Ever wonder whether there’s an interaction between caffeine and taurine? Caffeine and taurine both influence something called angiotensin II, which raises blood pressure. Caffeine augments the action of angiotensin II, but taurine tones it down [source: European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Food, 2003].
So what happens to your blood pressure and heart rate when you consume an energy drink with caffeine and taurine? How do these two ingredients work with each other?
In one study, a drink with 80mg caffeine and 1,000mg taurine increased blood pressure and heart rate of the study participants. On the seventh straight day of the study, heart rate increased by 11% after consuming the drink. However there were no significant electrocardiogram (EKG) changes. It’s worth repeating that you should LIMIT CAFFEINE if you have heart or blood pressure conditions.
- This study also suggests you shouldn’t have an energy drink every single day… (#moderation!)
Maybe taurine keeps the heart rate from escalating further, but it’s hard to say because this study wasn’t blind or placeo controlled, and there was no taurine-free caffeinated drink to compare the results against.
Caffeine-Taurine interaction remains questionable and unproven.
