Can Taurine Help You Stay Cool and Boost Workout Performance?

When you exercise, the hotter your body gets, the faster you fatigue. But what if you could keep your body temperature in check? You might be able to push harder, last longer, and get more out of your workout.

Recent research suggests that the amino acid taurine could be the key to staying cooler during exercise, especially in hot conditions. In a new study, participants walked on a treadmill in sweltering 100°F temperatures. Those who took taurine for eight days before the workout managed to stay cooler than those who didn’t take the supplement.

This isn't the only study to highlight taurine's cooling effects. A 2019 study found that a single dose of taurine taken two hours before cycling in the heat helped participants stay cooler and made the exercise feel less exhausting.

So, how does taurine help? It appears that taurine helps regulate body temperature by increasing the rate of sweat production, your body’s natural cooling mechanism. By enhancing your ability to sweat, taurine may help you fend off fatigue and maintain higher levels of endurance and intensity during your workouts.

If you're exercising in the heat, staying hydrated and maintaining your electrolyte levels are essential. But if you find yourself frequently overheating, taurine might be worth considering. In both studies, participants took about 50 milligrams of taurine per kilogram of body weight, a dosage that seemed effective in keeping them cooler.

In summary, while hydration and electrolytes are crucial, taurine could be an additional tool to help you beat the heat, reduce fatigue, and enhance your performance during hot-weather workouts.