Could Taurine in Energy Drinks be the “Elixir of Life”?
Introduction
Scientists have discovered that taurine, a common ingredient found in energy drinks such as Red Bull or Monster, may have anti-ageing properties. Scientists have revealed that the addition of taurine supplements to the diet of middle-aged mice helped them live for an extra three months and improved physical and brain health. The results of the animal research studies have led the scientists to call for human clinical trials to determine if the benefits observed in mice could apply to humans. However, risks associated with the high doses of taurine provided to the mice must be thoroughly investigated before proceeding with the clinical trials.
What is Taurine?
Taurine is a sulphur-containing amino acid that occurs naturally in foods containing protein such as meat or fish. In the human body, taurine mainly concentrates in the brain, eyes, heart, and muscles. The amino acid is vital for maintaining muscle function, eyesight, and metabolism. It regulates calcium and electrolytes levels in the body and is involved in creating bile salts for digestion. Taurine also supports the central nervous and immune systems. Though taurine is produced by the human body, it only becomes useful in times of illness or stress.
The Benefit of Taurine in Anti-Ageing
In a recent study conducted at Columbia University, scientists found that boosting taurine in middle-aged animals to youthful levels extended their lifespan by over 10%. To test whether taurine deficiency plays a central role in the ageing process, the scientists studied 250 mice aged 14 months, roughly equivalent to 45 human-years. The mice were divided into two groups. One group was given taurine every day, while the other group was given a control solution. The researchers observed that female mice given taurine lived 12% longer than those in the control group. On the other hand, male mice given taurine lived 10% longer. The taurine-supplemented mice had better health outcomes, including increased bone density, improved memory, and a younger-looking immune system.
The Health Benefits of Taurine
Taurine has several health benefits, including supporting nerve growth and having important functions in the heart and the brain. It may benefit people with heart failure and prevent their condition from worsening by lowering blood pressure and calming the nervous system. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and has been studied for its role in energy production and improving exercise performance.
Are There Any Side Effects of Taurine?
While taurine has numerous health benefits, people should avoid consuming excessive amounts of energy drinks packed with taurine. The European Food Safety Authority suggests that consuming 6 grams of taurine a day is safe. Consuming large amounts of energy drinks will not have anti-ageing benefits and can cause unintended side effects.
Conclusion
Taurine‘s anti-ageing properties discovered in mice studies could have the potential to increase human lifespan if confirmed in human clinical trials. But the effects of taurine consumption on humans are largely unknown, and risks associated with the supplement’s high doses must be thoroughly investigated before proceeding with human clinical trials. People already obtain taurine through the meat and dairy products they consume, and adding supplements or consuming large amounts of energy drinks will not have age-defying benefits. A balanced and healthy diet, along with regular exercise, remains key to ageing well.
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