Conditionally essential amino acid
Taurine
Early researchAbundant in heart, muscle, and brain, and a recent focus of aging research.
What it is
Taurine is an amino sulfonic acid. Unlike most amino acids, it is not used to build proteins; it helps with bile salts, cell hydration, and nerve signaling.
Food sources
ShellfishDark-meat poultryFish
What the research shows
- A 2023 study in Science linked declining taurine to aging in animals, drawing wide attention.
- Human evidence on taurine and aging is still early.
Read the published research on PubMed →
Food first: most people get what they need from a varied diet with enough total protein. Talk to a provider or registered dietitian before adding a supplement, especially if you take medication or have a health condition.