Medicine & healthcare

Study: Energy Drink Ingredient Taurine May Slow Aging

JUN 9 2023·Updated FEB 6 2024

Story

Image credit: Wikimedia Commons

The Facts

Research published Thursday shows that monkeys and mice receive health benefits — and mice have an increase in longevity — when given the micronutrient taurine. Taurine is a common ingredient in energy drinks.
guardian
The study found that middle-aged female mice lived 12% longer and males 10% longer than mice who were not given taurine. As humans age, taurine decreases by as much as 80%, spurring speculation on the effects it may have on the human aging process.
Science
Taurine is a non-essential amino acid present in the brain, retina, and muscle and organ tissue in the body. Studies link taurine deficiency to heart, kidney, and retinal problems, as the nutrient is believed to have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects in older individuals.
CNN
The Columbia University research team recommends against taking taurine supplements to slow down aging, as no studies have been conducted on its effects.
BBC News
The study examined the effects of taurine on mice, monkeys, yeast, and worms and analyzed the taurine levels of humans. Out of a group of 12K individuals, those with higher levels of taurine were in better overall health, with a scientist who took part in the study noting the effects on animals to be "almost too good to be true."
USA Today
Taurine is naturally found in animal products and is a common additive in energy drinks. No extensive studies on the safety of taurine in humans have been conducted, however, European Food Safety Authority research suggests taurine to be safe at around two times the comparable levels tested in mice (a human equivalent of eight-12 energy drinks/day), while noting that the high levels of caffeine can be associated with adverse health effects.
USA Today

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The Spin

Narrative A

Although this news may be promising on the aging front, it’s better to hold off quaffing energy drinks for any purported health benefits. Energy drinks still pose health risks, and there is no research on the health effects that taurine may have on humans. It’s best to stick to what we know about longevity: live an active life and eat a healthy diet.

NBC

Narrative B

Although there are still many unknowns about taurine, the health effects are too strong to ignore, and a new tool in the fight against aging may have been discovered. Researchers can now begin high-quality clinical trials on the effects of taurine on humans and there’s no telling how promising this might turn out.

Science