What is taurine and is it anti-ageing? | The Sun
MANY people want to stay looking youthful and reverse the signs of ageing.
Taurine could be the new contender when it comes to the health world, but what is it?
What is taurine?
Taurine is an amino acid that naturally occurs in foods with protein, such as meat, fish and eggs.
The human body uses taurine to help cells function, for example it can help with energy production.
It's also important in helping the heart and brain function, and helps support nerve growth.
Taurine also helps the body process bile acid, balance fluids, salts and minerals and can help support your immune health and nervous system.
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Most of the time, your body produces enough taurine, but supplements can help boost your levels.
People with congestive heart failure and hepatitis often take taurine.
And others take it for obesity, fatigue, diabetes and many other conditions, though there is little scientific evidence to support these uses.
Can taurine slow down ageing?
A new study suggests that taurine could help slow the ageing process.
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Scientists at Columbia University found the chemical could help extend life by up to ten years – in a study on mice.
As you age, taurine levels fall. So topping up your levels with a supplement could be a "promising anti-ageing strategy", they said.
Is taurine in Red Bull and other energy drinks?
Yes, taurine is found in Red Bull, as well as drinks like Monster.
The main ingredients of Red Bull include sugar, taurine, glucuronolactone and caffeine, which are said to contribute to the energy boosting effect of drinking it.
What are the side effects of taurine?
As with lots of supplements, taking too much taurine can result in side effects.
A 2019 report suggests that the highest daily dose of taurine you can safely consume is 3g per day. However, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) suggested in its 2012 guidelines that you can safely take up to 6g per day.
Some reported side effects include:
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Liver pain
- Headache
- Stomach pain
Where can I get taurine?
You can buy taurine supplements in powder and capsule form, which can be found online.
You can also increase your intake of taurine by eating foods that contain it.
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Foods high in taurine include:
- Scallops
- Tuna
- Tilapia
- Octopus
- Turkey
- Chicken
- Seaweed
- Beef
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