Effects of Dietary Taurine-Containing Jelly Supplementation on Academic-Related Characteristics and Academic Achievement in Korean College Entrance Examinees: A Pilot Study.

Taurine is known to play roles in fatigue recovery and relief of anxiety and stress. This pilot study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary taurine-containing jelly supplementation on the academic-related characteristics of Korean college entrance examinees. The jelly contained 3 g of taurine in a packet and was provided to the subjects with one packet per day for 2 weeks. The academic-related characteristics of subjects were evaluated by academic-related attitude (using School Attitude Assessment Survey-R; SAAS-R), CEES (college entrance examination stress), and SRL (self-regulated learning) and academic achievement and were conducted using a self-administered questionnaire. The total number of subjects in this study was 17, and they were divided into taurine supplementation group (n = 9, TSG) and placebo group (n = 8, PG) by randomization. The results were compared before and after 2 weeks of dietary taurine-containing jelly supplementation for each group. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 25.0. The total score (p = 0.069) and motivation/self-regulation score (p = 0.060) in SAAS-R tended to be significantly higher in the TSG after 2 weeks of supplementation compared to before supplementation. The score change of academic achievement in TSG was positively correlated with a total score change of SRL. In addition, as a result of simple regression analysis, a total score changes of SRL had a positive effect on a change of academic achievement score in TSG (explanatory power: 42.9%). The results of this pilot study showed that dietary taurine-containing jelly supplementation may have some effects on academic-related characteristics with a positive change in SRL. Therefore, it may be beneficial to supplement dietary taurine-containing jelly to improve academic-related characteristics such as self-regulated learning of students preparing for the college entrance exam.

The Effects of Dietary Taurine-Containing Jelly Supplementation on Cognitive Function and Memory Ability of the Elderly with Subjective Cognitive Decline.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary taurine-containing jelly supplementation on cognitive function and memory ability of the elderly. The jelly used in the study contained 3 g of taurine and was reprocessed in the soft state like pudding considering the safe intake and preference and provided for 4 weeks. The cognitive function and memory ability of subjects were assessed by MMSE-DS (Mini-Mental State Examination-Dementia Screening), DST (Digit Span Test), K-BNT (Korean version-Boston Naming Test), and K-SVLT (Korean version-Seoul Verbal Learning Test) and were conducted in a face-to-face survey. The subjective memory of subjects was assessed by a self-recording method. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0. The results were compared before and after 4 weeks of dietary taurine-containing jelly supplementation. The subjects were 26 elderly Koreans (8 male, 18 female) with subjective cognitive decline with an average age of 72.3 years. The total average score of MMSE-DS in all subjects increased from 25.9 points before dietary taurine-containing jelly supplementation to 26.4 points 4 weeks after supplementation, but there was no significant difference. The total average scores of DST-F, K-BNT, and K-SVLT were significantly higher 4 weeks after supplementation (65.7, 51.7, and 17.8 points) than before supplementation (60.6, 46.5, and 15.2 points) (p < 0.01). In particular, the score of DST-F showed significant difference only in the female elderly (p < 0.001). The score for subjective memory showed significant difference 4 weeks after supplementation (3.0 points) than before supplementation (2.6 points) (p < 0.05). Especially, it increased significantly only in the female elderly (p < 0.01). These results show that dietary taurine-containing jelly supplementation has positive effects on the memory ability of the elderly with subjective cognitive decline. Therefore, it is suggested to supplement products for the elderly, such as pudding or jelly, with dietary taurine to improve memory ability and cognitive function of the elderly.

Improvement in Willingness to Purchase Taurine-Containing Jelly Needs High Degrees of Interest and Preference: Focused on Korean College Students.

