Key Ingredient Used In Energy Drinks Could Slow Down Ageing

Pixabay

According to a study, an important component used frequently in energy drinks may slow down the body's aging process.

Researchers want to test out taurine, a chemical commonly found in energy beverages like Red Bull, on humans after discovering that it extends the lives of mice.

According to experts, the molecule, which does occur naturally in the body and is frequently present in protein-rich foods like fish or meat, may act as an "elixir of life" and, in essence, extend our lives.

Alamy

The amount of taurine in the human body decreases by 80% during the course of life, according to a team of researchers at Columbia University in New York.

However, when they were increased to more youthful levels, the healthy lifespans of middle-aged mice increased by up to an additional three to four months, which is equivalent to around seven or eight human years.

Additionally, the use of taurine benefited the health of monkeys in other ways.

Getty Images

In the study, it was discovered that taurine-fed mice lived 10–12% longer, with life expectancy increasing by 18–25% in some instances.

The report, which was published in Science, claims: “Taurine abundance decreases during aging. A reversal of this decline through taurine supplementation increases health span and life span in mice and worms and health span in monkeys.”

"This identifies taurine deficiency as a driver of aging in these species. Reversal of taurine deficiency during aging may be a promising anti-aging strategy.”

"Given that taurine has no known toxic effects in humans (though rarely used in concentrations used here), can be administered orally, and affects all the major hallmarks of aging, human trials are warranted to examine whether taurine supplementation increases healthy life span in humans.”

The head of the research team, Dr. Vijay Yadav, stated: “This study suggests that taurine could be an elixir of life within us that helps us live longer and healthier lives.”

Although it's not apparent if people would gain the same advantages as the animals did, they suggested that a thorough study be conducted to determine whether taurine would shorten our lives.

The scientists examined the levels of taurine in a sample of individuals and discovered that those with higher levels were healthier, but they are unsure if the chemical supplements may increase human longevity.

Those with lower levels additionally experienced conditions like Type 2 diabetes and obesity.

University of Munich Professor Henning Wackerhage said: “What we really need now is a human intervention study. We are raring to go.”

However, increasing one's consumption of taurine through energy drinks, dietary modifications, or medications is not advised by scientists.

Further research, including human trials, is necessary to confirm these findings and understand the optimal dosage and potential risks associated with taurine supplementation.