Role of Taurine in Children with Anaemia

Iron deficiency (ID) is the most common health problem noted in paediatric population. The prevalence of anaemia in India among paediatric group is 23.5% in 5-7 years and 58.7% in children below 5 years. The major cause of ID in children is low intake of iron from the actual requirement. ID results in iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) which impacts energy production resulting in fatigue, and depletion of muscle stores. Iron is cofactor for energy production enzyme in the tricarboxylic acid cycle and synthesis of carnitine (which carries fatty acids across the mitochondrial membrane). Iron also plays a crucial role in enzyme rate-limiting step for gluconeogenesis, and plays a role in the function of certain neurotransmitter amines. Fatigue is the cardinal symptom of anaemia due to increased ID. Taurine is an amino acid present in mammalian tissue, most abundantly found in skeletal muscle. Muscle senescence and atrophy may decline the taurine concentrations, alters iron metabolism and increases oxidative injury. Therefore, a causal relationship may exist between taurine and iron metabolism in muscle health and disease. Iron preparations are major stand-by for the treatment of IDA; however, these preparations are associated with gastric side-effects. In anaemic patients, taurine along with iron supplementation is reported to: Enhance red blood cells (RBC) membrane stabilization, osmoregulation, and detoxification, Decrease GI related side effects of iron salts (anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effect), By building up energy, can give symptomatic relief from lethargy and weakness, Enhance light chain ferritin isoform (FTL) involved in cellular iron storage. Therefore, combination of taurine with iron may result in improved lethargy and increased iron stores in skeletal muscles resulting in treatment of IDA and associated cardinal symptom, fatigue.