Researchers have raised concerns after a new study linked taurine, a widely used ingredient in energy drinks, to the progression of leukemia, a type of blood cancer.
Taurine is a naturally occurring amino acid found in meat and fish and is often included in energy drinks such as Red Bull and Celsius. The human body also naturally produces taurine, and it is also used to alleviate chemotherapy side effects in leukemia patients.
However, the study indicates that consuming high levels of taurine, especially via supplements and energy drinks, may worsen leukemia by acting as extra fuel for the growth and spread of cancer cells.
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According to research published in Nature, leukemia cells, which develop in bone marrow, absorb excess taurine to fuel their growth. “Since taurine is a common ingredient in energy drinks… our work suggests that it may be of interest to carefully consider the [risks and] benefits of supplemental taurine in leukemia patients,” the study said.
The study examined mice with the SLC6A6 gene, which regulates taurine transport in the body. After transplanting human leukemia cells into the mice, researchers discovered that healthy bone marrow cells produce taurine, creating a supportive environment for leukemia growth. The SLC6A6 gene then delivers taurine from the bone marrow to the cancer cells, potentially fuelling the disease’s progression. Once inside, the taurine promotes glycolysis—a cellular process that turns sugar into energy—and helps the cancer cells grow faster.
The study also showed that blocking taurine from entering cells could slow disease progression.
