Dark-Meat Poultry
Overview
Dark-meat poultry (thighs, legs) provides higher taurine content than white meat, supporting neurotransmission and calcium signaling. Taurine food sources include scallops, clams, dark-meat poultry, and mackerel.
Recipes
Substances
Preparation Notes
- Higher taurine than white meat
- Best prepared with gentle cooking
- Important for taurine intake
- Part of diverse protein strategy
Biological Target Matrix
| Biological Target | Substance | Contribution Level | Therapeutic Areas | Mechanism of Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metabolic & Neuroendocrine Stress (HPA Axis & ANS) | Taurine | Contextual / minor contributor | Buffers HPA axis dysregulation; reduces cortisol; supports stress resilience | |
| Mitochondrial Function & Bioenergetics | Iron | Contextual / minor contributor | Critical for oxygen delivery to the brain via hemoglobin; supports mitochondrial function and energy production | |
| Mitochondrial Function & Bioenergetics | Taurine | Contextual / minor contributor | Protects mitochondrial function under oxidative stress; stabilizes mitochondrial membranes; supports ATP production | |
| Neurotransmitter Regulation | Iron | Contextual / minor contributor | Essential cofactor for tyrosine hydroxylase, the rate-limiting enzyme in the conversion of tyrosine to dopamine; critical for catecholamine synthesis | |
| Neurotransmitter Regulation | Taurine | Contextual / minor contributor | Modulates calcium handling; influences GABAergic tone; supports neurotransmitter balance |
References
- Taurine: Scallops, clams, dark-meat poultry, mackerel

