Taking a taurine supplement could promote healthy aging—but it isn’t a magic pill (just yet)

The body’s supply of taurine, a semi-essential micronutrient, decreases with age. Now, researchers suggest that taurine supplementation may help fight biomarkers of aging, increasing people’s life span and health span—the length of time one’s body is considered healthy.^[][]

In a study conducted on mice, monkeys, and worms, researchers found that taurine supplementation increased the median life span of mice by 2% (from 10 to 12%) and life expectancy at 28 months by 7% (from 18 to 25%).^[]

Results indicated that taurine also increased mice health span, as taurine-treated mice experienced “improved functioning of bone, muscle, pancreas, brain, fat, gut, and immune system.” Similar findings were noted for monkeys—though not an increase in life span—leaving researchers wondering whether taurine could also provide antiaging benefits for humans.^[]

“Let's pump the brakes for a second,” says Denitsa Pencheva, MD, Founder and Chief Writer of Supplement Rex, a website that provides information on nutritional supplements. “Yes, the mouse data is compelling, but humans are not giant mice.”

Pencheva adds that supplementation may be “an interesting option,” albeit “not yet fully science-backed” for those who can afford a taurine supplement and already practice a holistic lifestyle.

“If you’re someone who’s already ticking all the right boxes for a healthy lifestyle—think balanced diet, regular exercise, and good sleep—and you don’t have any health conditions that might interact with taurine, then trying out a supplement could be an interesting addition to your health routine,” says Pencheva. “But remember, it’s not a magic potion.”

Kevin Huffman, a board-certified bariatric physician and CEO and Founder of AmBari Nutrition, shared the sentiment that “more long-term studies need to be done on humans to assess whether there is a causation between taurine and longer, healthier lives.”

“A randomized clinical trial is essential to establish the degree of causation if any, as well as side effects and risk factors of this compound before specific patients and the general population can start using it,” says Huffman.

What we know about humans and taurine

The researchers didn’t leave people out of the picture altogether: They conducted an association analysis on metabolite clinical risk factors that impact taurine levels in humans. Through this, they found that lower taurine levels were associated with “increased abdominal obesity, hypertension, inflammation, and prevalence of type 2 diabetes.” They also noted that during bouts of exercise, concentrations of taurine metabolites increased in the blood. Because exercise is already championed as a promoter of antiaging, the researchers suggested that taurine expression could play a role in some of the health benefits of exercise.

“The keyword here is 'associated,’” says Pencheva. “We don’t yet know if taurine levels are a cause or an effect of these diseases. Correlation is not causation.”

What can this teach us about recommendations for care?

Amber Dixon, dietitian and geriatric nurse who serves as the CEO of Elderly Assist Inc, an organization that provides answers to questions about aging, says that the research “is promising but not yet conclusive.”

She adds that people shouldn’t rush to take a taurine supplement just yet—but for people who are interested in doing so, “it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.”

“Each individual is unique, and their healthcare provider can make the best recommendations based on their specific health needs and medical history,” says Dixon.

“The potential of taurine is tantalizing, but until we have more evidence, let's continue to focus on the tried-and-true pillars of a healthy lifestyle,” Pencheva adds.