June 8, 2023

expert reaction to study looking at use of supplements to reverse age-related taurine loss and improve longevity in mice and monkeys

A study published in Science looks at taurine deficiency as a driver of aging.

Prof Ilaria Bellantuono, Professor of Musculoskeletal Ageing, University of Sheffield, said:

Were the experiments outlined in the study performed in humans?

“The most comprehensive experiments testing parameters of health i.e. effects on bone and muscle loss, glucose metabolism (important for diabetes), some parameters of depression (anxiety), have been performed in mice. Some have been reproduced in monkeys. In humans, they have performed a retrospective analysis, i.e. they have used already collected data and looked at correlation of level of taurine with diabetes. It is important to note that the age of the mice is the equivalent of approximately a 50-year-old human, so these are still fairly healthy mice.

What can we infer/take from these results done in animal models to humans?

“Not very much. It is a very early study. Firstly, we need to see whether it works as well in older organisms (mice or monkeys) when the signs of ageing are more prominent. Secondly, we need to test taurine in a clinical trial to understand if it is effective and the side effects, whether it needs to be taken continuously and from which age.  This could be a long and expensive study, depending on the time that it takes to see an effect and how effective this drug is in preventing signs of ageing. It is important to highlight that this study shows prevention of deterioration rather than reversal of ageing.”

Is there much research on levels/rates of taurine deficiency in ageing humans?

“This study shows that taurine levels decrease with age in humans.”

Following these results should we recommend humans take taurine supplements?

“Definitely not until it is properly tested in a clinical trial.”

Have there any research clinical/trials looking into this but in humans?

“There have been a handful of small clinical trials looking at markers of inflammation and diabetes but they have used a much lower dose than the equivalent of what was used in mice in this study.”

Does the press release accurately reflect the science?

“Yes, I would say so. My only objection is that it is not a reversal of ageing but simply a prevention of further deterioration as at 14 months of age, when the intervention starts, mice are still very healthy. It was tested in naturally ageing animals.”

Is this good quality research?  Are the conclusions backed up by solid data?

“Yes.”

How does this work fit with the existing evidence?

I think it fits well with the existing evidence. The mechanisms modulated by taurine are the main mechanisms driving ageing and we have seen several molecules interfering with similar mechanisms having the same effects. The major issue we face is how do we translate to benefit people, who should take it, for how long, is it safe and how to make it cost-effective?”

Have the authors accounted for confounders?

“Yes, the experiments are solid.”

Are there important limitations to be aware of?

“See above. It is a very early study and there is some way to go before we can say if it is relevant to humans.”

What are the implications in the real world?  Is there any overspeculation?

“For now, the implications are limited. If there is a demonstrable clinical impact it could be used to prevent multiple long-term chronic conditions such as osteoporosis, muscle weakness, diabetes and potentially neurodegenerative diseases. However, it needs to be carefully tested in all these conditions before being able to draw any conclusion.”

‘Taurine deficiency as a driver of aging’ by Parminder Singh et al. was published in Science at 18:00 UK time Thursday 8 June 2023.

DOI: 10.1126/science.abn9257

Declared interests

Prof Ilaria Bellantuono: My research is funded by the Dunhill Medical Trust and the Michael J Fox Foundation.