Recently, taurine-containing jellies have been sold in Korea, which provides a source of dietary taurine suspended in jelly and considered as a snack. This study was conducted to investigate factors (recognition, consumer preference, and improvement points) that potentially increase the willingness of consumers (Korean college students) to purchase the taurine-containing product. A total of 561 subjects were compared according to gender (260 male and 301 female college students) and degree of interest in taurine-containing jelly (276 subjects interest group and 285 subjects in indifferent group). Data were collected using an anonymous self-administered questionnaire and a consumer preference evaluation. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 25.0. The factors most important in determining the willingness to buy taurine-containing jelly were price and efficacy for male students (p < 0.05), taste (p < 0.05), and brand (p < 0.01) for female students. Nutrient and weight were more important in the interest group than the indifferent group (p < 0.05). Preference consumer scores of the taurine-containing jelly rated aroma, texture, and taste significantly higher among male college students than those of the female college students. Moreover, preference scores of all items were significantly higher in the interest group than in the indifferent group. The interest group was more knowledgeable about taurine than the indifferent group (p < 0.001). Willingness to purchase (average 3.1 points) and intention to recommend (average 3.1 points) the taurine-containing B jelly were significantly higher in the interest group than in the indifferent group. Interest in taurine-containing jelly, overall preference, and intention to recommend in all the subjects were shown to significantly positively correlate with their willingness to purchase. These results show that it is necessary to increase the degree of interest, preference, and intention to recommend to improve the willingness to purchase taurine-containing jelly by Korean college students. In particular, since the subjects who had knowledge of taurine were interested in taurine-containing jelly, nutritional education and promotion of taurine should help in the selling of the product.

Dietary Taurine Intake and Its Food Sources in Korean Young Adults Using 2015 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Data.

This study aimed to estimate the dietary taurine intake and its food sources in Korean's aged between 19 and 29 years. The study included 619 participants (292 males and 327 females) who had provided data via a 24-h recall method to the 2015 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). Dietary taurine intake and the sources of dietary taurine were estimated by using CAN-Pro 4.0 software. Statistical analysis was performed by using SPSS 20.0. Average height and weight of the subjects was 174 cm and 73.5 kg in males and 161 cm and 56.4 kg in females, respectively. The prevalence of obesity in males was significantly higher compared to females (p < 0.001). Overall, the nutrient intakes of subjects were higher than the dietary reference intakes for Korean's (KDRIs). In particular, phosphorus and sodium intakes of males and females were higher, whereas, potassium and calcium intakes of males and females were lower than the KDRIs. The average intake of taurine 327.3 mg by males was significantly higher compared to 245.1 mg by females (p < 0.05). With regard to dietary taurine intake from the main food groups, meat (p < 0.001), vegetable (p < 0.001), beverages and alcohol (p < 0.05), and cereal (p < 0.001), in males was significantly higher compared to females. This study showed that 19-29 years old Korean young adults had a high intake of taurine due to high intake of protein. However, since high intake of meat can lead to chronic disease, it is necessary to provide nutrition education to increase the intake of fishes and shellfishes as a taurine source food.

Effects of Dietary Taurine Supplementation on Blood and Urine Taurine Concentrations in the Elderly Women with Dementia.

The purpose of this research is to investigate the effects of dietary taurine supplementation on blood and urine taurine concentrations of the elderly women with dementia. Subjects were 31 female elderly with dementia hospitalized in a geriatric hospital. They were divided randomly into control group and dietary taurine supplemented group. Basically, same meals were served to both groups. Scorched rice water without taurine were served to control group. Scorched rice water containing 3 g of taurine were reserved to taurine group with lunch similarly. Food ingredients containing high concentration of taurine were eliminated from the meal menu. Blood and urine samples were obtained from each subject at the beginning of study, after 2 week and 4 weeks in the morning fasting state. Taurine concentrations in serum and urine were measured as taurine-fluorescamine derivatives using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Data were analyzed using SPSS 20.0. The average taurine concentrations in serum and urine of subjects were 89.2 ± 9.5 µM and 876.7 ± 97.1 µM at the beginning. After 4 weeks, the taurine concentrations in serum and urine of dietary taurine supplemented group were 218.0 ± 15.6 µM and 6502.6 ± 380.6 µM, which were significantly higher compared to control group. Dietary taurine supplemented group showed positive changes in the score on language and execute performance. So taurine supplementation can provide beneficial effects to the elderly and the elderly with dementia.

Food Preference of the Elderly for the Development of Taurine-Containing Elderly-Friendly Foods.

