Taurine
Taurine is an amino acid with growing interest for longevity and cardiovascular health. Huberman discusses its roles and the emerging research on supplementation.
What Taurine Does
| Function | Mechanism |
|---|---|
| Cardiovascular | Heart muscle function |
| Neurological | Inhibitory neurotransmitter action |
| Antioxidant | Protects cells from damage |
| Bile acid | Fat digestion |
| Cellular | Osmoregulation, calcium signaling |
The Longevity Connection
Recent research (Science, 2023) showed:
- Taurine declines with age
- Supplementation extended lifespan in mice
- Improved healthspan markers
- Human research ongoing
Natural Sources
| Source | Amount |
|---|---|
| Shellfish | High |
| Dark meat poultry | Moderate |
| Red meat | Moderate |
| Fish | Moderate |
| Dairy | Low |
| Plants | Very little |
Vegetarians/vegans may have lower levels.
Supplementation
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Common dose | 500-2000mg |
| Timing | Flexible |
| Safety | Generally well-tolerated |
| Note | Found in energy drinks (but don’t get it that way) |
Current Evidence
Strong for:
- Cardiovascular support
- Exercise performance (some evidence)
Emerging:
- Longevity (exciting but early)
- Metabolic health
Unknown:
- Optimal human dosing for longevity
- Long-term supplementation effects
Huberman’s Perspective
Mentions taurine in context of:
- Longevity research
- Cardiovascular health
- Noting the emerging evidence
Not a core recommendation but worth watching as research develops.
Related Pages
“The longevity research on taurine is interesting—levels decline with age and supplementation extends lifespan in animals. Human research is ongoing.” — Andrew Huberman