June 9, 2023

As humans age, the amount of taurine circulating in the body declines, according to findings from a research project published this week in the journal Science. Lower taurine concentrations correlate with several age-related diseases in the heart, skin, skeletal muscle, and liver.

Taurine, a sulfur-containing amino acid, occurs naturally in foods with protein, such as meat or fish. The human body uses taurine for actions in cells such as energy production, according to a Mayo Clinic health expert. Taurine also helps the body process bile acid and balance fluids, salts, and minerals.

Forty-six scientists contributed to the Science article. One of the lead researchers on the project was Vijay K. Yadav. Since 2018, he has been an associate professor at the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York. Earlier he was at the National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India, where several other contributors continue to be employed.  

Yadav, 43-years-old, has co-authored 38 research articles. From 2015 to 2018, while at the National Institute of Immunology, he lead a team of six whose analysis of an animal genetic model of autism showed that autism leads to low bone density. This opened up new avenues to treat skeletal fragility in children with autism.

Earlier, from 2010 to 2015, Yadav was at Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom, where he led a staff of eight to identify and manage low bone density disorders. From 2006 to 2010, he was a postdoctoral scientist at Columbia University, New York; and a postdoctoral scientist at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, 2005-2006.

In 2016, Yadav founded Live strong with G6PD deficiency - glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, an inherited deficiency that affects more than 400 million people around the World. The goal of the non-profit, which has more than 10,000 members and is run via Facebook, is to educate individuals with G6PDD to stay strong and healthy by helping them about what to consume.

Yadav was a Ph.D. student at the Indian Institute of Science Bangalore, 1999 to 2005.

In humans, taurine concentrations increased after acute endurance exercise. according to the research published in Science. Giving taurine supplements increased the health span (the period of healthy living) and life span in mice, while also improving health, memory and metabolism, the researchers noted.  

Energy drinks are marketed as a rich source of taurine supplements. While taurine may not cause a problem, the other ingredients in these beverages could, notes a Mayo Clinic health expert. Energy drinks may include caffeine, sugar, and other ingredients such as herbal extracts.

Children and teenagers should not drink energy drinks because of the caffeine, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. In some adults the caffeine may cause dehydration, problems falling asleep, nervousness and tension. Also, consuming large amounts of taurine can cause digestive problems, kidney strain and potentially harmful interactions with medications.

Yadav told The New York Times that more clinical trials involving humans needs to be done before taurine is recommended as an anti-aging supplement. He declined to say whether he takes taurine supplements: “I don’t want to be an influencer…”

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