Research from the SEAFOODplus project has shown that adding taurine to fish increases its health benefits. One of the key objectives of the SEAFOODplus program, which is to develop seafood products which are tailor-made to consumer needs. In this case, the research addresses consumer demand for food with added health benefits.

Taurine is found throughout key areas of the human body. It is mainly found in the muscles and the brain, in the heart and in the blood. White blood cells, too, have high concentrations of taurine. It is also known to be exteremely important for the development of the brain, the retina of the eye, and the liver of the newly born. 

Taurine is also important in other functions of the body. For example, taurine facilitates the passage of numerous substances into the bloodstream and enhances fat metabolism. Taurine also plays an important role during liver metabolism. Additionally,  taurine has a positive effect on the re-absorption of fat soluble vitamins and influences the serum cholesterol level. 

Taurine-enriched fish would be able to offer consumers significant additional health benefits. In much the same way as consumers are conscious of the benefits of seafood high in Omega-3 fatty acids, seafood producers would market the additional health value of taurine-enriched fish to differentiate their product and create a competitive advantage.

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