News Health & Medicine

Taurine slows aging in mice. Will it ever work for people?

There is no evidence yet that taking more of the molecule can help humans

A photo of several different flavors of Monster, Red Bull and other energy drinks sitting on grocery store shelves.

The amino acid taurine, made in the body and available in certain foods like energy drinks, is being studied as a way to boost health and extend lifespan.

Jack Taylor/Getty Images

By Laura Sanders

An ingredient common in energy drinks and baby formula makes mice healthier and extends their life spans. It also appears to make worms live longer and improves the health of middle-aged monkeys, a large international group of scientists reports in the June 9 Science.