Tag: Sulfonic acid

Taurine is one of the most abundant amino acids in the body, yet it defies simple classification as a typical amino acid. This unique compound is known as an amino sulfonic acid, playing vital roles in everything from heart and brain function to muscle health and digestion.

First isolated from ox bile in 1827, taurine is a naturally occurring organic compound found abundantly in animal tissues. Despite often being referred to as an amino acid, its distinct chemical structure classifies it more specifically. This guide will explore what type of acid taurine is and how its chemical properties influence its biological roles.

Taurine is frequently misunderstood due to its common inclusion in energy drinks and nutritional supplements. While its name suggests a connection to bulls, taurine is technically an amino sulfonic acid, a natural organic compound found throughout the body, not a traditional drug, vitamin, or mineral.