Taurine may extend life and health, scientists find

Taurine may extend life and health, scientists find Taurine - a nutrient found in meat, fish and sold as a supplement - extends life and boosts health in a range of animal species, scientists say.

Levels of taurine decline with age in different species, including people.

Experiments on middle-aged animals showed boosting taurine to youthful levels extended life by over 10% and improved physical and brain health.

The researchers say taurine may be an "elixir of life" - but topping up levels in people has not been tested.

So the team, at Columbia University, in New York, recommend against people buying taurine pills or energy drinks packed with taurine in an attempt to live longer. BBC News

See also:

• Taurine linked with healthy aging (open access) Science
• Common energy drink ingredient taurine ‘may slow ageing process’ The Guardian
• Common energy drink ingredient could hold key to ‘fountain of youth’ The Independent
• Taurine supplements extend lifespan and health in old age in mammals New Scientist
• Deficiency in taurine amino acid may speed up ageing process, say scientists Sky News