Taurine could be potential elixir of life: study

Taurine is an amino acid naturally found in protein-rich foods such as meat, fish, and dairy products

Taurine, a compound found in humans as well as dairy products and some energy drinks, may play a crucial role in promoting longevity and healthy aging, a recent study published in the journal Science suggests.  

The study which was conducted by researchers from Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons found that taurine supplements slowed down the aging process in monkeys, mice, and worms, while extending the healthy lifespan of middle-aged mice by up to 12 percent.

“For the last 25 years, scientists have been trying to find factors that not only let us live longer, but also increase health span, the time we remain healthy in our old age,” Vijay Yadav, PhD, the lead author of the study and an assistant professor of genetics & development at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York, said in a press statement.

“This study suggests that taurine could be an elixir of life within us that helps us live longer and healthier lives,” Dr. Yadav added.

The researchers initially observed a significant decrease in taurine levels with age in monkeys, mice, and humans. In fact, taurine levels in 60-year-olds were found to be only one-third of those found in 5-year-olds. This prompted the researchers to investigate whether taurine deficiency contributes to the aging process. They conducted an experiment involving approximately 250 mice that were equivalent to 45 years of age in human terms. The mice were given daily doses of taurine or a control solution.

The results revealed that mice receiving taurine experienced an increased lifespan of 12 percent in females and 10 percent in males, which translated to about seven to eight human years or three to four months in mice years. Moreover, the taurine-treated mice exhibited various health benefits compared to the control group. They had higher energy expenditure, increased bone mass, reduced depression and anxiety-like behaviors, improved muscle strength and endurance, and decreased insulin resistance. Monkeys that were administered taurine also showed similar positive effects.

What is Taurine 

Taurine is an amino acid naturally found in protein-rich foods such as meat, fish, and dairy products. It is also added to some energy drinks. While the human body can produce taurine, its role and effects on the body are still being investigated. 

Although the study’s findings are promising, it remains uncertain whether taurine supplementation can increase longevity and improve health in humans. However, research on European adults indicated that higher taurine levels were associated with better health outcomes, including lower obesity rates, reduced inflammation, less hypertension, and a lower incidence of type 2 diabetes. 

The researchers have emphasized the need for randomized clinical trials in humans to establish the true health benefits of taurine.

Anti-aging and longevity 

The field of anti-aging and longevity research is rapidly expanding, with nutrition and diet being recognized as significant factors that can either accelerate or decelerate the aging process. Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet is considered essential for slowing down aging. Experts recommend following a Mediterranean or MIND diet, which incorporates fruits, vegetables, healthy oils, fish, and whole grains to provide antioxidants and promote overall health and longevity.

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