Study finds that a well-known supplement for long life may promote leukemia development

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Talk about a buzz kill.

The University of Rochester cancer scientists are cautioning about a prevalent component in energy drinks that could be fueling the development of myeloid leukemias, a type of cancer that impacts the bone marrow and blood.

“Local levels of taurine in bone marrow may enhance leukemia growth, suggesting caution in use of high-dose taurine supplementation,” said Dr. Jane Liesveld, an oncologist who treats leukemia patients and co-author of the new Nature paper.

The American Cancer Society estimates there will be around 67,000 new leukemia cases in the US this year and about 23,500 deaths. A leukemia patient is seen here. — The American Cancer Society estimates there will be around 67,000 new leukemia cases in the US this year and about 23,500 deaths. Getty Images

Taurine is a non-essential amino acid found naturally in the bone marrow, brain, heart and muscles.

It’s most abundant in seafood, turkey and chicken, and it’s frequently added to energy drinks and protein powders. It’s also been used by cancer patients.

Taurine plays a key role in regulating blood pressure, supporting energy metabolism, promoting nerve growth, aiding hydration and helping bile salt production for digestion.

Some cancer patients use it to potentially help slow the growth of cancer cells and ease the side effects of chemotherapy, like nausea and vomiting.

Taurine is a common ingredient in protein powders like the one shown here. O.Farion – stock.adobe.com

A study last year found that taurine supplementation may boost the immune system of stomach cancer patients.

In this new study, researchers explored how leukemia cells use taurine in bone marrow to grow.

They found that taurine uptake by leukemia cells promotes glycolysis, the breakdown of glucose to produce energy, which fuels cancer growth.

The study authors suggest that blocking taurine from entering leukemia cells might be a helpful treatment approach.

Future studies should also investigate taurine levels in leukemia patients, they said.

The American Cancer Society estimates there will be around 67,000 new leukemia cases in the US this year and about 23,500 deaths.

“Since 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 leukemia patients,” the researchers wrote in their paper.