Taurine supplements may aid healthy aging as research spotlights inflammation impact

26 Jul 2022 --- Taurine supplementation may improve the body’s antioxidant defenses and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and high blood pressure, according to a University of Sao Paulo clinical trial.

The study involved female participants between the ages of 55 and 70, with findings revealing a 20% increase in the taurine-treated group’s antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels compared to a 3.5% decrease in the control group.

“The findings demonstrate that taurine may be an important nutritional supplement for elderly individuals, especially when they have a deficiency of this nitrogenous compound, which may help as a reducer in the development of chronic diseases,” Ellen Cristini de Freitas, professor at the School of Physical Education and Sports of Ribeirao Preto, University of São Paulo, tells NutritionInsight.

This preliminary study demonstrates another possible non-pharmacological tool to be used to aid in the prevention of chronic diseases, she explains.

“Taurine is a nutrient found in foods such as fish, chicken, turkey, red meat and seafood, but for final synthesis, vitamins such as pyridoxine and folic acid – found especially in dark green leafy vegetables and legumes – also need to be present in the diet.”

Impact on chronic conditions
Studies carried out in the university’s laboratory have shown the action of taurine in the modulation of inflammatory processes and oxidative stress, explains de Freitas.

“During inflammation, leukocytes migrate to the area of injury to produce high concentrations of hypochlorous acid. The presence of intracellular taurine enables the conversion of hypochlorous acid (a highly cytotoxic substance) into taurine-chloramine, which is relatively more stable.”

The researchers note that the findings are a non-pharmacological tool that could be utilized to help in the prevention of chronic diseases.“It will be actively transported to leukocytes and consequently attenuate the production of inflammatory mediators by blocking the production of iNOS (induced nitric oxide synthase) and tumor necrosis factor -α (TNF-α),” she adds.

Taurine-chloramine, produced in the anti-inflammatory response, can scavenge free radicals in several phagocytic cells, such as neutrophils, helping cell regeneration from oxidative stress processes associated with inflammation, de Freitas explains.

“Modulating or blocking the process will protect against the development of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and others.”

Investigating antioxidant effects
During the study, the participants were split into two groups. For 16 weeks, one group took three 500 mg taurine capsules daily (1.5 g per day). The placebo group ingested pills made exclusively of corn starch.

Furthermore, blood samples taken before and after the intervention were examined for signs of oxidative stress.

The taurine supplementing group increased the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels. SOD shields cells from the superoxide radical’s damaging effects, according to researchers.

“Studies carried out by the research group showed a reduction in the inflammation process for the population of sports athletes and adult women with grade I obesity,” says de Freitas. “In addition, many other studies show a positive relationship between taurine and reduction of the inflammatory process.”

“The taurine supplement is an important compound for the human body since there is a deficiency or an inefficient production concerning the synthesis reactions of this compound. There may be health benefits from using this supplement.”

The amino acid taurine may be employed in anti-aging treatments.Beyond SOD, two additional indicators of oxidative stress were examined: malondialdehyde, which rose 23% in the control group and dropped 4% in the taurine supplementation group, and the antioxidant enzyme glutathione reductase, which dramatically decreased in both groups.

“These results were modest, but we believe a higher dose of taurine could produce stronger evidence for its benefits,” de Freitas adds.

Personal care anti-aging moves
According to researchers, the human body has an arsenal of antioxidant enzymes that assist in maintaining a healthy equilibrium of reactive oxygen species. Still, as we age, these regulatory systems degrade.

Flavonoids have been previously recognized as an organic anti-aging substance since oxidative stress has been linked to aging.

“In addition to markers of oxidative stress, we analyzed levels of minerals such as selenium, zinc, magnesium and calcium, which are important to the functioning of these enzymes,” details Gabriela Abud, study author.

“Selenium, for example, is a co-factor for glutathione peroxidase [which indirectly helps eliminate hydrogen peroxide from the organism] and was reduced in both groups.”

In considering surface level oxidative stress and inflammation, PersonalCareInsights previously reported on VeCollal’s biomimetic vegan collagen, touts an amino acid profile that is “similar to human” and is suitable for skin health. Meanwhile, a study by scientists from Italy and Lebanon, unveiled organic wine grape waste contains a wealth of phenolic antioxidants that are ideal for use in cosmetic products.

In anti-aging moves, Australian-based Jericho Skincare spotlighted its Anti-Aging Beauty Bundle Dead Sea skincare product range that features mineral, salt and black mud ingredients for healthy skin aging.

By Nicole Kerr, with additional reporting from William Bradford Nichols