Does Taurine Deficiency Drive Aging?

Taurine is an amino acid that plays a critical role in the heart, brain, immune system, and more. Although taurine occurs naturally in our bodies and is found in many common foods we eat (such as meat and poultry), its levels have been shown to decline with age. 

With functions including improved mitochondrial function and reduced production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that harm cells, taurine has recently become a promising contender in the healthy aging space.  

Research published in Science in 2023 uncovered even more longevity-related benefits of this semi-essential amino acid. In this multi-part preclinical and clinical study spanning worms, mice, monkeys, and humans, Columbia University researchers found that taurine concentrations in older species were significantly lower than their younger counterparts. For example, elderly humans had blood taurine levels 80% lower than younger people.  

They also found that taurine supplementation reversed this decline and increased lifespan, suggesting that taurine deficiency is a driver of aging. In middle-aged mice, supplemental taurine increased the average lifespan by 12% in female mice and 10% in males—the equivalent of about 7 or 8 human years.*  

Taurine also improved markers of healthspan—how long we can live healthfully without developing disease. In mice, this included improved bone mass, muscle endurance, strength, and blood sugar balance. If these results translate to humans, taurine could potentially help to combat many common signs and symptoms of aging.* 

Monkeys saw similar improvements after taking taurine. In middle-aged primates, those receiving taurine had increased bone density in the lumbar spine and legs, reduced fasting blood glucose and liver enzymes, healthier white blood cell counts, and reductions in markers of DNA damage and oxidative stress.* 

Although there are likely many mechanisms at play here, a significant factor could be that taurine suppresses cellular senescence—a hallmark of aging characterized by “zombie cells” that are dysfunctional but not quite dead, wreaking havoc on neighboring cells and promoting inflammatory responses.*  

Taurine has also been found to fight back against other aspects of aging, including DNA damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, altered nutrient sensing, epigenetic changes, and cellular oxidative stress.*  

Interestingly, supplementing with taurine is not the only way to boost its levels. This same comprehensive study in Science also analyzed how exercise affects taurine. After a cycle exercise test, taurine levels were elevated by 1.16-fold in male sprinters, endurance runners, or bodybuilders. Sedentary people also had a slight (but non-significant) increase, suggesting that regular exercise is needed to reap the benefits fully. 

Overall, this research adds leaps and bounds to the evidence we have on taurine and aging, including that taurine deficiency is a driver of aging. Although taurine supplementation has not yet been tested on human lifespan, the longevity and healthspan-related benefits seen in mice and monkeys are undoubtedly promising. As taurine is naturally produced, commonly consumed, and has not been shown to have toxic effects, it could soon be considered a strong contender in the anti-aging space.* 

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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.