Will Kim Kardashian be loading up on Red Bull as research finds Taurine could slow down ageing?

It’s no secret that celebrities like Kim Kardashian will try anything to stay looking younger, even going as far as trying the famous ‘Vampire Facial’ (PRP (platelet-rich plasma) which has your own blood injected back into your face. 

Momager Kris Jenner and pop sensation Madonna have both admitted to having face-lifts over the years in order to stay looking wrinkle free but the secret to the fountain of youth may be a lot easier to find and cheaper than any of these treatments. 

A study in the US has found that the nutrient taurine may help slow down ageing. However before buying a truckload of energy drinks the research was only tested on animals and with the long list of side effects professionals are saying we should ‘approach with caution.’

When you hear the word taurine the most common product that springs to mind would be energy drinks. Brands such as Monster and Red Bull contain Taurine and copious amounts of caffeine and sugar to get us through the day. 

Taurine is an amino acid that the body naturally produces and can be found in meat and fish and can also be sold as a supplement. Whilst there are health benefits such as helping with metabolism and digestion but also has serious side effects that could lead to kidney disease. 

The recent study does not offer any proof that taurine will improve human lifespans. 

US researchers revealed that after giving mice taurine helped extend their life by an extra three to four months. The researchers at Columbia University also claim that taurine slowed down the ageing process and helped to avoid age related issues such as weakened bones and muscles. 

Dr Vijay Yadav from Columbia University told BBC News “Let us wait for the clinical trials to be completed before recommending to the wider population that they go to the shelf in a grocery store and buy taurine."

He added "If you want to live a long, healthy and happy life, then you need a healthy diet - that's one of the most important things - and of course, you should exercise"

In the search for longer life and wrinkle free skin I'm happy to slather on the lotions and potions in layers upon layers. But when it comes to taking tablets or drinking energy drinks filled with so many different chemicals it's safe to say even I won't be upping my taurine intake anytime soon.