Taurine ‘may slow ageing process’

The findings, published in the journal Science on 8 June, have led to calls for clinical trials on humans, after widespread health benefits resulted when animals including mice and monkeys were given supplements of the micronutrient.

The study found that levels of taurine – which is occurs naturally within the body – decreased with age. However, when given supplements of the substance, animals lived longer and suffered from less health problems than animals whose taurine levels were allowed to deplete.

The scientists, however, did not recommend people boost their taurine intake through supplements, energy drinks, or by making diet changes until further studies are conducted on humans.

Clinical trials directly looking at the impact of taurine boosting in humans are yet to take place, but evidence suggests those with higher taurine levels suffer from less health problems.

By analysing medical data from 12,000 Europeans aged over 60, Yadav and his team found people with more taurine in their body were less likely to suffer from obesity, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.

Taurine is made naturally in the body and is found in meat and shellfish diets, as well as in energy drinks. Levels of the substance have been found to increase through strenuous exercise.

The health impact of energy drinks is a subject of much scrutiny. Globally, the category is now worth $87.2bn, and is forecast to grow by a CAGR of 7.05% between 2023 and 2027, according to GlobalData.

Just Drinks