Taurine, an amino acid that is one of the building blocks of protein, has long been promoted for its potential cardiovascular benefits, with some studies suggesting that it may help increase life expectancy, and another study conducted by Columbia University found that taurine can improve the health of people in mid-term. Age by reducing age-related weight and enhancing immunity.
General physician Philippa Kaye explains, “Protein is essential to the diet to support cell repair and the formation of new cells.”
She added that taurine is found in fish and meat, and has a role in energy production, which is why it is often added to nutritional supplements and energy drinks.
However, a new study has shown that taurine may increase the risk of heart disease. Scientists from several scientific institutions in Nanjing, China, studied the effect of the amino acid on the development of atherosclerosis, a condition that causes the accumulation of fats and cholesterol, which leads to narrowing of the arteries and reduced blood pressure. blood flow.
The study showed that an overdose of taurine may lower blood pressure in patients with high blood pressure, while the combination of taurine and caffeine in energy drinks may lead to a sharp rise in blood pressure, which promotes atherosclerosis by increasing blood vessel constriction and causing cell injuries. endothelium, leading to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.
In the study, blood samples from 145 people were examined, and the team found that heart attack patients had higher levels of this component compared to healthy people. Scientists have considered that these high levels may be a result of cardiac stress and not a direct cause of heart attacks.
The team also used laboratory mice to study the effect of this amino acid on atherosclerosis. While it has been shown to reduce the size of arterial plaques, it also makes them less stable, increasing the risk of rupture and heart attacks.
Scientists have warned that supplements with this ingredient may negatively affect the stability of plaques, which calls for caution in their use, especially for people suffering from heart disease.
They called for more research to understand the potential effects on heart health.
These results come after a previous study from the Mayo Clinic, which showed that energy drinks filled with caffeine and this ingredient may lead to disturbances in the electrical system of the heart, increasing the risk of arrhythmia.
Source: The Sun
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**Interview with Dr. Philippa Kaye on Taurine and Its Impact on Cardiovascular Health**
**Interviewer:** Good day, Dr. Kaye! Thank you for joining us to discuss the recent findings on taurine. There’s been a lot of talk about its benefits, particularly concerning cardiovascular health. What can you tell us about its role in our diets?
**Dr. Kaye:** Thank you for having me! Taurine is indeed an intriguing amino acid. While it’s often highlighted for its potential cardiovascular benefits and its presence in foods like fish and meat, it’s vital to understand the context of its effects on health. Taurine plays a crucial role in energy production, which is why it’s commonly included in energy drinks.
**Interviewer:** That’s interesting! You mentioned the potential benefits. Some studies have suggested that taurine may help increase life expectancy and improve immunity in older adults. Can you elaborate on that?
**Dr. Kaye:** Certainly! Some research, including studies from Columbia University, suggests that taurine may support health in midlife by reducing age-related weight issues and enhancing immune function. This is predominantly due to its role in cellular repair and maintenance, which is essential as we age.
**Interviewer:** However, recent findings from Nanjing suggest that taurine may also increase the risk of heart disease. How should the public interpret these mixed messages?
**Dr. Kaye:** It’s essential for individuals to view these findings with a balanced perspective. While the cardiovascular benefits of taurine are backed by various studies, the new research underscores the complexity of nutrition. Dietary components can have differing effects based on individual health conditions and lifestyle factors. It’s crucial to consume all nutrients—including taurine—in moderation and as part of a balanced diet.
**Interviewer:** What advice would you give to someone considering taurine supplements or energy drinks for their health?
**Dr. Kaye:** I would recommend consulting with a healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your diet or supplement intake. It’s essential to assess personal health needs and potential risks. A diet rich in whole foods, including sources of taurine like meat and seafood, is usually the best approach for overall health.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Kaye, for those insights! It seems clear that while taurine has its place in supporting health, we should approach supplementation with caution.
**Dr. Kaye:** Exactly! Moderation and informed choices are key. Thank you for this important discussion!
