Plasma and urine taurine levels in vegans

Am J Clin Nutr. 1988 Apr;47(4):660-3. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/47.4.660.

Abstract

Plasma taurine levels and urinary taurine excretion were measured in 12 strict vegetarian (vegan) males who had maintained a vegan diet for 53 +/- 26 mo (SD) and in 14 male nonvegetarian control subjects. Plasma taurine levels differed (45 +/- 7 vs 58 +/- 16 mumol/L, respectively). Urinary taurine excretion was lower (266 +/- 279 vs 903 +/- 580 mumol/d), urinary N pi-methylhistidine was barely detectable, and urinary N tau-methylhistidine was significantly reduced (296 +/- 87 vs 427 +/- 19 mumol/d) in the vegans. Analysis of 3-d dietary diaries kept by the vegans indicated marginal to adequate intake of protein, carbohydrate, vitamin B-6, methionine, and cystine; inadequate intake of zinc; and negligible intake of taurine. Prolonged absence of dietary taurine intake causes decreased plasma taurine and severely restricted urinary taurine output.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Diet, Vegetarian*
  • Energy Metabolism
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Methylhistidines / urine
  • Nutritional Status
  • Reference Values
  • Taurine / metabolism*

Substances

  • Methylhistidines
  • Taurine