The purpose of this study was to investigate food preference of the elderly for the development of taurine-containing elderly-friendly foods (TEF). The subjects in this study were 278 elderly people who were over 65 years old. All data were collected by face to face interview. Statistical analysis was performed by using SPSS 20.0 for Windows. The 'low-salt diet', 'nutritional enriched diet', and 'swallow able diet' were diets that all subjects preferred. All subjects preferred a diet to be sold as three items in separate packaging, as a semi-cooked type. The food types and cooking methods that showed high preference and had a high intention to purchase were cooked rice, porridges, soups and stews, meat side dishes, fish side dishes, kimchi, and vegetable dishes and steaming Among the taurine-containing foods, whip-arm octopus, manila clam, dried anchovy, flatfish, pollack, laver, green laver, sea tangle, seaweed, cod, croaker, and cutlassfish were the preferred foods of most subjects. Elderly females preferred significantly more squid, octopus, eel, mudfish, and sea cucumber than that of elderly males (p < 0.05). Elderly males preferred and consumed significantly more taurine-supplement than did elderly females (p < 0.05). These results will be used as baseline data for development of a customized TEF for Korean elderly.

Positive Changes in Blood Lipid Profiles, Nutrition Knowledge, and Dietary Taurine Intake After 8-Week Nutrition Education Program in Low-Income Korean Children.

Taurine has been reported to play a key role in the growth and development of children's brains and nerves. Incorrect dietary habits and unbalanced nutrient intakes may be caused by socio-environmental and economic factors in low-income children. This study was conducted to investigate changes in blood lipid profiles, nutrition knowledge, dietary attitudes, and intakes of dietary taurine and nutrients after an 8-week nutrition education program (NEP) in low-income Korean children. In this intervention study, nutrition education, exercise, and nutrition counseling were conducted for 8-weeks in 22 low-income children (11-13 years old, 9 males and 13 females) at community child center located in Incheon, Korea. Changes after the NEP were evaluated using a one group pretest-posttest design. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 20.0. After the 8-week NEP, there was a significant decrease in the blood triglyceride level of female students (p < 0.01). As for nutrition knowledge, there were significant increases in the subscore of sugars and sodium in foods consumed by male students (p < 0.05), total score of nutrition knowledge (p < 0.01), subscore of sugars and sodium in foods (p < 0.01), and fat content of foods and adequate dietary intake in female students (p < 0.05). Dietary attitudes did not change. There were significant increases in intakes of dietary taurine, vitamin B6 (p < 0.01), and dietary fiber (p < 0.05) in female students after the NEP. There were significantly positive correlations between changes in dietary taurine intake and dietary attitudes as well as between changes in carbohydrate intake and total cholesterol level among all the subjects. Therefore, nutrition education to promote balanced nutrient intake and dietary attitudes for optimal growth and development of low-income children is needed.

Relationship Among Dietary Taurine Intake, Dietary Attitudes, Dietary Behaviors, and Life Stress by Depression in Korean Female College Students.

This study was conducted to investigate the correlation between dietary taurine intake, nutrients intake, dietary attitudes, dietary behaviors, and life stress by depression in Korean female college students. Depression was measured by self-reported symptoms of depression on the CES-D (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression) scale. The subjects of this cross-sectional study included 56 female college students with depression (depression group, DG) and 122 female students without depression (control group, CG). Self-reported life stress score was determined using the life stress scale developed for Korean college students. Intakes of dietary taurine and nutrients were assessed using 3-day food records (2 weekdays and 1 weekend day) and evaluated using the computer aided nutrition program 4.0 version. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 24.0. We observed no significant difference in the average dietary taurine intake between DG (87.6 mg/day) and CG (92.3 mg/day). The average dietary intakes of vitamin A and calcium in DG were significantly lower as compared to CG (p < 0.05). The average total scores of dietary attitudes (p < 0.01) and dietary behaviors (p < 0.05) in DG were significantly lower as compared to CG. The average total life stress score (p < 0.001) and all stress categories were significantly higher in DG as compared to CG. No significant correlation was observed between the CES-D scale score and dietary taurine intake. However, there were significant negative correlations between the CES-D scale score and vitamin A, folic acid, vitamin C, and calcium intakes (p < 0.05), dietary attitudes, and dietary behaviors (p < 0.01). Scores of the CES-D scale and life stress showed a significantly positive correlation (p < 0.01). Therefore, continuous nutrition education and counseling for good dietary attitudes and behaviors are required. Future studies need to be undertaken to confirm the correlation between dietary taurine intake and depression by intervention with taurine.

