Taurine is a vital nutrient found in various animal-based foods, including meat, fish, and dairy products. It is also available as a dietary supplement. This unique compound has garnered significant attention from scientists due to its potential role in extending life and improving health across different animal species. Studies have shown that taurine levels decline with age in various organisms, including humans, leading researchers to explore its impact on aging and overall well-being.
As per an article published in BBC News, scientists at Columbia University have found that taurine, a nutrient commonly found in meat, fish, and sold as a supplement, can extend life and improve health in various animal species. Taurine levels naturally decline with age in different species, including humans.
In experiments conducted on middle-aged animals, researchers discovered that increasing taurine levels to that of younger individuals extended life by over 10% and enhanced physical and brain health. However, the researchers caution against people purchasing taurine pills or energy drinks to prolong their lives, as the effects of taurine supplementation in humans have not been tested.
This study is the latest development in the search for methods to slow down the aging process. The research began by analyzing molecules in the blood of different species to understand the differences between young and old individuals. Taurine was one of the molecules that showed a significant decline with age, with levels in elderly individuals being 80% lower than in the young. Taurine is primarily obtained through animal protein in the diet or synthesized by the body since it is almost non-existent in plants.
In the experiments, mice equivalent to middle-aged humans were given a daily dose of taurine, resulting in male mice living 10% longer and females 12% longer, with improved overall health. Similar increases in lifespan, ranging from 10% to 23%, were observed in worms. Rhesus monkeys aged 15 were also given taurine for six months, leading to improvements in body weight, bone density, blood sugar levels, and the immune system.
The researchers conducted an analysis of 12,000 people, which revealed that those with higher taurine levels in their blood generally had better health. If the results from the mice experiments can be applied to humans, it could potentially mean an additional seven to eight years of life. However, further clinical trials involving humans are needed to confirm the benefits of taurine supplementation.
The reasons behind the decline in taurine levels with age and how it specifically slows down aging are still unclear. Additionally, potential risks associated with taking taurine have not been fully explored, although current evidence suggests its safety. The amount of taurine used in the experiments would be challenging to consume through the diet alone, requiring 3-6 grams per day for humans.
The researchers emphasize the need for completed clinical trials before recommending taurine supplementation to the wider population. They advise focusing on proven methods of living longer, such as maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly. Taurine appears to play a role in reducing cellular senescence, the process where cells stop dividing, and also supports the functioning of mitochondria, the powerhouses of cells. However, further research is required to understand the mechanisms involved.
While the findings are promising, some experts urge caution, suggesting that the implications for people remain limited until costly human trials are conducted. They also highlight that solely focusing on increasing dietary taurine may lead to poor nutritional choices, as plant-rich diets are associated with human health and longevity.
