Popular longevity supplement can drive leukemia growth: study
By Tracy Swartz
Talk about a buzz kill.
Cancer scientists at the University of Rochester are warning about a common ingredient in energy drinks that may drive the growth of myeloid leukemias, which affect the bone marrow and blood.
“Local levels of taurine in bone marrow may enhance leukemia growth, suggesting caution in use of high-dose taurine supplementation,” said Dr. Jane Liesveld, an oncologist who treats leukemia patients and co-author of the new Nature paper.
The American Cancer Society estimates there will be around 67,000 new leukemia cases in the US this year and about 23,500 deaths.
Getty Images
Taurine is a non-essential amino acid found naturally in the bone marrow, brain, heart and muscles.
It’s most abundant in seafood, turkey and chicken, and it’s frequently added to energy drinks and protein powders. It’s also been used by cancer patients.
Explore More
Doctors warn popular drink may increase risk of blood cancer
Nicole Grimaudo and Elanne Kong discussing exhaustion as a long-term consequence of a medical issue.
Tired all the time? A silent but serious health issue could be to blame
A shot of Mar-a-Lago from above, Donald Trump (inset)
Trump's favorite pastime could put him at major health risk, according to a new study
Taurine plays a key role in regulating blood pressure, supporting energy metabolism, promoting nerve growth, aiding hydration and helping bile salt production for digestion.
Some cancer patients use it to potentially help slow the growth of cancer cells and ease the side effects of chemotherapy, like nausea and vomiting.
Taurine is a common ingredient in protein powders like the one shown here.
O.Farion – stock.adobe.com
See Also
foods that contain taurine
What is taurine? Benefits and side effects of the energy drink supplement
A study last year found that taurine supplementation may boost the immune system of stomach cancer patients.
In this new study, researchers explored how leukemia cells use taurine in bone marrow to grow.
They found that taurine uptake by leukemia cells promotes glycolysis, the breakdown of glucose to produce energy, which fuels cancer growth.
The only way to access Joel Sherman’s columns and full expert coverage.Try it free
Why the worry over Ben Rice’s Yankees role is so silly
Aaron Judge creating invaluable Yankees edge where rest of MLB is struggling
Mets pass the first part of their litmus test with flying colors
The study authors suggest that blocking taurine from entering leukemia cells might be a helpful treatment approach.
Future studies should also investigate taurine levels in leukemia patients, they said.
The American Cancer Society estimates there will be around 67,000 new leukemia cases in the US this year and about 23,500 deaths.
“Since taurine is a common ingredient in energy drinks and is often provided as a supplement to mitigate the side effects of chemotherapy, our work suggests that it may be of interest to carefully consider the benefits of supplemental taurine in leukemia patients,” the researchers wrote in their paper.
Welcome to Billionaire Club Co LLC, your gateway to a brand-new social media experience! Sign up today and dive into over 10,000 fresh daily articles and videos curated just for your enjoyment. Enjoy the ad free experience, unlimited content interactions, and get that coveted blue check verification—all for just $1 a month!
Account Frozen
Your account is frozen. You can still view content but cannot interact with it.
Please go to your settings to update your account status.
Open Profile Settings