Taurine-Related Nutritional Knowledge Has a Positive Effect on Intake of Taurine and Cognitive Function in the Elderly.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlations among taurine-related nutritional knowledge (TNK), taurine intake frequency (TIF), and cognitive function (CF) in Korean elderly. Subjects of this cross-sectional study were 278 elderly persons in Korea without dementia (men 76, women 202). The subjects were divided into two groups: a group with a lower than average TNK score (LAG) and a group with a higher than average TNK score (HAG). Data were obtained via questionnaires and 1: 1 interviews. Correlation analysis available in SPSS 20.0 was used to analyze associations among the three factors. Average TNK score of all subjects was 4 out of 10 points, while that of the LAG (1.9 points) was significantly lower than that of the HAG (6.6 points) (p < 0.001). Average TIF score in the HAG (195.3 points) was significantly higher than that of the LAG (180.8 points) (p < 0.001). Compared to the LAG, the HAG members more frequently consumed foods such as webfoot octopus, whelk, dried anchovy, dried shrimp, mackerel, anglerfish, skate, short-necked clam, shrimp, and dried squid (p < 0.01). There was no significant difference in CF scores between the LAG and HAG. There was positive correlation between TNK and TIF scores in all the subjects (p < 0.01). There was no significant difference, but there was a tendency for a positive correlation, between TNK and CF scores (p = 0.072). These results suggest that nutritional education of the elderly about taurine is needed, and it is strongly recommended that the elderly frequently consume taurine-containing foods and supplements to prevent dementia.

Glucose-Taurine Reduced Exerts Neuroinflammatory Responses by Inhibition of NF-κB Activation in LPS-Induced BV2 Microglia.

We want to find the anti-neuroinflammatory action of the taurine derivative Glucose-Taurine Reduced (G-T-R). The anti-neuroinflammatory action by G-T-R were investigated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced BV2 microglia. G-T-R inhibited the production of nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2, and down-regulated the protein expression of inducible NO synthase and cyclooxygenase-2. In addition, G-T-R reduced the cytokines secretion such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin (IL) -1ß and IL-6, in BV2 microglia treated with LPS. In addition, G-T-R dose-dependently decreased the activation of nuclear factor-kappa B. These findings confirmed the anti-neuroinflammatory activity of G-T-R, which may exert protective effects against neuroinflammatory-related diseases.

Anti-inflammatory Action of Glucose-Taurine Reduced by Inhibiting NF-κB Activation in LPS-Activated RAW264.7 Macrophages.

In the present study, we investigated the regulation of inflammatory effects by glucose-taurine reduced (G-T-R), a taurine-carbohydrate derivative, on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 macrophages. The anti-inflammatory action of G-T-R revealed that this derivative markedly inhibited the nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production in RAW264.7 macrophages induced by LPS. Suppression of NO and PGE2 production was involved in the inhibitory action by G-T-R on the inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 proteins expression. G-T-R decreased the production of a variety of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1ß, and interleukin-6. Moreover, G-T-R effectively suppressed the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages according to evaluation of the molecular inflammatory mechanisms. Thus, we suggest that G-T-R modulates several inflammatory pathways mediated by NF-κB activation, demonstrating its potential or preventing and treating inflammatory conditions.

Ribose-Taurine Suppresses Inflammation Through NF-κB Regulation in Activated RAW 264.7 Macrophages.

Ribose-taurine (Rib-T) suppressed the generation of inflammatory mediators and cytokines, such as nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) through the inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expressions in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. The production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1ß induced by LPS was effectively blocked by Rib-T. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory actions of Rib-T were involved in its inhibitory effects against the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65, and NF-κB DNA-binding activity. These results suggest that the anti-inflammatory action of Rib-T is associated with NF-κB regulation.

Consumption Patterns and Importance-Performance Analysis of Home Meal Replacements by Level of Taurine-Related Nutritional Knowledge in Korean Adults.

