Magnesium Taurate, a compound of the essential mineral magnesium and the amino acid taurinehas increasingly attracted attention in the scientific community due to its potential health benefits. This specific form of magnesium supplement offers a unique combination that unites both the positive effects of magnesium on the body and the beneficial effects of taurine. This article will detail the properties of magnesium taurate, its effects on health and the underlying mechanisms that distinguish it from other magnesium compounds.For more in-depth information on the topic of magnesium, we refer you to our overview article “What is Magnesium?”.
Why Magnesium?
In general, magnesium supports energy metabolism, the function of muscles and nerves, as well as the health of bones and the heart. Magnesium helps regulate blood pressure, promotes healthy sleep, reduces the risk of heart disease, and can alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. Additionally, it is important for the synthesis of DNA and RNA and plays a role in glucose control and insulin sensitivity. Depending on the study , about 40% of all people have a magnesium deficiency. Since Mg is involved in more than 300 reactions in the body, a deficiency can lead to numerous nonspecific symptoms. To compensate for this, it is possible on one hand to take magnesium through food, or to take dietary supplements . More about this in our article on magnesium in foods. However, especially with magnesium, there are dozens of different formulations, each with their specific advantages and disadvantages. Magnesium oxide is particularly well-suited for treating constipation, while magnesium citrate can help with kidney stones.In this article, we take a closer look at Magnesium Taurate, which is formed by the combination of Mg with the amino acid Taurine. The latter made headlines in 2023 as researchers extended the lifespan of mice with the administration of Taurine.
Properties and Benefits of Magnesium Taurate
Magnesium Taurate is valued for its high bioavailability and its gentle effect on the gastrointestinal tract. The compound is characterized by a synergistic effect, where Taurine enhances the absorption of magnesium in the body while also contributing its own health-promoting effects.
Heart Health
Magnesium plays an important role in regulating heart rhythm and preventing arrhythmias.It has a vasodilatory effect, which means that it contributes to the relaxation of blood vessel walls and can thus lower blood pressure. Taurine seems to strengthen the mitochondria in heart cells. In the nineties, a study was conducted in Japan where people received taurine in addition to their medication after a heart attack. The group with taurine showed improved heart function based on this study.
Neurological Benefits
The combination of magnesium and taurine also offers potential benefits for the nervous system. Magnesium is known to play a protective role in the prevention of neurological diseases and is involved in the regulation of neurotransmitters .Taurine has shown neuroprotective properties and may promote nerve function and cognitive health. Together, magnesium taurate supplements could help reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep quality, and decrease the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. The amino acid taurine is primarily used in energy drinks. Taurine – what’s behind the hype? Taurine is known as an ingredient in energy drinks – not necessarily a classic ingredient for longevity – and yet taurine gained quite a bit of attention in 2023.The reason was a publication in the journal "Science," where two groups of mice were compared. One group was given taurine added to their food, while the other group received no taurine. The results showed impressive differences in the lifespan of the mice following the taurine-rich diet. Even more remarkable were the observed health benefits: These mice had stronger bones and muscles, a more robust immune system, were leaner, and showed improved liver and pancreas functions as well as higher vitality compared to the control group. Additionally, they outperformed the control group in cognitive performance tests.
The positive effects of taurine were not limited to mice; a life-extending effect was also observed in studies with monkeys.The research results suggest that taurine has a beneficial effect on several key factors of aging. It contributed to the reduction of cellular aging processes, protected against the premature degradation of telomeres, and reduced inflammatory processes. You can find more about this study and the background in our taurine article.
Magnesium Taurate and the Hallmarks of Aging
The Hallmarks of Aging encompass a range of biological processes identified as key factors in aging. As of 2024, 12 of these hallmarks are described. You can find an overview in our Hallmarks of Aging article.The idea behind this research is, on one hand, the identification of factors that make us age and, on the other hand, the halting of aging by reversing these factors.
Although direct research results on magnesium taurate and its specific effects on all these aging characteristics are still limited, there is evidence that both magnesium and taurine individually have positive effects on several aspects of health associated with these characteristics:
- Cellular senescence and genomic instability: Magnesium is crucial for DNA repair and stability. It plays a role in maintaining the integrity of the genome, which in turn can reduce the accumulation of DNA damage, a driver of cellular senescence and aging.
- Telomere shortening: Although specific studies on magnesium taurate and telomere length are rare, it is known that oxidative stress reduction and improved DNA repair mechanisms, which magnesium can contribute to, are associated with longer telomere length.
- Mitochondrial dysfunction: Both magnesium and taurine are important for optimal mitochondrial function. Magnesium is crucial for energy production in the mitochondria, while taurine has antioxidant properties that can protect mitochondrial integrity.
- Inflammaging: Taurine has shown anti-inflammatory properties that may potentially contribute to reducing chronic inflammation, another hallmark of aging.
- Regulated Nutrient Measurement: Magnesium acts as a cofactor for various enzymes involved in glucose metabolism, helping to transport blood sugar into the cells where it is used as an energy source. Low magnesium levels can lead to insulin resistance . Additionally, magnesium plays a role in insulin secretion.
MOLEQLAR ONE combines the potential of 13 carefully selected molecules, vitamins, and minerals. The study-based composition and dosage are oriented towards the Hallmarks of Aging.
Dosage
As with all dietary supplements, it is important to pay attention to the correct dosage when taking magnesium taurate. In general, the DGE recommends 350mg of magnesium for men and 300mg for women per day.
Possible Side Effects
Magnesium taurate is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, especially compared to other magnesium supplements that can irritate the gastrointestinal tract. However, as with any supplementation, side effects can occur with the intake of magnesium taurate, particularly when taken in high doses or by individuals with certain pre-existing conditions. Possible side effects may include:
- Digestive issues: Although magnesium taurate is generally considered stomach-friendly, high doses may lead to digestive problems such as diarrhea in some individuals.This is due to the osmotic effect of magnesium, which draws water into the intestines and can accelerate bowel movement.
- Excessive fatigue: Magnesium has relaxing properties that can lead to excessive drowsiness or fatigue in case of overdose.
- Low blood pressure: One of the effects of magnesium is the relaxation of blood vessels, which can lead to lower blood pressure. While this can be beneficial for people with high blood pressure, it could cause problems for individuals with already low blood pressure.
- Electrolyte imbalance: A high intake of magnesium can disrupt the balance of other electrolytes in the body, especially if kidney function is impaired. This can lead to an imbalance of potassium, calcium, and sodium.
- Interactions with medications: Magnesium taurate may interact with certain medications, including those for blood pressure, antibiotics, and bone-strengthening medications (bisphosphonates).
Conclusion
Magnesium taurate is at the center of scientific interest as a supplement that may be significant for both heart health and neurological benefits. By combining the positive effects of magnesium and taurine, magnesium taurate offers a synergistic effect, making it an attractive option for those looking to supplement their magnesium levels in a way that also provides additional health benefits. Further research is needed to understand and utilize the full potential of magnesium taurate.
