Taurine May Lead to a Longer, Healthier Life

• New animal and human research shows that taurine levels decline with age.
• The study also found that mice and monkeys encounter healthier markers after taking taurine for a set period of time.
• Much research on taurine focuses on animals, not humans.

Many people aim to lead a long and healthy life. But the factors that lead to aging are complex, and researchers are still learning about what drives it. Now, a new study suggests that the nutrient taurine may be a factor.

The study, published in the journal Science and conducted by dozens of aging researchers around the world, involved several studies on animals and humans.

The researchers first looked at taurine levels in the blood of mice, monkeys and humans, and found that levels decreased with age. In humans, for example, taurine levels in 60-year-olds were about one-third that of 5-year-olds.

The researchers then took 250 14-month-old mice (which are about 45 years old in person-years) and fed them either a bolus of taurine or a control solution daily. Researchers found that female mice given taurine had a 12% longer lifespan and male mice had a 10% longer lifespan. (That translated to an extra three to four months in mice and about seven or eight years in humans.)

Other experiments with mice showed that at two years of age, or about 60 human years, animals that took taurine for a year were healthier in almost every way than those that didn’t. were not taking.

Similar results were seen in middle-aged monkeys that were given taurine supplements daily for six months. The nutrient prevented weight gain, reduced fasting blood sugar and markers of liver damage, increased bone density in their spine and legs, and improved their immune system health.

It is important to note that much of the research has been done on animals, not humans. “These studies suggest that the abundance of taurine is a regulator of health in the elderly and that its supplementation may also have beneficial effects,” says study co-author Vijay Yadav, Ph.D., assistant professor of genetics and development at Columbia University. “Our next goal is to perform a controlled trial in humans.”

This raises a lot of questions about taurine and its uses. Here’s what you need to know.

What is taurine ?

Taurine is an amino acid found naturally in protein-containing foods, such as meat or fish, explains Jessica Cording, RD, author of The Little Book of Game Changers.

Your body uses taurine for actions within cells, including energy production, according to the Mayo Clinic. Taurine also helps your body process bile acids and balance fluids, salts, and minerals in your body.

“Unlike many other amino acids, taurine is not used in building protein,” says Scott Keatley, RD, co-owner of Keatley Medical Nutrition Therapy. “It is considered a semi-essential micronutrient because the body can produce some taurine, but not always enough. Therefore, food intake is sometimes necessary, especially in times of stress.

Taurine is found “in abundance” in the brain, retina, heart and blood cells called platelets, Keatley says.

Of note, according to Cording: Taurine is “very commonly” added to energy drinks.

The potential benefits of taurine

There are not many studies on the impact of taurine on humans. However, research has been shown to be involved in several brain processes. “It’s an important nutrient for brain function,” says Cording.

It’s also sometimes considered an important nutrient for heart health, Cording says. Research has shown that taurine has an anti-inflammatory effect on the body, can help regulate blood pressure and may even protect against coronary heart disease.

“Before this study, taurine was already recognized for various potential health benefits,” says Keatley. “It may help manage diabetes by improving blood sugar control and reducing insulin resistance. Taurine may also have antioxidant properties, potentially helping to fight inflammation and protect cells in the body from damage. damage.

Cording notes this important point: “We don’t really have clear guidelines for taurine.” This means that there is no official recommendation for all Americans to have a certain amount of taurine each day. Still, Keatley says, “Athletes take taurine to improve performance, while others might use it to help manage conditions like heart disease, liver disease, cystic fibrosis, and even s ‘improve mentally’.

“But most of the potential benefits of taking taurine have been associated with animal and in vitro studies, not humans,” says Keri Gans, RD, author of The small change diet. “More research is needed in controlled human clinical trials to confirm the health benefits.”

Are there any risks in taking taurine?

Taurine is “generally considered safe” when consumed in moderation, Keatley says. However, having too much can lead to side effects, including:

• stomach discomfort
• Nausea
• Dizziness

“People with kidney problems should avoid taurine supplements because their kidneys may not be able to remove it effectively, leading to buildup in the body,” Keatley says.

Foods containing taurine

You can get taurine from certain foods. Keatley says these are the biggest sources:

• Seafood: Shellfish, salmon and mackerel are rich in taurine.

• Meat: Chicken, beef and pork contain taurine, with darker meat generally containing more than white meat.

• Dairy products: Milk and other dairy products such as cheese and yogurt contain taurine.

• Energy drinks: Many energy drinks contain taurine. “It should be noted that these drinks often also contain high levels of caffeine and sugar, which may not fit all healthy diets,” says Keatley.

The bottom line

Although there has been research on taurine, there is still much to explore. “Most of the research we have on taurine is in animals,” Cording says. “We need more human studies to better understand that this is something that should be recommended for humans.”

She suggests focusing on food sources of taurine. Gans agrees. “At this time, I’m not sure there’s enough clinical evidence to suggest taking taurine,” she says. “Most people can get adequate amounts from their daily diet, as well as what their body produces.”

Note: Yadav also does not recommend taking a taurine supplement. “We don’t recommend taurine supplementation in humans at this time,” he says. “We need to test it in different groups and populations first.”

If you still want to take a taurine supplement, Keatley recommends talking to your doctor first. “If anyone wants to take taurine, they should first consult a healthcare professional,” he says. “This is especially important for people with existing health conditions or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.”

Keatley also points out that the recent study that linked taurine to anti-aging is primarily based on mice, monkeys, and worms. “Further research, especially well-controlled human trials, is needed to establish the anti-aging effects of taurine in humans,” he says.

Korin Miller is a freelance writer specializing in general wellness, health and sex, and lifestyle trends, with work appearing in Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Self, Glamour, and more. She has a master’s degree from American University, lives near the beach, and hopes to one day own a teacup pig and a taco truck.