Lots of us are familiar with taurine, as an ingredient found in popular energy drinks. But on-going research from Columbia University suggests that this nutrient may be the key to a longer life. Taurine is not strictly an amino acid, but an amino sulfonic acid and is found mainly in animal foods such as meat, eggs and fish, so may be in short supply in plant-based diets. The level in our bodies declines naturally with age and can be 80% lower in the elderly than in younger people.

Researchers initially gave taurine to middle aged mice and found that it increased not only lifespan, by 10-12%, but also overall health and markers of youth such as bone density, memory and immune function. When the trials were repeated in primates, similar results were seen, with blood sugar control and body weight also being improved. The results seem to be due to several different mechanisms of action including a reduction in mitochondrial dysfunction, DNA damage and inflammation and protection against telomerase deficiency which is linked to premature ageing.

Whilst these results have not yet been replicated in people, the researchers did analyse taurine levels in 12,000 human subjects and found that those with a higher level of taurine in their bodies were generally healthier. The researchers have suggested that if similar results to those in mice were seen in humans, this could equate to an additional 7-8 years of life, which could be lived in better health. The good news is that taurine is already considered safe, and levels can even be increased with exercise. Link to Article