Taurine is an amino acid your own body makes, and it is plentiful in fish and shellfish. Blood levels fall as we age, and topping it up extended the lives of old mice in a widely covered 2023 study. That result has never been tested in humans.
The 2023 Science paper tracked taurine decline across species, then found supplementation lengthened life in middle-aged mice and improved monkey health markers. Human data trails far behind. A 2025 meta-analysis of short randomised trials found modest falls in blood pressure and blood sugar readings, lasting weeks to months. Observational studies link low taurine to poorer health, but cannot untangle cause. Long-run outcome trials in people simply do not exist yet.
Doing it: Protein-rich meals already supply some taurine, and no trial argues you need extra if you eat well. Energy drinks are the wrong delivery route: caffeine and sugar ride along. Short trials tolerated 0–3 g a day; beyond that is untested ground.
Who it suits: Healthy adults who enjoy being early can reasonably just wait for proper human trials. Ask your GP before supplementing alongside any regular medicines, blood pressure tablets included.
Sources
- Singh P et al., Science, 2023 (taurine deficiency as a driver of aging)
- Nie Z et al., Nutr Rev, 2025 (meta-analysis of oral taurine RCTs)
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