Taurine is an amino acid found in meat and shellfish. It is commonly added to energy drinks as a supplement. These drinks often claim to improve brain function. However, there is limited scientific evidence to support these claims. Nevertheless, new research suggests that taurine may have the ability to delay mortality and counteract the detrimental effects of aging.
To identify taurine’s potential role in aging, researchers conducted an analysis of various blood molecules in animals of different ages. Their investigation revealed a significant disparity in taurine levels between older and younger animals. Older animals had significantly lower taurine levels, around 80% lower than younger ones. Based on these findings, the researchers conducted studies on worms, mice, and primates to investigate taurine’s role in aging.
The study involved two groups of animals: one received a daily dosage of taurine, while the other received a placebo.
The results showed that middle-aged female mice who received taurine experienced a remarkable 12% increase in lifespan compared to those without taurine supplementation.
Similarly, male mice exhibited a lifespan extension of approximately 10 percent compared to female mice. Additionally, all animals that received taurine reported improved health and appeared younger. Furthermore, taurine supplementation demonstrated a decrease in DNA damage in older animals.
Potential Benefits of Taurine and the Need for Further Study
The potential benefits of taurine for humans and the safety of administering high doses remain uncertain. However, scientists consider the existing evidence compelling enough to justify conducting a large-scale trial. This is especially significant considering that taurine is a naturally occurring substance in the body and is already used as a supplement at lower doses.
“Taurine abundance declines with age and reversal of this decline makes animals live longer and healthier lives,” said Dr Vijay Yadav, who led the research at Columbia University in New York.
“At the end of the day, these findings should be relevant to humans.”
