Acute effects of different doses of Taurine on physical and cognitive functions in elderly men

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the acute effects of low and high doses of taurine on physical and cognitive functions of 60 to 69 years old men (Mean±SD of height, weight, and body mass index: 172.4±5.6 cm, 67.8±5.8 kg, and 22.8±1.6 kg.m-2, respectively). Methods and materials: In this double-blind cross-sectional study, 15 volunteer men experienced three conditions with one-week intervals in random order: the placebo, low dose of supplement (1gr), and high dose of supplement (6gr). Subjects in all three conditions performed balance, muscle endurance, cardiorespiratory fitness, and cognitive function tests one hour after taking supplements or a placebo. To analyzing data, ANOVA repeated-measurements and Bonferroni's tests were performed with an alpha level of 5% and a statistical power of 80%. Results: Cardiorespiratory fitness and cognitive function were significantly better after taking a high dose of the supplement than placebo (p=0.004 and p<0.001, respectively) and taking a low dose of the supplement (p=0.005 and p=0.020, respectively); however, there was no significant difference between low dose of supplement and placebo. Moreover, the score of balance and muscular endurance was significantly better after consuming a high dose of the supplement compared to the placebo (p=0.023 and p=0.009, respectively); however, there was no significant difference between other conditions. Conclusions: Elderly men can use a 6-gram dose of taurine for the improvement of physical and cognitive functions.