Objective To discuss taurine act as a kind of human nutritional supplements on the role of different diseases by elaborating physiological effects of taurine. Methods We review the domestic and foreign published literature in recent years on the role of taurine, pathological state caused by taurine defciency, and taurine supplementation in human body. Results Taurine is an important biological active substance in human body. It involves in many physiological activities, including binding bile acid, regulating the osmotic pressure, improving in vivo oxidative stress, stabling cell membranes, regulating cellular calcium ion ?ow, acting as neurotrophic and neuroprotective properties and regulation glucose metabolism. Taurine defciency will result in a variety of pathological conditions in human body and lead to exacerbation of original increases. Taurine has been widely used in powdered formulas of infant and enteral nutrition preparation. Conclusions Acting as an important human nutritional supplement, appropriate taurine supplementation may help patients improve the state of oxidative stress, regulate metabolic balance, reduce or delay the progression of lesions. Thus it can facilitate the clinical outcome of patients.