Taurine: The Elixir of Life?
A naturally occurring nutrient found in many foods, taurine is a key ingredient in top-selling energy drinks like Red Bull and Monster. According to research published in Science, taurine could be the key to living a longer, healthier life, hinting at a potential “elixir of life” as scientists push to understand and manipulate the aging process.
Researcher Vijay Yadav holding a taurine molecule model.
Key Facts
Produced in the body and obtained from food, taurine appears to be a driving force behind aging in animals.
Blood tests on mice, monkeys, and humans reveal decreased taurine levels associated with important bodily processes that tend to decline with age – immune and nervous system functions, building bone, and obesity.
Researchers administered taurine supplements to about half of a test group of roughly equivalent-to-45-years-old-in-humans mice. Supplemented mice lived 3-4 months longer and scored better on almost every parameter measured (e.g. muscle endurance and strength, bone mass, energy expenditure, insulin resistance, and signs of depression-like or anxious behaviors) as compared to the control group.
A study on middle-aged rhesus monkeys also found that taurine supplements prevented weight gain, increased bone density, and improved immune system health.
What We Don’t Know
Despite recent progress, scientists still have much to learn about aging, its drivers, and how to slow, stall, or reverse it. It is not yet clear what role taurine plays in human aging, and even with full understanding, questions will remain. While observational studies indicate a connection between high taurine levels and improved health, rigorous and randomized clinical trials remain to ascertain the efficacy of taurine supplementation.
Tangent
Another study linked taurine levels with exercise, another well-known intervention for improving health. Researchers tested the levels in men, finding a significant increase for all after a strenuous workout, which “suggests that some of the health benefits of exercise may come from an increase in taurine.”
Surprising Fact
Taurine, a naturally occurring amino acid, was first isolated from ox bile in the early 1800s and named after the Latin word for bull or ox, “taurus.” While a common ingredient in energy drinks like Red Bull, Monster, and Rockstar, experts warn against their large caffeine and sugar content. Taurine is produced synthetically and has no relation to bull sperm or testicles.
Crucial Quote
“This study suggests that taurine could be an elixir of life within us that helps us live longer and healthier lives.” said study leader Vijay Yadav, a professor of genetics and development at Columbia University.
Further Reading
For more information on the rise of energy drinks, check out this article from The Guardian
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Jessica Irvine is a tech enthusiast specializing in gadgets. From smart home devices to cutting-edge electronics, Jessica explores the world of consumer tech, offering readers comprehensive reviews, hands-on experiences, and expert insights into the coolest and most innovative gadgets on the market.
