Common Ingredient In Energy Drinks May Increase Risk Of Cancer: Study

Doctors have issued an urgent warning about taurine, a common ingredient in energy drinks, which may increase the risk of blood cancers. A study conducted by researchers at the University of Rochester suggests that taurine, found in drinks like Red Bull and Celsius, can fuel leukemia cancer cells. These cells form in the bone marrow, a spongy substance in the center of bones, and the study found that taurine acts as a fuel for these cells, potentially making blood cancer more aggressive.

Taurine is a non-essential amino acid naturally found in the body, including in the bone marrow, brain, heart, and muscles. It is also present in meat and fish and is used in certain beverages to energize cells and boost mental clarity. While taurine is produced naturally, consuming extra amounts could worsen blood cancer, according to the study published in the journal Nature. The research team discovered that taurine is produced by a subset of healthy cells in the bone marrow, where leukemia grows. The SLC6A6 gene then transports taurine from the bone marrow to leukemia cells, enabling them to multiply more aggressively.

In experiments on mice and human leukemia cells, researchers found that stopping taurine from entering cells could slow the progression of the disease. Dr. Jeevisha Bajaj, the lead researcher from the Wilmot Cancer Institute, emphasized the importance of further studies to investigate taurine levels in leukemia patients and explore ways to block taurine from entering cancer cells.

The study also raises concerns about taurine's potential role in other cancers, such as colorectal cancer. Researchers are conducting additional studies to understand if taurine could fuel other forms of cancer. The findings are particularly significant because taurine supplements are often recommended to cancer patients to lower inflammation and reduce chemotherapy side effects. However, the new data suggests a need to carefully consider the risks and benefits of supplemental taurine in leukemia patients.