Taurine May Slow Ageing

Taurine is a sulfur-containing amino acid that is widely distributed in animal tissues. It is named after Latin taurus (cognate to Ancient Greek ταῦρος, taûros) meaning bull or ox, as it was first isolated from ox bile in 1827 by German scientists Friedrich Tiedemann and Leopold Gmelin.

It has many biological roles, such as conjugation of bile acids, antioxidation, osmoregulation, membrane stabilization, and modulation of calcium signaling. It is essential for cardiovascular function, and development and function of skeletal muscle, the retina, and the central nervous system.

Taurine is mainly found in animal proteins such as meat, seafood, and dairy. Plants contain very little or no taurine. Taurine is also added to some energy drinks and supplements. Some recent studies have suggested that taurine may have life-lengthening benefits in mammals, but more research is needed to confirm its effects on human health.

Effects of Taurine on the Body

Taurine may have various effects on the body, depending on the dose, the source, and the individual. Some of the possible effects are:

1. Promoting healthy metabolism.

Taurine helps the liver to create bile salts, which help break down fatty acids in the intestines. Taurine also influences the expression of genes and enzymes involved in cholesterol and lipid metabolism.

2. Enhancing sports performance.

Taurine may increase oxygen uptake, reduce muscle damage, improve recovery times, and boost strength and power in athletes.

3. Supporting cardiovascular function.

Taurine may lower blood pressure, improve heart function, and prevent arrhythmias.

4. Protecting the nervous system.

Taurine may modulate neurotransmitters, protect neurons from oxidative stress, and prevent neurodegeneration.

5. Supporting immune health.

Taurine may act as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic agent, and modulate immune cell function.

However, taurine may also have some side effects or interactions with certain medications or conditions. Therefore, it is advisable to consult your doctor before taking taurine supplements or consuming large amounts of taurine from energy drinks or other sources.

Effect of Taurine on Ageing

Scientists think that taurine may have some anti-aging benefits for animals and possibly humans, but more research is needed to confirm its effects and safety. Some of the possible effects of taurine on aging are:

1. Slowing down the decline of taurine levels.

Taurine levels naturally decrease with age in humans and animals. Supplementing with taurine may restore these levels and support various functions of the body.

2. Extending lifespan and health span. I

n animal studies, taurine supplementation increased the lifespan of mice by 10% to 12%, which is equivalent to seven to eight years in human terms. Taurine also improved the health and vitality of the animals by reducing many markers of aging.

3. Protecting against age-related diseases.

Taurine may lower the risk of diabetes, heart disease, liver disease, depression, anxiety, inflammation, and oxidative stress, which are common conditions associated with aging. Taurine may also enhance immune system health, muscle strength and endurance, energy expenditure, and bone mass and strength.

However, these effects have not been proven in human trials yet. Therefore, it is not advisable to take taurine supplements without consulting your doctor first. Taurine may have some side effects or interactions with certain medications or conditions. Also, the optimal dose and duration of taurine supplementation for anti-aging purposes are not known.