Study: Taurine slows down cellular aging and prolongs a healthy life

New study group of scientists suggests that taurine is an amino acid produced by the human body and is often added to energetic drinks, - can slow down aging and increase life expectancy. True, so far this is only relevant for mice and monkeys, with whom the study was conducted.

Scientists have found that with age, the level of taurine in the blood of animals decreases significantly. In humans, it actually drops by about 80% between early childhood and the age of 60 years. The addition of this amino acid to food allowed to increase the life expectancy of middle-aged mice by 10-12%, and also improved the health of the monkeys' bones and immunity.

The findings suggest that taurine should be tested as an aid to healthy aging in humans, the study authors write.

However, exactly how taurine slows down aging in some animals is not yet clear, and there is little long-term data on the effects of human use. Now, no one should take taurine supplements in an attempt to slow down the onset of old age.

noted Live Science experts.

So far, only small human trials have been conducted, in which taurine has been evaluated as a good tool for the treatment of metabolic diseases. “But now it is important to establish the long-term safety of the amino acid to see if it can be recommended. healthy people,” said Joseph Baur, professor of physiology at the Perelman School of Medicine of Pennsylvania. university.

Unlike typical amino acids, taurine is not used as a building block for proteins, but it plays other important roles in cells, added Joseph McGounn, MD, Ph.D.

Taurine is a key component of bile salts, compounds produced by the liver that help the body digest fat and They also help increase the body's supply of antioxidants, regulate the amount of fluid in cells, and activate certain brain receptors.

The human body produces taurine, and people also get it from foods, including meat and dairy. It is also added to energy drinks such as Red Bull, likely due to claims that it can improve athletic performance and focus. Although still far from all scientists believe in this.