Amino acid in energy drinks makes mice live longer and healthier

Researchers first sifted the amino acid taurine from a sample of ox bile in 1827. Today, it’s better known as one of the main ingredients in many energy drinks. But it may do more than drive sales of these beverages. A study published today in Science suggests boosting taurine levels increases life span in mice and improves the physical condition of middle-aged monkeys , hinting it could do the same for people. “This might be something that could be used to fight aging-related diseases or increase life span in humans,” says molecular physiologist Dudley Lamming of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, who wasn’t connected to the study. “We need to figure that out.” Taurine’s known roles include helping cells balance their water content and aiding the liver’s production of bile, a fluid that promotes digestion. Our bodies make some of the taurine we need, but we can also obtain it by eating foods such as shellfish and meat. Taurine has long been sold as a dietary supplement that purportedly increases exercise performance and strength. Many energy drinks are brimming with it. A single can of some drink brands can contain about one-third of the daily maximum intake recommended by the Mayo Clinic. Although data showing the clinical benefits of taurine supplementation are sparse, studies have found that as people age, its levels dwindle. That decline spurred molecular physiologist Vijay Yadav of Colu...
Source: ScienceNOW - Category: Science Source Type: news