Taurine as Longevity Supplement?
Digging behind the headlines
Weird amino acids
I’m sure it hasn’t escaped you, the media attention for a new study that identifies taurine as a longevity-supporting molecule.
Taurine is an amino acid, but it’s not one that builds proteins. In fancy terms, taurine is a non-proteinogenic amino sulfonic acid. It’s a major component of bile, and it does a lot of things. It regulates cell volume, has an antioxidant function, and inhibits glycation (the process that makes glucose stick to fats and proteins, usually bad news).
As a result, taurine is thought to be involved in processes like muscle function, glucose control, and various brain processes (taurine can cross the blood-brain barrier).
Taurine can only be found in appreciable quantities in animal tissues and algae (especially so-called ‘red’ algae). But worry not, my plant-munching friends, our bodies can make taurine as well, from the amino acid cysteine (some vegan sources: lentils, oatmeal, and sunflower seeds).
Sounds great, but what’s the longevity fuss about?