The purpose of this study was to investigate consumption patterns and perform Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA) of selective attributes of Home Meal Replacement (HMR) products according to taurine-related nutritional knowledge levels in Koreans aged 40-64 years as a basis for developing additional HMR products. The study included 793 adults (297 males and 496 females) who had experience in consuming HMR products and who lived in Seoul and its metropolitan areas, Korea. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires. Statistical analysis was performed by using the SPSS 18.0 program. The subjects were classified into a high-level group (HG, 467 adults) and low-level group (LG, 326 adults) based on their taurine-related nutritional knowledge scores. Analysis of HMR consumption patterns showed that the frequency of HMR consumption in the HG was one to two times a month in 41.1% of the subjects and once every 3-4 months in 22.7% of the subjects, whereas, in the LG, it was one to two times a month in 39.3% of the subjects and four to six times a month in 24.5% of the subjects. With regarding to the reasons for purchasing HMR products, there was no significant difference between HG and LG (p = 0.089). The IPA analysis of HMR selective attributes included factor analysis of 14 selective attributes that were divided into three factors: 'convenience and taste', 'reliability and health', and 'brand and awareness'. The average importance scores of the first (p < 0.01), second (p < 0.001), and third (p < 0.01) factors in the HG were significantly higher than those in the LG. In addition, the average satisfaction with the first factor (p < 0.01) in the HG was significantly higher than that in the LG. Based on the IPA results, the selective attributes with low satisfaction and high importance were price, origin, food additives, and nutrient content in both the HG and LG. In the second IPA quadrant was safety, but only in the LG. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the importance of the reliability and health factor and the satisfaction with the convenience and taste factor were positively influenced by the subject's taurine-related nutritional knowledge score. These results suggest that reliability and safety of HMR products need to be improved to meet the expectations of Korean consumers aged 40 years and older with a high level of taurine-related nutritional knowledge. Therefore, there is a need to produce HMR products that use safe and reliable food ingredients.

Demands for Development of Taurine-Containing Home Meal Replacement for Prevention of Dementia According to Age.

It has been reported that taurine intake in the past may have a positive effect on present cognitive function in the elderly. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the need to develop an elderly-friendly home meal replacement (EF-HMR) containing taurine for the prevention of dementia in Korean adults aged 40-84 years. Study subjects included 481 adults 40-49 years group, 319 adults 50-64 years group, and 181 elderly group (65-84 years old) residing in Seoul and its metropolitan area, Korea. Data were collected from adults aged 40-64 years by self-administered questionnaires and from elderly through face-to-face interviews. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 18.0. The level of need for EF-HMR was significantly higher in 40-49 years and 50-64 years groups compared to the elderly group (p < 0.001). With regard to the preferred EF-HMR taste, the needs for less salty (p < 0.01) and less sweet (p < 0.001) foods were significantly higher in 40-49 years group compared to the elderly group. The main factors of consideration in the development of EF-HMR were nutrition, taste, and freshness. The level of need for EF-HMR containing taurine was significantly lower in those 40-49 years and 50-64 years groups compared to the elderly group (p < 0.01). If an EF-HMR containing taurine for prevention of dementia was developed, willingness to buy such a food was significantly higher in the elderly group than in those 40-49 years and 50-64 years groups (p < 0.01). Regarding cooked EF-HMR containing taurine, semi-prepared and ready-made meals were preferred in 71.1% and 25.4% in 40-49 years group, 69.6% and 22.6% in 50-64 years group, and 47.0% and 33.7% in the elderly group, respectively (p < 0.001). EF-HMR containing taurine sales unit sizes containing 3 servings or 1 serving was preferred by 37.2% and 26.3% of all subjects. The preferred places to purchase EF-HMR (in descending order of super-supermarket (mart), supermarket, and convenience store) were the same among the age groups. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the diversity present in the needs and purchasing characteristics of adults involved purchasing EF-HMR containing taurine, and there is a need to develop age-specific customized products for the elderly and for Korean adults 40-64 years old.

