Common ingredient found in energy drinks

A recent study from the Wilmot Cancer Institute at the University of Rochester suggests a potential link between taurine, an ingredient found in energy drinks, and an increased risk of blood cancers. Taurine, an amino acid also naturally present in foods like meat, fish, and eggs, plays a role in various body functions, including energy production and balancing fluids. However, researchers discovered that taurine might promote the growth of leukemia cells by stimulating a process called glycolysis, which breaks down glucose for energy, and affecting blood stem cells in the bone marrow.

The study connected taurine consumption to multiple types of blood cancer, such as acute myeloid leukemia, chronic myeloid leukemia, and myelodysplastic syndromes. Dr. Jeevisha Bajaj, the study’s lead, said the unexpected finding could lead to new treatment strategies for leukemia by targeting the cells’ ability to take in taurine. The researchers now advise leukemia patients to discuss their diet with their doctors before consuming taurine-rich foods or supplements, as the ingredient is also found in protein powders, juices, and yogurts. These findings emphasize the need to reconsider the role of taurine in diets, particularly for those at risk of or battling blood cancers.