Taurine

2-aminoethanesulfonic acid · Taurine

Mechanism

Taurine is a sulfur-containing aminosulfonic acid (not a proteinogenic amino acid) with roles in membrane and calcium homeostasis, as an antioxidant and as a neuromodulator; it can modulate GABA-A and glycine receptors. It is used in calming supplements partly for this neuromodulatory profile, often combined with magnesium and tryptophan. An independent, controlled-proven sedative effect in the horse is not demonstrated; the horse can also synthesise taurine endogenously. Important: the FEI has explicitly named taurine as one of the calming-active, GABA-agonistic amino acids; its status must therefore be checked before competition.

Cautions

· Independent calming effect in the horse not established
· FEI has named taurine as a calming-active/GABA-agonistic amino acid — check status before competition
· Mostly only in combination products; mind the overall formulation

Sources

Review taurine neuromodulationReview Taurin als Neuromodulator (GABA/Glycin)

FEI EPSL 2024FEI Equine Prohibited Substances List 2024 — calming amino acids

PMID:14992278El Idrissi & Trenkner 2004 (Neurochem Res) — Taurin als Modulator der Neurotransmission

Equiterna Score

58/100

solid

Science4.5/10

Practical experience6/10

Safety7.2/10

Overall score scale

high overall75–100solid55–74limited0–54

How the Equiterna Score is built

The Equiterna Score combines three dimensions into a value of 0-100: science (40%), practical experience (30%) and safety (30%). It is transparently derived from evidence level, attributed sources (PubMed/journals), legal classification and cautions. The FEI doping status is shown separately as a competition-law note and does not enter the score. Commissions and vendor relationships have no influence on the score. In addition, the editorial safety rating caps the result: it limits the safety dimension and the overall tier (orange: at most solid). For entries rated red, no score is calculated at all. The rating never raises anything — a green rating does not lift a calculated value.

An editorial assessment of the evidence and safety situation — not a healing claim and not an individual recommendation. It does not replace veterinary advice.

DosageNo established equine dose; in calming mixtures practice approx. 2–5 g/animal/day for a large horse (~500–600 kg). Coordinate with a vet.

AMG statusComplementary feed

FEI statusControlled (withdrawal)

Evidenceemerging

Usage note

This content is for information and education. It does not replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment. If your horse shows signs of illness, consult a veterinarian.

“Nothing forced can ever be beautiful.”

Xenophon · On Horsemanship (c. 365 BC)

Equiterna is an intermediary platform for equine knowledge, marketplace and tools — not a veterinary-medicines dealer, veterinary practice or pharmacy. Compound information is study-attributed and free of healing claims. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009, FEI Prohibited Substances List, HWG.