Can taurine supplements slow ageing?

"Our study suggests that taurine could be an elixir of life within us," - study leader Vijay Yadav, assistant professor of genetics and development at Columbia University.

What is taurine?

We all have levels of taurine in our bodies, and these decrease as we age. A naturally occurring amino acid, taurine is found in protein-rich foods, like meat, fish, and eggs. Many health benefits have been known by scientists for years. For example, taurine:

• Supports our bodies' cells.

• Boosts energy production, which may enhance exercise performance.

• Helps balance important minerals, salts, and bile acids.

• Improves heart disease risk factors.

Until now, no one has investigated how the levels of taurine in our bodies might affect ageing.

In June 2023, research carried out by Columbia University¹ caused a buzz when preliminary studies revealed the relationship between taurine and ageing - and that taurine supplements may prolong life.

For those hoping to live longer and heathier lives, these are exciting results - yet in reality, the researchers don't yet know if taurine supplements are safe and effective in humans.

However, trials looking at how taurine behaves in the body do show potential. For example, one study measured taurine in the blood before and after male athletes and more sedentary people finished a high intensity cycling workout. In both groups, the workout significantly increased taurine levels, suggesting that taurine responds to healthy lifestyle measures².

Taurine is also already being added to drinks with the aim of supporting health and fitness. As it's naturally found in human milk - but not cow's milk - it’s commonly added to prepared baby formulas to support infant development³. However, much like taurine for longer life, evidence in this area is lacking.

We may not be ready to call taurine an elixir of life just yet, but repeating this recent experiment in human trials can get us closer.

Speaking after this latest data was released, study lead Yadav said: "We need to wait for a large-scale, randomised-controlled trial before taurine supplementation can be safely recommended for people...I think taurine should also be considered, and it has some advantages: Taurine is naturally produced in our bodies, it can be obtained naturally in the diet, it has no known toxic effects - although it's rarely used in concentrations."

These clinical trials would involve several stages and many volunteers, to investigate taurine supplements accurately and safely. It won't happen overnight, but we could be looking at a viable, evidence-based anti-ageing supplement in the future.

1. Singh et al: Taurine deficiency as a driver of aging.

2. ScienceDaily: Taurine may be a key to longer and healthier life.

3. Lawrence and Lawrence: breastfeeding - biochemistry of human milk.

4. Kurtz et al: Taurine in sports and exercise.

5. CDC: The Buzz on energy drinks.