Taurine in lower Concentration Attenuates Platelet Activity

Taurine, 2-aminoethanesulphonic acid is a common ingredient of energy drinks which is very popular with young adults. Taurine in energy drinks is known to enhance muscular performance in athletes. However, caffeine in high concentrations as found in most energy drinks have also been implicated to play an adverse role leading to cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Hyper activation of platelets is one of the major risk factors of CVD. The aim of the study was to evaluate effect of taurine alone on platelet aggregation and activation of platelet surface antigens by flow cytometry.