New research Taurine linked with healthy aging / Science A group of scientists suggests that taurine, an amino acid produced by the human body and often added to energy drinks, can slow down aging and increase life expectancy. However, so far this is relevant only for mice and monkeys, with whom the study was conducted.
Scientists have found that with age, the level of taurine in the blood of animals decreases significantly. In humans, it drops by about 80% altogether between early childhood and the age of 60. The addition of this amino acid to food allowed to increase the life expectancy of middle-aged mice by 10-12%, and also improved the bone health of monkeys and their immunity.
The findings suggest that taurine should be tested as a means to promote healthy aging of people, the authors of the study write.
However, it is not yet clear exactly how taurine slows down aging in some animals, and there is little long-term data on the effects of human use. Now no one should take supplements with taurine in an attempt to slow down the approach of old age, noted experts of Live Science.
So far, only small human trials have been conducted, in which taurine has been evaluated as a good remedy for the treatment of metabolic diseases. "But now it is important to establish the long—term safety of the amino acid in order to understand whether it can be recommended to healthy people," said Joseph Baur, professor of physiology at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine.
Unlike typical amino acids, taurine is not used as a building material for proteins, but it plays other important roles in cells, added Joseph Mcgownn, PhD.
Taurine is a key component of bile acid salts, compounds produced by the liver that help the body digest fat, as well as help increase the supply of antioxidants in the body, regulate the amount of fluid in cells and activate certain brain receptors.
The human body produces taurine, and people also get it from foods, including meat and milk. It is also added to energy drinks such as Red Bull, probably due to claims that it can improve athletic performance and concentration. Although still not all scientists believe in it.
