Taurine May be a Key to Longer and Healthier Life
Published:15 Jul.2023 Source:Columbia University Irving Medical Center
A deficiency of taurine-a nutrient produced in the body and found in many foods-is a driver of aging in animals, according to a new study led by Columbia researchers and involving dozens of aging researchers around the world. Many studies have found that various molecules carried through the bloodstream are associated with aging. Less certain is whether these molecules actively direct the aging process or are just passengers going along for the ride.
First, Yadav's team looked at levels of taurine in the bloodstream of mice, monkeys, and people and found that the taurine abundance decreases substantially with age. To learn how taurine impacted health, Yadav brought in other aging researchers who investigated the effect of taurine supplementation on the health and lifespan in several species. The researchers do not know yet if taurine supplements will improve health or increase longevity in humans, but two experiments they conducted suggest taurine has potential. In the first, Yadav and his team looked at the relationship between taurine levels and approximately 50 health parameters in 12 000 European adults aged 60 and over. The second study tested if taurine levels would respond to an intervention known to improve health: exercise.
Only a randomized clinical trial in people will determine if taurine truly has health benefits. Taurine trials are currently underway for obesity, but none are designed to measure a wide range of health parameters. Other potential anti-aging drugs-including metformin, rapamycin, and NAD analogs-are being considered for testing in clinical trials.