Taurine

What it is

Taurine is a sulfur-containing amino-acid derivative present in high concentrations in muscle, brain, and the heart. It is not incorporated into proteins; it functions as an osmolyte, bile-acid conjugate, and modulator of mitochondrial protein synthesis.

Why it’s of interest

Singh et al. 2023 reported declining circulating taurine with age across mice, monkeys, and humans, and showed that taurine supplementation extended median lifespan in mice (~10–12%) and improved several healthspan measures in middle-aged monkeys. Cross-sectional human data linked higher taurine to better metabolic and cardiovascular markers.

The mouse lifespan result is one cohort; replication is awaited.

Established human uses

• Adjunctive therapy in congestive heart failure (some evidence).
• Bile-acid conjugation (cholestatic conditions).
• Energy-drink ingredient (function debated, doses much lower than RCT doses).

Practical use

Doses in the Singh trial scaled to ~3–6 g/day for adults. Tolerability is good. Concerns at very high doses are limited; effects on hormones, mood, and sleep architecture are largely uncharacterised long-term.

Related entries

Mitochondrial dysfunction, Cardiovascular disease.