An international research team has found that taurine, an amino acid naturally present in meat, fish, and dairy products, can potentially delay aging and increase a healthy lifespan. The study revealed that taurine supplements increased the healthy lifespan of middle-aged mice by up to 12% and showed benefits in worms and monkeys. However, researchers caution that the results need to be validated in long-term human trials.
Key Points:
- Taurine, an amino acid, was found to have potential anti-aging properties in a series of tests conducted on worms, mice, and monkeys.
- The research showed that taurine levels decrease by an estimated 80% over a typical human lifespan. Supplementing taurine in middle-aged mice and worms increased their median lifespans by 10-12% and 10-23% respectively.
- In mice, taurine supplementation improved several aging markers, including strength, coordination, and memory. Additionally, when given to middle-aged rhesus macaques for six months, taurine improved bone density, blood sugar levels, and liver and immune function markers.
- The study noted lower levels of taurine in people with obesity and diabetes, while higher levels were found in people who exercised, suggesting possible connections between taurine, physical activity, and overall health.
- Although no toxic effects are known to be associated with taurine, the doses used in the study have rarely been used in humans. Therefore, further research is necessary to determine the potential benefits and risks of taurine supplementation in humans.
Source: https://www.sciencealert.com/boosting-one-amino-acid-might-be-the-secret-to-longer-lifespans
