- Taurine is a compound found not only in humans but also in dairy products and some energy drinks.
- In one study, researchers said taurine was an effective anti-aging agent that promoted longevity in mice.
- Experts say the findings are promising but require more human research.
A deficiency in the nutrient taurine is thought to accelerate aging in animals, but experts say more research is needed to determine whether the same effect is seen in humans.
Research published in the journal today chemistry Taurine supplementation slowed the aging process in monkeys, mice, and nematodes, and reportedly increased the healthy lifespan of middle-aged mice by up to 12%.
“For the past 25 years, scientists have been trying to find factors that not only extend our lifespan, but also our healthy lifespan, the length of time we stay healthy in old age.” Vijay YadavThe lead author of the study and assistant professor of genetics and development at Columbia University’s Baguellos College of Medicine and Surgery, said in a press statement.
“This study suggests that taurine may be an elixir of life that helps us live a longer and healthier life within our bodies,” Dr. Yadav added.
To begin the study, the researchers first looked at levels of taurine in the blood of monkeys, mice and humans, and found that levels declined significantly with age.
In humans, taurine levels at age 60 were found to be only one-third that of a 5-year-old child.
“That’s when we started looking at whether taurine deficiency was responsible for the aging process and started a large-scale experiment in mice,” Yadav said.
The researchers examined 250 mice, roughly 45 years old in human years. Mice were given taurine or control solution every day.
The lifespan of taurine-treated mice was increased by 12% in females and 10% in males. This equates to roughly 7-8 human years, or 3-4 months of her in mouse years.
The researchers also reported that animals given taurine for one year were in better health by nearly all measures compared to the other groups. They showed increased energy expenditure, increased bone mass, decreased depression and anxiety-like behavior, improved muscle strength and endurance, and decreased insulin resistance.
A similar positive effect was seen in taurine-treated monkeys.
Taurine is an amino acid naturally found in protein-containing foods such as meat, fish and dairy. Taurine is also added to some energy drinks.
Lori Wright“Taurine is considered ‘non-essential’ because it can be produced by our bodies,” the president of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics told MNT.
“Taurine has many roles in the body, including acting as a neurotransmitter in the brain. [It] It aids digestion and forms bile salts that support the nervous system,” she added.
According to Dr. Wright, the effects of taurine on the human body are an interesting area, and it is likely that more research will be done on this compound.
“Because of the abundance of taurine in the body and its role, [in] There is growing interest in the role of taurine in aging of the nervous system. I think there will be studies of taurine in humans soon,” she said.
It is not yet known whether taurine supplements extend longevity or improve health in humans.
However, a study by researchers in European adults suggests it may be possible.
They examined health parameters of 12,000 European adults over the age of 60. Researchers reported that people with higher taurine levels were healthier, less obese, had lower levels of inflammation, less frequent hypertension, and fewer cases of type 2 diabetes.
“These are associations, not causation,” Yadav said. “However, the results are consistent with the possibility that taurine deficiency contributes to human aging.”
Researchers say randomized human trials are needed to determine taurine’s true health benefits.
Research on anti-aging and longevity promotion continues to grow.
Nutrition and diet are just a few of the factors believed to accelerate or slow down aging.
“Diet and specific deficiencies can affect longevity through a variety of mechanisms. It really depends on what the nutrient is and whether it’s a component of overall diet quality But many animal studies have shown that even a small calorie deficit can extend lifespan.We know that physical activity can extend lifespan.”
Dana Hannes“I’m a senior clinical dietician at UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles,” said Dr. MNT.
“We also know that deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals (such as vitamin A and iron) can lead to shorter lifespans. We also know that it increases the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and shortens lifespan.Heart disease and stroke.So what we eat definitely has an impact,” said Dr. Hunnes. .
Taurine occurs naturally in the human body and taurine deficiency in humans is rare.
Experts we spoke with MNT They say the best way to slow the aging process through nutrition is to stick to a healthy, balanced diet.
“An overall plan for improving health and longevity would be the Mediterranean or MIND diet, with antioxidants in fruits, vegetables, healthy oils, fish and whole grains,” said Dr. Wright. .
