Energy Drink Taurine Linked to Cancer Cell Growth

By Tejal Somvanshi

Scientists at University of Rochester found taurine, common in energy drinks, can fuel leukemia cells and accelerate their growth.

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The discovery happened by accident while researchers were studying bone marrow at the Wilmot Cancer Institute.

Leukemia cells can't produce their own taurine, so they "steal" it from healthy bone marrow using a specific protein pathway.

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"No one had shown this before," says Dr. Jeevisha Bajaj who led the research team, calling the finding "completely unexpected."

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The study focused on blood cancers starting in bone marrow: acute myeloid leukemia, chronic myeloid leukemia, and myelodysplastic syndromes.

When cancer cells absorb taurine, they use it to break down sugar for energy, helping them multiply rapidly.

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Important distinction: Energy drinks don't cause leukemia, but might fuel existing cancer cells that are already present.

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Good news: Researchers managed to slow leukemia growth in lab tests by blocking the cancer cells' ability to absorb taurine.

What does this mean for you? Taurine is naturally found in meat, fish, eggs, - and your body makes it for heart, brain, and muscle function.

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Medical advice: If you have leukemia, talk to your doctor about taurine intake from energy drinks or supplements.

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