The Development of Taurine Supplementary Menus for the Prevention of Dementia and Their Positive Effect on the Cognitive Function in the Elderly with Dementia.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects on the cognitive function of the elderly with dementia, after consumption of menus developed to prevent dementia. For the purpose of this study, we developed two menus incorporating lotus seeds and taurine which are known to be effective in preventing dementia: tea supplemented with taurine and lotus seed (TATL) and scorched glutinous rice water supplemented with taurine and lotus seed (SATL). The most optimized supplement was determined through sensory evaluation, and was served with the normal diet for 4 weeks. The subjects of this study were 46 elderly women with dementia, divided into three groups: 16 subjects in the taurine supplement group (TG), 15 subjects in the taurine and lotus seeds supplement group (TLG), and 15 subjects in the control group (CG). Cognitive function was assessed by comparing the scores of MMSE-DS (Mini-Mental State Examination-Dementia Screening) before and after dietary supplementation, with higher scores indicating better cognitive functions. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 20.0 for Windows. The total score of MMSE-DS before supplementation SATL was not significantly different between CG (14.1 points), TG (14.2 points), and TLG (13.8 points). However, after consuming the SATL supplement, the total score of TG (16.7 points) and TLG (16.9 points) significantly increased (p < 0.01). In particular, in the case of TG, a significant increase was observed in the score for 'Judgment and abstract thinking' (p < 0.05). An increased tendency was also observed for scores of 'Place orientation' (p = 0.071) and 'Ability to execute' (p = 0.054), although statistically not significant. In the case of TLG, score of 'Place orientation' and 'Judgment and abstract thinking' was significantly increased (p < 0.05). These results show that dietary taurine supplementation has positive effects on the cognitive function (MMSE-DS) of elderly women with dementia. There-fore, it is necessary to include dietary taurine supplementation for the treatment and prevention of dementia. In addition, it is necessary to develop and supply a variety of menus containing taurine.

Comparison of Urinary Excretion of Taurine Between Elderly with Dementia and Normal Elderly.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in dietary intake, serum level and urinary excretion of taurine between the elderly with dementia and the normal elderly. Subjects with dementia were 22 (8 men, 14 women) and normal were 26 (2 men, 24 women). The general characteristics, anthropometric data were considered together. The blood and urine samples were obtained from the elderly in the morning fasting state. Taurine concentrations in serum and urinary excretion were determined using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Dietary intake data were collected using questionnaires, and analyzed by Computer Aided Nutritional analysis program (CAN-pro 4.0). Statistical analyses were carried out using SPSS 20.0. There were no significant differences in age and BMI (body mass index) between the elderly with dementia and the normal elderly, however, blood total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol levels of the elderly with dementia were relatively higher than the normal elderly. The elderly men with dementia took more lipid, riboflavin higher than the normal elderly men (P < 0.05). The elderly women with dementia took more nutrients except vitamin D, vitamin B12 and taurine than the normal elderly (P < 0.001). There were slight differences in serum taurine level between the two groups. However, urinary excretion of taurine in the elderly with dementia was significantly higher than the normal elderly (41.2%, P < 0.05).

Past Taurine Intake Has a Positive Effect on Present Cognitive Function in the Elderly.

This study investigated the associations between dietary history of past taurine intake and cognitive function in the elderly. Subjects of this study were 40 elderly persons with dementia (men 14, women 26) and 37 normal elderly persons (men 5, women 32). Data were collected using questionnaires by investigator-based interview to the elderly and family caregivers. We examined their general characteristics, anthropometric data, cognitive function, and taurine index. Cognitive function was measured using MMSE-DS and higher score means better cognitive function. As dietary history of past taurine intake, taurine index was evaluated by scoring the intake frequency of 41 kinds of taurine-containing foods. Part correlation analysis (sex, age, and school educational period correction) was used to analyze associations between taurine index and cognitive function. The analysis of all data was carried out by the SPSS 20.0 program for windows. The age, height, weight, and BMI of elderly with dementia showed no statistical significance compared to normal elderly. The elderly with dementia had significantly higher school education period (7.4 years) than the normal elderly (4.8 years) (p < 0.01). Nevertheless, the average total score of cognitive function (MMSE-DS) of the elderly with dementia (18.1 points) was significantly lower than score of the normal elderly (21.7 points) (p < 0.05). The average taurine index of the elderly with dementia (104.7 points) was significantly lower than average taurine index of the normal elderly (123.7 points) (p < 0.01). There were positive correlations between total taurine index and total score of cognitive function in all the elderly subjects (p < 0.05). In particular, as taurine index was higher, there were significantly higher scores of cognitive function such as 'time orientation' and 'judgement and abstract thinking' (p < 0.01). In conclusion, these results suggest that past taurine intake may have a positive effect on present cognitive function in the elderly.

