Taurine in Energy Drinks Linked to Leukaemia Progression, Study Finds
| 2025-05-17
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New research suggests taurine, a common energy drink ingredient, may accelerate leukaemia progression by fuelling cancer cell growth.
Researchers from the University of Rochester in the United States have identified a potential link between excessive taurine consumption and the development of leukaemia, a type of blood cancer. Taurine, an amino acid naturally found in meat, fish, and human tissues, is also widely added to energy drinks such as Red Bull for its reported cognitive and anti-inflammatory benefits.
The study, conducted on mice, revealed that leukaemia cells may use taurine to support their rapid growth. The research team observed that cancerous cells used a metabolic process called glycolysis—where glucose is broken down to release energy—more efficiently when taurine was present. This, in turn, appeared to fuel disease progression.
Gene-linked Transport Mechanism
According to the study, mice genetically modified to carry the human gene SLC6A6, which helps transport taurine within the body, were injected with human leukaemia cells. The researchers found that healthy bone marrow cells produced taurine, which was then transferred to cancerous cells via the SLC6A6 gene’s mechanism.
“This study identifies taurine as a key regulator of myeloid malignancies,” the authors wrote, referring to cancers that affect blood-forming tissues, including certain types of leukaemia. The team noted a threefold increase in the likelihood of death in mice given taurine supplements, compared with those that were not.
Implications for Energy Drink Consumption
The researchers cautioned consumers to consider the risks of excessive taurine intake, particularly through energy drinks, which are sold in large volumes globally. “As taurine is a common ingredient in energy drinks, and is often provided as a supplement to mitigate the side-effects of chemotherapy, our work suggests that it may be of interest to carefully consider the benefits of supplemental taurine in patients with leukaemia,” the study noted.
Energy drinks are among the most widely consumed non-alcoholic beverages worldwide, especially among younger demographics. Many contain high concentrations of caffeine, sugar, and other metabolic enhancers such as taurine.Energy drinks are among the most widely consumed non-alcoholic beverages worldwide, especially among younger demographics. Many contain high concentrations of caffeine, sugar, and other metabolic enhancers such as taurine.
Although taurine has previously been studied for its potential protective effects during chemotherapy—particularly due to its antioxidant properties—this new research suggests that it could have adverse effects when consumed in high quantities or in individuals with certain blood cancers.
Preliminary Findings and Future Research
The study is still in its early stages and was conducted on animal models. While the researchers are optimistic that targeting taurine-related pathways may lead to new treatment approaches, they emphasised that more research is needed before any definitive conclusions can be drawn about taurine’s effects in humans with leukaemia.
The authors also noted the need for further exploration of whether reducing taurine intake or blocking its uptake could slow disease progression. If confirmed in future clinical studies, the findings may prompt a reassessment of taurine supplementation, especially in oncology settings.
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