Abstract

Purpose
Taurine, a non-proteinogenic amino sulfonic acid, has been suggested to influence anaerobic performance through multiple mechanisms. This study examined whether an acute oral dose of taurine (50 mg/kg, ingested 60 m before exercise) enhances short-term anaerobic performance in healthy, recreationally active adults. Specifically, we assessed its effects on maximal isometric strength, muscle power, and peak anaerobic power.

Methods
The sample group consisted by 17 participants, both males and females, of whom 16 participants completed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study. Performance outcomes were assessed using handgrip strength test, vertical jump test, and Wingate anaerobic test. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either taurine followed by placebo or placebo followed by taurine, in a crossover design. For the intervention trials, participants consumed 50 mg/kg of taurine diluted in 500 ml of a sugar-free lemonade drink or placebo which was a sugar-free lemonade drink with nothing added 60 min before the exercise protocols.

Results
No statistically significant differences were observed in maximal and average isometric grip strength (p = 0.80, p = 0.85), relative peak and average vertical power (p = 0.62, p = 0.18), peak power (p = 0.18), sustained anaerobic power (p = 0.34) or anaerobic capacity (p = 0.35) between the taurine and placebo conditions.

Conclusions
These findings suggest that acute taurine supplementation does not enhance anaerobic performance in young, physically active individuals. Further research is needed to investigate the potential effects of acute taurine supplementation and its interaction with exercise modalities and intensities.