Dietary Taurine Supplementation in School Meals Has Positive Effect on School Attitude Assessment in Korean High School Students.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of supplementation with taurine-rich foods on school attitude assessment (SAA) in high school students. A total of 134 subjects were divided into a taurine-rich food supplemented (TS) group (68 subjects) and control group (66 subjects). For the TS group, school dinners supplemented with taurine-rich foods were provided for 5 days and average dietary amount of taurine supplementation was 466.2 mg/school dinner. Control group ate dinner at home or at restaurant ad libitum. The school attitude assessment survey-revised and 24-h recall method were used for SAA and dietary assessment, respectively. There were no significant differences in scores of dietary attitudes between the TS and control groups by gender. Average dietary taurine intake of the TS group (649.8 mg/day in males, 634.5 mg/day in females) was significantly higher compared to the control group (392.4 mg/day in males, 334.4 mg/day in females) (p < 0.01 in males and p < 0.001 in females, respectively). Total SAA scores in the TS group were significantly higher compared to the control group (p < 0.01) for attitudes toward teachers, goal valuation, and motivation/self-regulation (p < 0.01). Dietary taurine intake was showed positive correlations with scores for academic self-perception (p < 0.05), attitudes towards teachers (p < 0.001), goal valuation (p < 0.01), motivation/self-regulation (p < 0.05), and total scores (p < 0.01). According to the results, dietary taurine supplementation in school meals for 5 days had a positive effect on SAA in high school students. Therefore, dietary taurine supplementation in school and home meals may be necessary for improving SAA of high school students.

Consumer Awareness and Preferences Related to Taurine-Containing Drinks in Korean Female High School Students.

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to investigate awareness, consumption patterns, and preferences related to intake experience of taurine-containing drinks (TCD) in Korean female high school students. Study subjects were 335 female high school students residing in Incheon, Korea. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires. A total of 249 students (74.3%) consumed TCD while 86 students (25.7%) did not. In the TCD consumption group, 66.7% of consumers drank TCD once every 2 or 3 months while most consumers consumed it during the examination period (57.4%). Regarding the effects of TCD intake, 45.8% of students cited 'relieve sleepiness' while 41.8% showed 'no effect'. According to self-reported school records, there were significant differences in intake time of TCD, effects of TCD intake, and degree of interest in TCD (p < 0.05). About 82.7% of all the subjects perceived TCD as an energy drink for fatigue recovery. Degree of interest in TCD (p < 0.001), degree of harmfulness to the body (p < 0.01), and improvement for learning-ability (p < 0.001) had significant effects on intake frequency of TCD. Regarding preferences, 'Vita 500' was preferred by 52.2% of subjects, 'Bacchas' by 20.1%, and 'Hot Six' by 17.3%. Although subjects preferred 'Vita 500' as a caffeine-free TCD, caffeine was perceived as the most abundant ingredients in TCD by 77.1% of subjects, taurine by 16.1%, and vitamin by 4.8%. These results show most Korean female high school students consumed TCD in order to stay awake during the examination periods. Therefore, nutritional education is needed to correct Korean high school students' consumption of TCD.

Beneficial Function of Taurine on Bone Metabolism in Alcohol-Fed OVX Rat Model.

The present study investigates the effects of taurine on bone markers and bone mineral density (BMD) in alcohol-fed ovariectomized (OVX) rat model. We divided twenty four rats into Sham and OVX groups. These two groups were thereafter subdivided into two groups: control and experimental diet containing 2 g/kg of taurine. BMD and bone mineral content (BMC) were estimated by PIXImus. As bone markers, we measured serum calcium, phosphorus, ALP activity, osteocalcin and urine calcium, phosphorus and DPD crosslinks value. The results were as follows: weight gain showed no significant difference and serum calcium concentration was in normal range. Urine DPD crosslink value was significantly decreased in taurine-fed group (p < 0.05). Serum ALP activity and osteocalcin levels, and urine phosphorus concentration did not show any differences among groups. Also the mineral density and content of spinal and femural bone did not show any differences among groups. However, the femur BMD was significantly increased in taurine-fed group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, taurine supplemented diets may have positive results on bone metabolism in alcohol-fed OVX rat model.