Taurine is an amino acid which is found in the heart muscle, white blood cells, skeletal muscle, and central nervous system. Taurine can be useful for people with atherosclerosis, edema, heart disorders, hypertension, or hypoglycemia. It is vital for the proper utilization of sodium potassium, calcium and magnesium and has been shown to play a particular role in sparing the loss of potassium from the heart muscle. This help to prevent the development of potentially dangerous cardiac arrhythmias. Taurine has a protective effect on the brain, particularly when the brain is dehydrated. It is used to treat anxiety, epilepsy, hyperactivity, poor brain function and seizures. It may be that a deficiency of taurine in the developing brain is involved in epileptic attacks. Zinc deficiency also is commonly found in people with epilepsy, and this may play a part in the deficiency of taurine. Taurine is also associated with zinc in maintaining eye function; a deficiency of both may impair vision. Cardiac arrhythmias, disorders of platelet formation, intestinal problems, an over-growth of Candida, physical or emotional stress, a zinc deficiency and excessive consumption of alcohol are all associated with high urinary losses of taurine.