Based on the compound’s well-known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, researchers at the University of São Paulo in Brazil set out to evaluate the effects of taurine supplementation as a potential anti-aging treatment in women aged 55 to 70.
“Preventing the buildup of free radicals that occurs naturally with age may prevent cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure, among other chronic conditions,” Study co-lead researcher Eileen de Freitas said in a statement issued by the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP), which supported the project.
From ox bile to anti-aging
Taurine, first isolated by German scientists in 1827 from ox bile, is a semi-essential amino acid found in meat, fish, eggs, and seaweed. Occurring naturally in the human body as well, they support digestive, cardiovascular, skeletal, eye, muscle, and nervous system functions.
“Taurine is an underappreciated, but important approach to cardiovascular health and oxidative stress that is a hallmark of aging,” Dr. Mark Miller, president of Kaiviti Consulting, told NutraIngredients-USA in the study review.
He added that although taurine is primarily used as an additive in energy drinks, research “ Emphasizes that there are important actions to reduce oxidative stress. “
The study authors suggest that taurine’s therapeutic actions in aging may be related to its ability to seek out the toxic effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that damage cells over time.
“We believe that taurine supplementation may enhance the antioxidant defense system and could be a viable nutritional strategy to prevent oxidative damage caused by the aging process.” they wrote, noting that antioxidant defense capacity and plasma taurine levels decrease in the elderly.
Study details
Participants (24 stable women aged 55-70 years) in the randomized, double-blind clinical trial were given either 1.5 grams of taurine or a placebo of cornstarch daily for 16 weeks. Plasma samples collected before and after the intervention were tested for taurine and markers of oxidative stress, including the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione reductase (GR). Food consumption, functional capacity, and blood minerals (selenium, zinc, magnesium and calcium) were also assessed.
“As an initial outcome, taurine supplementation for 16 weeks provided significant benefits for markers of oxidative stress and increased plasma taurine concentration,” The researchers concluded. The results showed an increase in SOD and a decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of lipid peroxidation.
In previous studies, the research team evaluated the effects of large doses of taurine, ranging from 3 grams to 6 grams, on obese young women and on young, healthy adults. Due to the paucity of research on taurine in the context of aging in the scientific literature, the trial used a safe low initial dose. Another study will explore the effects of 3-gram supplementation per day on obese women aged 60-75 with sarcopenia.