TAURINE

Taurine is an amino acid found naturally in mother's milk. Studies have shown that Taurine plays a significant role in brain and retinal development.

As the brain growth spurt is the fastest stage of brain development, it is critical to ensure that all essential nutrients, including Taurine, is available to your child.

Taurine has also been discovered to play a critical role in normal retinal function. Children who were put on a taurine-free diet develop retinal abnormalities. These abnormalities were reverse when Taurine was re-introduced into the diet.

Besides brain development and normal retinal function, what other role does Taurine play in the development of my child?

Studies have supported that Taurine also plays a role in increasing the proportion of bile acids in the body.

During digestion, bile acids make fats soluble in the intestinal lumen. Hence, bile acids are critical to fat absorption. Excellent fat absorption is important because fat provides a good source of energy for the development of the rapidly growing child.

What are the dietary sources of Taurine?

Recognizing that Taurine is an essential nutrient, Mother Nature has provided breastmilk with a level of Taurine that supports optimal brain development.

On the other hand, cow's milk contain only traces of Taurine. Besides breastmilk, Taurine is found in a variety of food such as meat, seafood and poultry. Taurine is virtually absent from plants.

ABBOTT's range of paediatric nutritional products, SIMILAC EXCELLENCE Follow-On, GAIN, ABBOTT GROW, ISOMIL Soy Protein Follow-Up, and PEDIASURE, are all fortified with TAURINE.

How does a child get adequate Taurine?

Newborn babies are usually unable to make enough Taurine on their own during the first 12 months of life. As such, babies get their source of Taurine from the milk they drink.

Since most of the child's brain growth take place during the first 2-3 years of life, it is crucial that the child continue to receive adequate Taurine till the 2nd and 3rd birthday.

For the breastfed baby, there is no concern of Taurine deficiency. This is because breastmilk contains an ample supply of Taurine.

For the baby who is not breastfed, it is important to choose a formula that is enriched with Taurine. Even when your child starts taking solid food, it is critical to give a follow-on formula that has Taurine. Although Taurine can be found in solid food such as meat, seafood and poultry, the amount consumed by your weaning child is likely to be minimal. As such, solid food will not provide your child with a consistent supply of Taurine.