Effects of Oral Taurine Supplementation on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors: A Meta-analysis and Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials

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.