Reversing Taurine Production Could Increase Lifespan in Mice and Monkeys.

Aging and Taurine Deficiency: A Driver of Aging

A recent study published in Science evaluated the effect of taurine on health and longevity across several animal models. The findings suggest a link between taurine deficiency and aging, thereby indicating that reversing age-associated taurine loss via supplementation has improved the healthy lifespan in worms, rodents, and nonhuman primates. The study also highlights the need for further investigation, particularly in human trials, to examine taurine‘s effect on the healthy lifespan in humans and the potential risks involved.

The Role of Taurine in Animal Health

Taurine, one of the most abundant amino acids in animals, is a semi-essential micronutrient, which means it is mainly produced by the body but can also be obtained through dietary sources. Previous studies have shown that taurine deficiency during early life causes functional impairments in skeletal muscle, eyes, and the nervous system in ways that are related to aging-associated disorders. Small clinical trials of taurine supplementation have suggested benefits in metabolic and inflammatory diseases, but the influence of taurine concentrations on animal health and longevity remains poorly understood.

Study Design and Findings

To better understand if and how taurine abundance influences a healthy lifespan, researchers measured blood taurine concentrations at different ages in mice, monkeys, and humans. The large group of researchers found that declining taurine levels were also observed in aging mice and that mice lacking the major taurine transporter had shorter adult lifespans.

Not only that, but reversal of this decline through taurine supplementation increased the median lifespan of worms and mice by 10–23% and 10–12%, respectively. In mice, orally administered taurine at 500 and 1000 milligrams per kilogram body weight per day was also associated with improvements in strength, coordination, and cognitive functions and slowed several key markers of aging, including cellular senescence, mitochondrial and DNA damage, and inflammageing.

Notably, in 15-year-old monkeys, serum taurine concentrations were 85% lower than in 5-year-old monkeys. Similarly, taurine levels decreased by more than 80% over the human lifespan. Additionally, taurine supplementation in middle-aged rhesus macaques positively affected bone, metabolic, and immunological health.

Cautionary Note and Clinical Implications

Although the authors noted that reversal of taurine deficiency during aging shows potential to be a promising anti-aging strategy, further research and human clinical trials are needed to see if taurine supplementation increases the healthy lifespan in humans. Although few risks to taurine supplementation have been suggested, the potential for risks still warrants consideration because large, long-term human safety trials are lacking. The equivalent doses used in this study would be very high in humans. Hence, like any intervention, taurine supplementation with the aim of improving human health and longevity should be approached with caution.

Editorial and Advice

This study adds to a growing body of literature on the potential benefits of taurine in animal health and longevity. However, before advocating for widespread taurine supplementation in humans, further research and clinical trials are needed to investigate its effects, risks, and ideal dosages. As the authors note, the equivalent doses used in this study would be very high in humans.

That being said, it is encouraging to see potential anti-aging strategies being explored. Aging is a complex process influenced by several genetic and environmental factors and manifests in multiple ways. Therefore, it is doubtful that a single intervention or approach can address the multifaceted nature of aging. However, exploring interventions that may influence specific aspects of the aging process, such as age-associated taurine loss, can add valuable insights into potential anti-aging strategies.

Reference:

Parminder Singh, Narcis Barcelo-Batllori, Lucas A. T. Chao, Brian K. Kennedy, and Pankaj Kapahi. Taurine deficiency as a driver of aging. Science, June 2023, Vol. 141, Issue 3592, eabk1706. DOI: 10.1126/science.abk1706.