Researchers have revealed that one of the common ingredients in energy drinks may promote the development of blood cancer. The ingredient in question is taurine, which, according to research published in Nature, is a key regulator of myeloid neoplasms—conditions that affect the production of blood cells. Here’s what is known so far.
What is taurine?
Taurine is an amino acid that is naturally produced in the human body and is also found in various foods, especially those of animal origin. Although it is not classified as an essential amino acid—meaning the body can synthesize it on its own—its presence is crucial during certain stages of life, such as childhood growth.
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This compound plays several important roles in the body. Among them, it helps maintain fluid and electrolyte balance, contributes to bile formation, and acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals.
In addition to its natural presence in the body and diet, taurine is commonly added to nutritional supplements and energy drinks due to its potential benefits for physical performance, cardiovascular function, and general well-being. However, scientific evidence on its effects is still under ongoing study.
Does taurine cause blood cancer?
According to research conducted by the University of Rochester, cancer cells use taurine as a resource to activate glycolysis—the process of breaking down glucose to generate energy. This mechanism, in turn, supports the growth and activity of the cancer cells themselves.
As a result of these findings, scientists have suggested caution when consuming energy drinks, since taurine is one of their common ingredients. This warning aims to raise awareness about the potential impact of excessive energy drink consumption in specific health contexts, although more studies are needed to fully understand the relationship between taurine and cancer development.
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Which energy drinks contain taurine?
Many popular energy drinks contain taurine. Some of these include:
- Red Bull
- Monster Energy
- Monster Energy Lewis Hamilton
- Volt Blue Energy
- Celsius
- Alani
- Amper Energy on the Go
- Nitro Energy Drink
- Pepsi Kick
What is blood cancer?
According to Mayo Clinic, blood cancer is a type of cancer that affects the tissues responsible for blood production in the body, such as the bone marrow and lymphatic system. This disease—also called hematologic cancer, blood cancer, or neoplasia—appears in various forms. Some are more common in children, while others primarily affect adults. Examples of blood cancers include leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.
Symptoms of blood cancer
Symptoms vary depending on the type of blood cancer, but the most common include:
- Fever or chills
- Persistent fatigue, weakness
- Frequent or severe infections
- Unintended weight loss
- Swollen lymph nodes, enlarged liver or spleen
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Frequent nosebleeds
- Small red spots on the skin (petechiae)
- Excessive sweating, especially at night
- Bone pain or tenderness
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Types of blood cancer
There are three main types of blood cancer:
- Leukemia: A type of cancer that affects white blood cells, which are produced in the bone marrow. These cells are crucial for the immune system as they fight infections.
- Lymphoma: A cancer that originates in the lymphatic system, a key part of the immune system. It occurs when lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that defends the body against infections, begin to grow abnormally. Lymphoma can weaken the immune response and cause swelling of lymph nodes, which may be located in the neck, armpits, groin, or deeper within the body.
- Myeloma: Also known as multiple myeloma, this is a cancer that affects plasma cells in the bone marrow. A variant known as solitary plasmacytoma of bone is limited to a single bone.
