced hypertrophy in renal tubular epithelial cells, Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol., 2008, 233(2), 220–226.
[30] C.J. Jong, J. Azuma, S. Schaffer, Mechanism underlying the antioxidant activity of taurine: prevention of mitochondrial oxidant production, Amino Acids 2012, 42(6), 2223–2232.
[31] S.S. Alam, N.A. Hafiz, A H. Abd-El-Rahim, Protective role of Taurine against genotoxic damage in mice treated with methotrexate and tamoxfine, Envir. Toxicol. Pharmacol., 2011, 31(1), 143–152.
[32] J. Marcinkiewicz. Taurine bromamine (TauBr) – its role in immunity and new perspectives for clinical use, J. Biomed. Sci., 2010, 17, 1, S1–S3.
[33] L.A. Silva, P.C. Silveira, M.M. Ronsani, P.S. Souza, D. Scheffer, L.C. Vieira, M. Benetti, C.T. De, R.A. Pinho, Taurine supplementation decreases oxidative stress in skeletal muscle after eccentric exercise, Cell Biochem. Funct., 2011, 29(1), 43–49.
[34] G.B. Draganov, I.P. Pencheva, K.A. Todorova, UV-spectrophotometry determination of taurine in energy drink mixtures, Int. J. Nutr. Food Sci., 2014, 3(2), 123–126.
[35] N. Gwacham, D.R. Wagner, Acute effects of a Caffeine-Taurine energy drink on repeated sprint performance of american college football players, Int. J. Sport Nutr. Exerc. Metab., 2012, 22(2), 109–116.
[36] J.P. Higgins, T.D. Tuttle, C.L. Higgins, Energy beverages: content and safety, Mayo Clin. Proceed., 2010, 85(11), 1033–1041.
[37] S.W. Schaffer, K. Shimada, C.J. Jong, T. Ito, J. Azuma, K. Takahashi, Effect of Taurine and potential interactions with Caffeine on cardiovascular function. Amino Acids, 2014, 46(5), 1147–1157.
[38] G.E. Giles, C.R. Mahoney, T.T. Brunyé, A.L. Gardony, H.A. Taylor, R.B. Kanarek, Differential cognitive effects of energy drink ingredients: Caffeine, Taurine, and glucose, Pharmacol. Biochem. Behav., 2012, 102(4), 569–577.
[39] A. Peacock, F.H. Martin, A. Carr, Energy drink ingredients. Contribution of Caffeine and Taurine to performance outcomes, Appetite, 2013, 64, 1–4.
[40] T.F. Imagawa, I. Hirano, K. Utsuki, M. Horie, A. Naka, K. Matsumoto, S. Imagawa, Caffeine and Taurine enhance endurance performance, Int. J. Sports Med., 2009, 30(7), 485–488.
[41] S.K. Madhusudhan, Novel analgesic combination of Tramadol, Paracetamol, Caffeine and Taurine in the management of moderate to moderately severe acute low back pain, J. Orthop., 2013, 10(3), 144–148.
[42] N. Gunja, J.A. Brown, Energy drinks: health risks and toxicity. Med. J. Aust., 2012, 196(1), 46–49.
[43] A.M., Franks, J.M. Schmidt, K.R. McCain, M. Fraer, Comparison of the effects of energy drink versus caffeine supplementation on indices of 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure, Ann. Pharmacother., 2012, 46(2), 192–199.
[44] A.J. Berger, K. Alford, Cardiac arrest in a young man following excess consumption of caffeinated “energy drinks”, Med. J. Aust., 2009, 190(1), 41–43.
[45] J.R. DiRocco, A. During, P.J. Morelli, M. Heyden, T.A. Biancaniello, Atrial fibrillation in healthy adolescents after highly caffeinated beverage consumption: two case reports, J. Med. Case Rep., 2011, 5, 18.
Cite This Article
  • APA Style

    Dobrina D. Tsvetkova, Radoslav C. Klisurov, Stefka A. Pankova, Branimir A. Zlatkov. (2014). Investigation of Some Pharmacological Effects of Caffeine and Taurine in Food Supplements. International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences, 4(1-1), 18-23. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijnfs.s.2015040101.14

    Copy | Download

    ACS Style

    Dobrina D. Tsvetkova; Radoslav C. Klisurov; Stefka A. Pankova; Branimir A. Zlatkov. Investigation of Some Pharmacological Effects of Caffeine and Taurine in Food Supplements. Int. J. Nutr. Food Sci. 2014, 4(1-1), 18-23. doi: 10.11648/j.ijnfs.s.2015040101.14

