The Roles of Taurine in Milk Powder

Taurine is an extremely important nutrient, which is very important to the human body. A lack of taurine can make people feel very tired. Taurine is also an additive in many foods, especially in infant formula, taurine is placed in a very important position.

Taurine is also known as taurocholine and taurobilin. It was first isolated from cow bile in 1827. Its chemical name is 2-aminoethanesulfonic acid. It is a sulfur-containing non-protein amino acid essential for human growth and development.

There are two sources of taurine in the human body: one is synthesized by itself, and the other is taken from the diet. Adults generally do not need to specifically increase the content of taurine in their diet, as long as the liver function is normal, they can synthesize it by themselves. However, infants and young children, especially premature infants, are not yet mature in the development of the enzyme synthesis system and do not have the function of synthesizing taurine. The taurine needed by the body must depend on food.

1. Promote baby's brain development

Taurine is rich in content and widely distributed in the brain, can obviously promote the growth and development of the nervous system and cell proliferation and differentiation, and plays an important role in the development of brain nerve cells. Taurine is closely related to the development of the central nervous system and retina of young children and fetuses.

Taurine can regulate the activities of the central nervous system. It is one of the most abundant free amino acids in the brain. It is a mediator of interconnection between brain nerve cells and participates in the regulation of brain nerve functions. Therefore, the lack of taurine in infancy is likely to cause adverse effects on children's brain function.

The content of taurine in breast milk is higher, especially in colostrum. If the supplement is insufficient, the growth and development of children will be slow, and their mental development will be retarded.

2. Ensure the stable function of the baby's retina

Taurine can improve nerve conduction and visual function, and plays a very important role in the development of the baby's nervous system and vision. If infants and young children lack taurine, retinal dysfunction will occur, which will adversely affect their vision, which is manifested by abnormal changes in the electroretinogram.

3. Promote the digestion and absorption of lipids

Lipids provide essential fatty acids for the normal growth and development of the human body, thereby improving the body's immune function. The taurine in the liver combines with bile acids to form taurocholic acid, which is necessary for the absorption of lipids in the digestive tract. Taurocholic acid can increase the solubility of lipids and cholesterol.

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