Taurine

Taurine is an amino acid important for heart, brain, and eye function. This urine test measures taurine levels and is primarily used in genetic metabolic screening and evaluation of inherited amino acid disorders. Abnormal taurine levels can indicate several metabolic conditions, including defects in taurine synthesis or transport. Some conditions associated with low taurine include cardiomyopathy, retinal degeneration, and developmental problems. Identifying taurine deficiency allows for dietary supplementation, which can prevent or slow disease progression, particularly cardiac and ophthalmologic complications.