What is Taurine? [UPSC Science & Technology Notes]

A study finds the role of Taurine in delaying ageing. What is taurine? How can it delay ageing? What are its benefits on human health? Get answers to these questions in this article. This topic is relevant for the IAS exam health and also science & technology segments.

What is Taurine?

Taurine is a vitamin produced by the body and found in many foods.

• Insufficiency of taurine is linked to animal ageing.
• Taurine supplementation has shown promising results in delaying ageing in worms, mice, and monkeys.

Taurine and Aging

• Taurine levels decrease substantially with age in mice, monkeys, and humans.
• Taurine deficiency may be a driver of the ageing process.
• The levels of taurine in 60-year-old individuals are approximately one-third of what is found in 5-year-olds.
• The study conducted experiments on mice to investigate the effects of taurine.
  • Taurine increased the average lifespan by 12% in female mice and 10% in males.
  • Taurine supplementation extended the lifespan of mice by three to four extra months.

Taurine Impact on Health and Lifespan

• Taurine supplementation positively impacts health and lifespan in various species.
• Ageing mice supplemented with taurine showed improved health parameters compared to untreated mice.
  • Taurine suppressed age-associated weight gain in female mice, including “menopausal” mice.
  • Taurine increased energy expenditure and improved muscle endurance and strength.
  • Taurine reduced depression-like and anxious behaviours.
  • Taurine improved bone mass, reduced insulin resistance, and promoted a younger-looking immune system.
• Taurine supplementation in middle-aged rhesus monkeys resulted in similar health effects.
• • Taurine exhibited protective effects by preventing weight gain, lowering fasting blood glucose levels, and reducing indicators of liver damage. 
  • Additionally, it enhanced bone density and improved immune system health.

Cellular Level Benefits

• Taurine improved various cellular functions that typically decline with age.
  • Taurine decreased the number of “zombie cells” that release harmful substances.
  • Taurine increased survival after telomerase deficiency.
  • Taurine increased the number of stem cells in some tissues, aiding tissue healing.
  • Taurine improved the performance of mitochondria, reduced DNA damage, and enhanced nutrient sensing.

Human Potential

• The researchers are uncertain if taurine supplements will have similar effects in humans.
• Associations between taurine levels and health parameters in European adults aged 60 and over were observed.
  • Higher taurine levels correlated with lower obesity levels, reduced hypertension, and inflammation.
• A study on the effects of exercise showed a significant increase in taurine levels among athletes and sedentary individuals.
  • Exercise may contribute to increased taurine levels and potential health benefits.
• Clinical trials in humans are needed to determine the true health benefits of taurine supplementation.

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