Could Taurine Deficiency Speed Up Ageing? New Research Suggests
Key Highlights :
Ageing is an inevitable part of life, but new research suggests that a deficiency of a certain molecule found in protein-rich foods could speed up the process. A team of international researchers has found that taurine supplements may slow down ageing in mice and monkeys, extending the healthy lifespans of middle-aged mice by up to 12 per cent. The findings, published in the journal Science, make the case for further studies with human trials.
Taurine is an amino acid found in meat, fish and eggs, and plays an important role in supporting immune health, nervous system function and energy production. Some energy drinks have taurine added to them due to its hypothesised effect on mental and athletic performance. Previous research has shown that taurine deficiency is associated with ageing, but it was not clear whether it actively directs the ageing process or is just a passenger going along for the ride.
For the study, the researchers looked at blood samples and measured the taurine concentrations at different ages in mice, monkeys, and humans. They tested nearly 250 female and male mice around 14 months old, which is equivalent to about 45 years of age in people terms. Half of the mice were given a taurine supplement and the other half a control solution. The team found that consuming taurine supplements increased average lifespan by 12 per cent in female mice and 10 per cent in males. This translates to three to four extra months for mice, equivalent to about seven or eight human years.
The team also found that daily intake of 500 and 1000 milligrams of taurine supplement per kilogram of body weight was associated with improvements in strength, coordination, and cognitive functions in the rodents. They then tested the effects of taurine supplements in middle-aged monkeys and found that those taking it every day for six months also showed improvements in their immune systems, bone density and overall metabolic health.
The researchers then looked at data from a study involving 12,000 European adults aged 60 and over. They found that people with higher taurine levels were healthier, with fewer cases of type 2 diabetes, lower obesity levels, and lower levels of inflammation. Lastly, the researchers measured taurine levels of male athletes and sedentary people who took part in a strenuous cycling workout, before and after the activity. They said a “significant increase” in taurine levels was seen in both athletes and sedentary people.
Based on their findings, the researchers said anti-ageing human clinical trials, which are already investigating drugs such as metformin and rapamycin, should also include taurine. Prof Yadav said: “Taurine abundance goes down with age, so restoring taurine to a youthful level in old age may be a promising anti-ageing strategy.”
The findings from this study suggest that taurine deficiency could be a contributing factor to accelerated ageing. While more studies are needed to confirm the effects of taurine on human ageing, the results are promising and could potentially lead to new treatments for age-related conditions.
