They say that Red Bull It gives you wings. We don’t know if it’s true. In fact, the energizing power of taurine, its main ingredient, is not proven with complete scientific evidence. What does seem increasingly clear is that, at least in other animals, this substance has an interesting role in slowing down aging. It is the conclusion of a study that was carried out this summer and is waiting to begin. clinical trials with humans.
In fact, this study conducted by scientists at Columbia Universitywas the continuation of many others that have suggested the role of taurine as anti aging treatment. On the one hand, there are studies that show that the natural levels of taurine in the body of human beings decrease as they age. And, on the other hand, there are also studies in animals in which it is observed that low levels of this substance accelerate aging.
For this reason, the authors of this research, published in Sciencetried supplementing with taurine to groups of mice and monkeys, to check if, in fact, benefits related to the aging process were observed. So it was. Both improved significantly in this regard. It is not the fountain of eternal youth, nor does it take us back in time; but, at least in these animals, it seems to help them age a little more slowly.
What is taurine?
We are all familiar with the name taurine because it is the main ingredient in Red Bull. But in reality it is a substance that is found naturally in our body, associated with processes as the production of bile, the balance of fluids, salts and minerals or the obtaining of energy.
It can be obtained through food, as it is found mainly in meat and fish. And, of course, in supplements.
Between 1993 and 1998 a study was carried out monitoring of 30,000 people who were asked about various of their habits, including their diet and exercise routines. In addition, levels of different substances in his body were measured and the parameters that serve as aging markers. Thus, two interesting facts were seen in relation to taurine. On the one hand, people with higher levels of this substance had lower levels of inflammation and less likely to have type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or to be obese. All related to aging. On the other hand, it was seen that the regular practice of physical exercise increased taurine levels.
The observation of these benefits would have given many wings to the marketing of Red Bull, which had already been on the market for around a decade. But things are not so simple. It was necessary to carry out more research.
An important power against aging
In this last study, mice and monkeys were supplemented with taurine and their aging markers were compared with animals of the same species without supplementation.
Benefits were observed in both animals. In mice, a smaller increase in weightan increase in Bone densityan improvement of endurance and muscle strengtha reduction of the insulin resistancea, better functioning of the immune system and one useful life 10% longer. This, in the case of humans, would be equivalent to approximately 8 more years with a good quality of life.
As for the monkeys, those who took supplements experienced benefits such as a smaller increase in weightthe reduction of fasting sugar levels or the increase in Bone density. Additionally, improvements were observed in liver and immune system health.
It’s not about gorging on Red Bull
Just because research shows benefits from supplementation with a substance in mice or monkeys does not mean that the same will happen in humans. It is suspected that it could happen, but we cannot know for sure until it is verified.
Therefore, we cannot be sure that taurine helps slow down aging in humans. But even if that were the case, it wouldn’t mean that you should get sick of drinking Red Bull either. In fact, the authors of the research themselves They have insisted in statements and interviews on that aspect.
It is true that the levels of taurine used in the supplementation are accepted as safe by health authorities. Just like those of Red Bull. The problem is that this drink combine taurine with other ingredients which can be more dangerous.
On the one hand, there is the problem of caffeine. It is true that this is a substance that provides many health benefits, but it must be kept within safe levels. The European Food Safety Authority, the EFSA, establishes that the safe amount that a human being can consume is about 3 mg per kg per day for children and adolescents and of some 5.7 mg per kg per day for adults.
A can of Red Bull has about 32 mg per 100 ml. Taking into account that there are 475 ml cans, we would be talking about 152 mg in a single intake. It would be too much for a child. For an adult it would be fine throughout the day. However, what is normally established as safe in a single dose for adults is equivalent to what children should take throughout the day. That is, 3 mg/kg. In this case, although it would still be safe for adults weighing more than 50 kg, it would be very borderline. If we add to that the almost 50 mg of sugar that one can contains, we are looking at a highly unrecommended drink. And of course, if someone decides to take two cansI would already be crossing the dangerous.
Then what do we do?
If taurine is proven to be so beneficial in humans, ways to supplement it could be seen. Until then, the exercise It will always be a thousand times better option than Red Bull. Well thought out, in a way, exercise does give you wings.