Effects of Oral Taurine Supplementation on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors: A Meta-analysis and Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials
Zizheng Nie, Yingying Liu, Mu Zhang, Chenyang Wu, Qingqing Cao, Jiaoyang Xu, Yiren Zheng, Zixin Min, Weiguo Zhang, Shufen Han
Abstract
CONTEXT: Taurine, a sulfur-containing amino acid vital for cardiovascular health, is suggested as a promising intervention for reducing cardiometabolic disease risk. OBJECTIVE: In this meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) we sought to evaluate the effects of taurine on cardiometabolic risk factors. DATA SOURCES: We systematically searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar for articles reporting RCTs that investigated the effects of taurine on cardiometabolic risk factors. DATA EXTRACTION: Data extraction was performed in accordance with the Cochrane and PRISMA guidelines. A random-effects model or a common-effect model was used to calculate mean differences (MDs) or standardized mean differences (SMDs). DATA ANALYSES: Thirty-four eligible RCTs were analyzed. Taurine supplementation resulted in significant reductions in fasting blood glucose (MD, -5.90 mg/dL; 95% CI, -9.65 to -2.15), glycated hemoglobin A1c (MD, -0.21%; 95% CI, -0.37 to -0.05), fasting insulin (SMD, -0.55; 95% CI, -0.78 to -0.32), homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance index (MD, -0.57; 95% CI, -0.74 to -0.40), triglycerides (MD, -14.42 mg/dL; 95% CI, -23.60 to -5.25), total cholesterol (MD, -12.41 mg/dL; 95% CI, -19.10 to -5.71), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (MD, -5.08 mg/dL; 95% CI, -8.35 to -1.81), systolic blood pressure (MD, -4.38 mmHg; 95% CI, -7.26 to -1.50), diastolic blood pressure (MD, -2.54 mmHg; 95% CI, -3.97 to -1.11), aspartate aminotransferase (MD, -9.65 U/L; 95% CI, -17.39 to -1.90), alanine aminotransferase (MD, -8.26 U/L; 95% CI, -14.81 to -1.70), C-reactive protein (SMD, -1.26; 95% CI, -2.01 to -0.52), tumor necrosis factor-α (MD, -0.35 pg/mL; 95% CI, -0.56 to -0.14), and malondialdehyde (SMD, -1.16; 95% CI, -1.81 to -0.52). Subgroup and dose-response analyses indicated that a daily taurine dose of 1.5-3.0 g was more effective in improving these cardiometabolic risk factors. Specifically, taurine intervention for ≥8 weeks yielded greater improvements in glucose and lipid metabolism, while durations <8 weeks were optimal for managing blood pressure and inflammation. CONCLUSION: Taurine supplementation may effectively improve cardiometabolic risk factors in adults, underscoring its potential to reduce the incidence of cardiometabolic diseases. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration No. CRD42024577852.