For the first time, studies reveal the benefits of an energy drink

For the first time, studies reveal the benefits of an energy drink

Despite talking about its multiple harms, scientists revealed a great benefit to energy drinks because they contain an amino acid that slows down aging and increases youth rates, after conducting animal experiments.

These results motivated scientists to conduct a major clinical trial of taurine, which is found in many energy drinks, after animal studies showed that these supplements may slow down the aging process and promote a healthier life.

The researchers found that taurine levels decrease significantly with age, but increasing their levels enhances the health of mice and monkeys and even extends the life of mice, according to the British Guardian website.

It is not clear if humans will benefit in the same way from this acid, or if larger doses of it are safe, but scientists believe that the evidence is strong enough to conduct a large-scale experiment, especially given that “taurine” occurs naturally in the body and is already It is used as a supplement in lower doses.

Longer, healthier life

In turn, Dr. Vijay Yadav, who led the research at Columbia University in New York, said: “The abundance of taurine contrasts with age and reversing this decrease causes animals to live longer and healthier lives.” "Ultimately, these findings should be relevant to humans," he added.

For his part, Professor Henning Wackerhag, a molecular exercise physiologist on the team at the Technical University of Munich, explained that the experiment will compare how people performed after taking “taurine” or placebo supplements daily.

He noted, "It will probably be very difficult to know if they are living longer, but at least we can check whether they are living healthier for longer, and that, of course, is the goal of medicine."

This discovery prompted the team to test the effect of additional “taurine” on middle-aged mice, as the experiment revealed that they appeared healthier, had denser bones, stronger muscles, better memory, and a more youthful immune system.

Besides improving health, the taurine-fed rats lived longer, on average 10% more for males and 12% more for females, reaching an additional three to four months, the equivalent of seven or eight human years.

While the equivalent dose for humans would be three to six grams per day.

More experiments are needed

The scientists then looked at whether the taurine boost benefited animals that were biologically closer to humans. A six-month trial in middle-aged macaques found that taking a daily taurine pill boosted health by preventing weight gain, lowering blood glucose, and improving bone density and the immune system.

Without a large trial to prove the safety or any benefits of taurine supplements, scientists aren't advising people to increase their intake through pills, energy drinks, or dietary changes.

Taurine is made naturally in the body and is found in meat and shellfish meals, but healthy diets are largely plant-based.

While some energy drinks contain taurine, scientists warn that it also contains other substances that may not be safe when taken in high levels.

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