Taurine is a conditionally essential, sulfur-containing amino acid and the most abundant amino acid in the heart. Taurine supplementation has been shown to benefit the production of nitric oxide in the vascular endothelium, which is essential to optimal blood flow, maintaining already normal blood pressure, and overall cardiovascular function. Taurine also acts as an antioxidant by inhibiting LDL cholesterol oxidation. In the liver, taurine is combined with bile acids, which results in increased cholesterol solubility and excretion, thus helping to maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Taurine's involvement in bile acid formation facilitates fat digestion, fluid regulation, detoxification of environmental toxins, regulation of cellular calcium, and regulation of nerve excitability. A taurine-deficient individual can be more susceptible to tissue damage from environmental pollutants such as aldehydes, chlorine, and amines.