Acute Effects of Taurine Supplementation on Energy Metabolism and Aerobic Capacity in Physically Active Young Adults

Taurine (TAU) is a conditionally essential amino acid whose consumption has recently increased, particularly among young people, through supplements and energy drinks. It has potential beneficial effects on physical performance; however, scientific evidence remains limited. To evaluate the effects of acute ingestion of 1 g of TAU on metabolic and aerobic capacity in physically active young adults. This experimental, randomized, triple-blind, cross-over study included 16 volunteers (11 women and 5 men). Data were collected during a progressive cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) at the Ergoespirometry Laboratory of the Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Pernambuco (DEF-UFPE). After familiarization with the test, participants completed two CPETs, 1 hour after ingesting either TAU or placebo (PLA) capsules, with a 7-day washout period between sessions. A significance level of 5% (p < .05) was adopted for all analyses. No significant differences were observed between the TAU and PLA conditions in the main aerobic capacity variables, including peak oxygen consumption (p = .160), time to exhaustion (p = .361), and respiratory compensation point (p = .166), and in lipid metabolism variables (duration—p = .559 and peak—p = 1.000) and glycolytic metabolism (duration—p = .904 and peak—p = .383). Acute intake of 1 g of TAU did not significantly alter aerobic capacity and energy metabolism in physically active young adults. Future research should consider other dosages and types of activities, different levels of physical fitness, and exercise durations.