Can Taurine Slow Aging? Here ’s What the Latest Science Says

Anti-aging supplements become popular based more on hype than hard evidence—but researchers are starting to investigate some of the more promising ones to add some scientific rigor to the claims. The latest is the amino acid taurine: a familiar ingredient in energy drinks and one that scientists have been studying for decades, albeit for reasons other than aging. In a paper published June 8 in Science, researchers report on encouraging results that show taurine can slow aging in a number of animal species, including worms, mice, and monkeys. In people, the team also reports that taurine levels decline with age and can be boosted with exercise. [time-brightcove not-tgx=”true”] Taurine is a far cry from a fountain of youth, but the findings suggest that it may be hold promise as a supplement that could help certain body systems function better and act “younger” again. Humans make taurine naturally in the body, mostly in the brain, heart, and reproductive organs. We can also get it through diet by eating meat, fish, and eggs. Athletes have long known that taurine can improve energy and performance, and it’s also been part of obesity treatments. But its role in aging wasn’t clear until now. Read More: Pre-Workout Powders Are Gaining Popularity. Do They Work? What is especially intriguing about the findings, the authors said during a briefing, is that taurine appears to not only slow aging and extend lifespan, but also improve health span&...
Source: TIME: Health - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Uncategorized healthscienceclimate Research Source Type: news