Taurine

In 2023, Science published Singh et al. on taurine as a «driver of aging»: lifelong taurine intake in mice and monkeys extended lifespan by 10-12% and improved metabolic markers. The paper triggered a marketing wave: supplement makers sell taurine as an «anti-aging drug». But: no human RCT data with hard endpoints (mortality, morbidity). Correlation between taurine level and biological age does not prove causation. EFSA 2009 did not approve a longevity claim. Anti-aging taurine use in humans today is purely experimental and not supported by clinical guidelines. If it was recommended «to slow aging», consider seeking a second opinion.

Taurine is widely used in pre-workout formulas and energy drinks as an «endurance booster». Meta-analyses on sports taurine (Waldron 2018, J Strength Cond Res) showed a small ambiguous effect on time trials in rowing and running in endurance athletes; no benefit in strength sports and at maximal loads. EFSA 2009 approved no physical performance claim. In healthy non-athletes no significant effect on endurance is recorded. The energy drink effect is attributed mostly to caffeine (80-160 mg per can), not taurine.

Taurine is marketed as a «natural energiser» for office workers and people with chronic fatigue. No evidence base for efficacy in chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), long COVID or burnout. EFSA 2009 approved no health claim. NICE ME/CFS 2021 (NG206) recommends pacing and multidisciplinary follow-up; taurine supplements are not mentioned. If taurine was recommended for persistent fatigue without workup (ferritin, TSH, HbA1c, depression and sleep apnoea screening), consider seeking a second opinion.

Taurine is registered in Russia as the medicine Dibicor for T2DM (250-500 mg twice daily) – one of the specific Russian uses, registered nowhere else in Europe or the US. Evidence base: several small RCTs by Russian authors with HbA1c and fasting glucose endpoints, not confirmed in large international trials. ADA Standards of Care 2024 and redGDPS list metformin first-line for T2DM, then SGLT2i and GLP-1 RA; taurine is in no international diabetes guideline. AEMPS and EMA do not approve taurine for T2DM. If taurine was recommended for T2DM as a metformin substitute, consider seeking a second opinion.