United States: Scientists are advocating for a large-scale clinical trial to investigate the potential benefits of taurine supplementation, a substance commonly found in energy drinks. A new study has revealed that taurine supplementation could slow down the ageing process and promote healthier lives. Researchers observed a significant decline in taurine levels with age, but when they replenished these levels to more youthful amounts, the health of mice and monkeys improved, and the lifespans of mice even extended.
While it remains uncertain if humans would experience similar benefits or if high doses of taurine are safe, scientists believe the existing evidence justifies conducting a comprehensive trial. Taurine is a naturally occurring micronutrient in the body and is already used as a supplement at lower doses.
Dr. Vijay Yadav, who led the research at Columbia University, explained that taurine levels decline with age, and restoring them can lead to longer and healthier lives for animals. “At the end of the day, these findings should be relevant to humans.” Dr. Yadav added.
The proposed trial would involve comparing the effects of daily taurine or placebo supplements on human participants. Although determining if individuals live longer might be challenging, the focus would be on assessing if they live healthier lives for an extended period, which is a primary goal in medicine.
Initial investigations by Yadav’s team began in 2012, when they discovered a sharp decline in taurine levels with age in mice, monkeys, and humans. Subsequently, middle-aged mice were supplemented with taurine, resulting in improved health and a more youthful appearance. Taurine-supplemented mice exhibited denser bones, stronger muscles, better memory, and a rejuvenated immune system.
Furthermore, the mice on taurine lived longer, with males experiencing an average extension of 10% and females 12 percent in their lifespans, roughly equivalent to three to four additional months or seven to eight human years. To achieve similar effects in humans, a daily dose of three to six grammes of taurine would be necessary.
The scientists also conducted a trial with middle-aged macaques and observed positive outcomes, including weight control, lower blood glucose levels, improved bone density, and enhanced immune systems. Additional evidence indicates that higher taurine levels are associated with lower obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and inflammation in individuals aged 60 and above.
Despite these promising findings, the scientists caution against taurine supplementation without substantial evidence from a major trial demonstrating its safety and benefits. They do not recommend increasing taurine intake through pills, energy drinks, or dietary modifications until further research is conducted.
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