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
Frequently asked questions
Is Taurine a feed or a veterinary medicine for horses?
Equiterna classes Taurine as “Complementary feed”. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009.
Is Taurine allowed at FEI competitions?
In the profile, Taurine is listed with the FEI status “Controlled (withdrawal)”. The current FEI list is authoritative, so please check its latest version.
Which dosage do the sources give for Taurine?
Stated in the profile: No established equine dose; in calming mixtures practice approx. 2–5 g/animal/day for a large horse (~500–600 kg). Coordinate with a vet. This is information from the literature, not an instruction for an individual horse.
Which sources are there for Taurine?
The profile cites: Review taurine neuromodulation, FEI EPSL 2024, and PMID:14992278.
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.”
Equiterna is an intermediary platform for equine knowledge, marketplace and tools — not a veterinary-medicines dealer, veterinary practice or pharmacy. Compound information is source-attributed (PubMed, specialist journals, NRC/GfE, EU regulations) and free of healing claims. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009, FEI Prohibited Substances List, HWG.