May 16, 2025 | A recent study published in the prestigious journal Nature has raised concerns over taurine, a popular ingredient found in many energy drinks. Researchers found that taurine could act as a growth booster for leukaemia cells, potentially increasing the risk of blood cancers. The study suggests that excessive taurine intake, particularly through energy drinks like Red Bull, may accelerate the growth of cancerous cells in bone marrow.
How Taurine Affects Leukaemia Development
Taurine is a naturally occurring amino acid in the human body and is also found in meat and fish. However, it is commonly added to energy drinks for its supposed benefits, including mental performance enhancement and inflammation reduction. The new research shows that in the case of leukaemia, taurine may have unintended consequences.
Leukaemia cells appear to use taurine during glycolysis—the process through which cells break down glucose for energy. By acting as a metabolic fuel, taurine may help these cancer cells grow faster and stronger.
Experiment on Mice: Role of Gene SLC6A6
To understand this connection, scientists conducted experiments on mice that were genetically modified with a special gene called SLC6A6. This gene helps in the transportation of taurine throughout the body. These mice were implanted with human leukaemia cells to observe how they would react.
The researchers found that healthy bone marrow cells were producing taurine, which the SLC6A6 gene transported to the leukaemia cells. This transport mechanism appeared to help the cancer cells thrive, making taurine a contributor to cancer cell development in this context.
Warning to Energy Drink Consumers
While the study is still in its early stages, researchers have issued a caution. They advise consumers to be aware of the potential risks associated with regular and excessive intake of taurine, especially through energy drinks available widely in markets worldwide.
Although more research is needed, scientists are optimistic that targeting taurine production or its transportation pathways could become a novel strategy in treating aggressive leukaemia types. If further validated, this research could lead to new drug developments aimed at cutting off cancer cells’ energy sources.
Stay tuned with Aanworld for more updates on this developing area of cancer research.