A recent study published in Nature has linked an amino acid called taurine, commonly found in energy drinks, to the progression of blood cancer leukemia. Researchers found that taurine fuels cancer cells and accelerates disease progression. Given its widespread use as a supplement to counter chemotherapy side effects, experts are now cautioning patients with leukemia to carefully consider their consumption of taurine-rich energy drinks. The study suggests that taurine’s antioxidant properties may actually contribute to the development of cancer cells, highlighting a potential risk associated with these popular beverages. As one researcher noted, “As taurine is often used to mitigate chemotherapy side effects, our work suggests it may be of interest to carefully consider its benefits in patients with leukemia.”
Source: https://people.com/common-energy-drink-ingredient-linked-to-blood-cancer-11735858