Taurine: The New Secret To Living Longer And Healthier?
Delaying the effects of aging has been one of humanity's quests since forever. According to a study published in the journal Science, American researchers have just demonstrated that taurine, the molecule found in energy drinks, among other things, could prolong healthy life expectancy. Is this anti-aging molecule really a fountain of youth? Elements of response.
"What is taurine?"
When we talk about taurine, it especially evokes in the minds of the general public one of the key ingredients in energy drinks such as Red Bull or Dark Dog.
It is a derivative of a sulfur-containing amino acid naturally present in animal tissues. In food, it can be found in meats, fish, eggs, dairy products, and even algae...
Our body produces it in small amounts but it should be noted that its level decreases with age. There would be an 80% loss of taurine in our body between childhood and old age. However, according to a recent American study, compensating for this decrease would be beneficial for health and could even prolong lifespan.
What are the effects of taurine on health?
Taurine, sometimes used as a food additive, was suspected of being hazardous to health. But this complaint was later withdrawn and it is still used today in energy drinks not as an energizing ingredient but to prolong the effect of caffeine on vigilance and perception of fatigue. According to European health authorities, taurine-based dietary supplements cannot claim to increase physical or mental performance, protect cells from oxidative stress or toxins, support the immune system, or promote children's growth. All these health claims are prohibited on these products in Europe. However, the American study published in the journal Science could change things as it has demonstrated some health benefits of this molecule in mice and other animals.
Does taurine really have anti-aging benefits?
The American scientific study mentioned above has shown that taurine improves health and extends lifespan in certain animals. These studies, which focused primarily on mice, monkeys, and worms, revealed improved bone health as well as muscle and immune system strengthening through supplementation of this molecule.
Indian biologist Vijay Kumar Yadav, the lead author of this study, explained in an interview with Le Monde that "middle-aged mice supplemented with taurine had a lifespan 10 to 12% higher than those who received water."
In mice, this percentage equates to an additional 3 to 4 months of life. In human terms, the longevity gain would represent 7 to 8 years of additional life. However, of course, the initial results obtained in animals are not directly transposable to humans.
Is taurine also an elixir of life for humans?
For now, no clinical trial on the anti-aging effects of taurine has been conducted in humans. It could be carried out within 3 or 4 years.
Only a randomized clinical trial in humans will determine whether this molecule really has beneficial effects on health and aging. In the meantime, it is not recommended to consume meat or energy drinks excessively.
You would probably get the opposite effect because these drinks are richer in caffeine and sugar than in taurine. Too frequent consumption would only worsen certain health problems such as overweight, diabetes, or heart disease!
As often when scientists extol the virtues of an anti-aging molecule, it is important to remain cautious and not rush headlong into excessive and potentially dangerous consumption.
On the other hand, you can exercise or increase your daily physical activity because the production of taurine by the body is stimulated by physical exercise.