    Copy | Download

    AMA Style

    Dobrina D. Tsvetkova, Radoslav C. Klisurov, Stefka A. Pankova, Branimir A. Zlatkov. Investigation of Some Pharmacological Effects of Caffeine and Taurine in Food Supplements. Int J Nutr Food Sci. 2014;4(1-1):18-23. doi: 10.11648/j.ijnfs.s.2015040101.14

    Copy | Download

  • @article{10.11648/j.ijnfs.s.2015040101.14,
      author = {Dobrina D. Tsvetkova and Radoslav C. Klisurov and Stefka A. Pankova and Branimir A. Zlatkov},
      title = {Investigation of Some Pharmacological Effects of Caffeine and Taurine in Food Supplements},
      journal = {International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences},
      volume = {4},
      number = {1-1},
      pages = {18-23},
      doi = {10.11648/j.ijnfs.s.2015040101.14},
      url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijnfs.s.2015040101.14},
      eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijnfs.s.2015040101.14},
      abstract = {In modern times in all age groups energy supplements containing different amounts of Caffeine and Taurine are applied. Caffeine is purine alkaloid, which stimulates central nervous system action, enhances the strength and frequency of the cardiac contractions and increases the excretion of urine. Taurine is a sulfur containing amino acid, which possesses many fundamental biological roles including: effect on synaptic transmission in the central nervous system, cardiotropic action, antioxidant and anticonvulsant activity, improvement of energy processes, stimulation of reparative processes in tissues, protection of eyes cataract, decrease of cholesterol and stimulation of immune system. The combination of Caffeine and Taurine provide benefit due to obtaining synergism of pharmacological effects in increasing of physical activity, stimulation of brain action, cognition, memory and attention. In connection with the significant enlarging of the consumption of energy drinks, especially by children and young people in recent years the requirements for regulation and control of the labeling of these products in many countries are enlarged. In many food additives Caffeine and Taurine are added in not labeled high concentrations, which can provoke and increase their side effects. High consumption of Caffeine enhances its adverse effects on body: anxiety, headache, insomnia, nervousness, respiratory disorders, tachycardia, tremor, dehydration. In children the adverse reactions of Caffeine in much lower doses than adults are occurred. In high concentrations Taurine has adverse effects on brain activity and can induce psoriasis. The result of combination of Caffeine and Taurine is associated with increased diuretic effect and loss of water and salts from the body, especially in children and young people. Because of these facts the quality and quantity control of included compounds in food supplements is important for their health safety.},
     year = {2014}
    }
    

    Copy | Download

  • TY  - JOUR
    T1  - Investigation of Some Pharmacological Effects of Caffeine and Taurine in Food Supplements
    AU  - Dobrina D. Tsvetkova
    AU  - Radoslav C. Klisurov
    AU  - Stefka A. Pankova
    AU  - Branimir A. Zlatkov
    Y1  - 2014/11/29
    PY  - 2014
    N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijnfs.s.2015040101.14
    DO  - 10.11648/j.ijnfs.s.2015040101.14
    T2  - International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences
    JF  - International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences
    JO  - International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences
    SP  - 18
    EP  - 23
    PB  - Science Publishing Group
    SN  - 2327-2716
    UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijnfs.s.2015040101.14
    AB  - In modern times in all age groups energy supplements containing different amounts of Caffeine and Taurine are applied. Caffeine is purine alkaloid, which stimulates central nervous system action, enhances the strength and frequency of the cardiac contractions and increases the excretion of urine. Taurine is a sulfur containing amino acid, which possesses many fundamental biological roles including: effect on synaptic transmission in the central nervous system, cardiotropic action, antioxidant and anticonvulsant activity, improvement of energy processes, stimulation of reparative processes in tissues, protection of eyes cataract, decrease of cholesterol and stimulation of immune system. The combination of Caffeine and Taurine provide benefit due to obtaining synergism of pharmacological effects in increasing of physical activity, stimulation of brain action, cognition, memory and attention. In connection with the significant enlarging of the consumption of energy drinks, especially by children and young people in recent years the requirements for regulation and control of the labeling of these products in many countries are enlarged. In many food additives Caffeine and Taurine are added in not labeled high concentrations, which can provoke and increase their side effects. High consumption of Caffeine enhances its adverse effects on body: anxiety, headache, insomnia, nervousness, respiratory disorders, tachycardia, tremor, dehydration. In children the adverse reactions of Caffeine in much lower doses than adults are occurred. In high concentrations Taurine has adverse effects on brain activity and can induce psoriasis. The result of combination of Caffeine and Taurine is associated with increased diuretic effect and loss of water and salts from the body, especially in children and young people. Because of these facts the quality and quantity control of included compounds in food supplements is important for their health safety.
    VL  - 4
    IS  - 1-1
    ER  - 

    Copy | Download

Author Information
  • Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University – Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria

  • Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University – Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria

  • Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University – Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria

  • Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University – Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria

  • Sections