A new study suggests that a dietary supplement, commonly used by fitness enthusiasts, may have anti-aging benefits. Researchers found that a high daily dose of taurine, an amino acid found in energy drinks and various foods, delayed death and slowed the biological effects of aging in mice, monkeys, and worms. The animals showed improvements in strength, memory, metabolism, and a reduction in inflammation and DNA damage. Middle-aged mice that consumed taurine lived significantly longer than those that did not. However, researchers caution against viewing taurine as a magic elixir for life extension, and advise people to be cautious when consuming the supplement, especially at high doses. While taurine has long been considered safe, it can cause digestive problems, kidney strain, and harmful medication interactions when ingested in large amounts. Moreover, its effectiveness in promoting healthy aging in humans has not yet been established. Human studies on taurine supplementation have only tested low doses of about 1.5 grams per day, whereas mice and monkeys were given a dose equivalent to three to six grams a day for humans, a level deemed safe but still on the higher end of the spectrum. As Vijay Yadav, the lead author of the study, concludes, further clinical trials still need to be done.
