Taurine, a conditionally essential amino acid involved in multiple biological functions, has been found to be an unreliable biomarker for aging. Researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) analyzed blood samples from humans, monkeys, and mice and found that circulating taurine levels often increased or remained constant with age.
The study, published in Science, suggests that taurine’s impact on health outcomes may depend on individual physiological contexts shaped by genetic, nutritional, and environmental factors. Contrary to popular claims, supplementation with taurine has not been shown to have benefits for humans.
The researchers measured taurine concentration in blood samples from participants aged 26-100, rhesus monkeys aged 3-32 years, and mice aged 9-27 months. They found that taurine concentrations increased with age in all groups except male mice, where it remained unchanged.
The study’s findings have implications for aging research, highlighting the need for reliable biomarkers to predict the onset and progression of aging and functional decline. Experts emphasize the importance of personalized strategies to maintain health and independence into old age.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-taurine-good-aging-biomarker.html