Researchers in the US found that taurine, an amino acid often found in energy drinks like Red Bull, Celsius, and Mother, can act as a fuel source for leukaemia cancer cells.
The study, published in Nature, claims that, “Since taurine is a common ingredient in energy drinks... our work suggests that it may be of interest to carefully consider the [risks and] benefits of supplemental taurine in leukaemia patients.”
Researchers explained that while the body naturally produces taurine, it has also been used to alleviate chemotherapy side effects in patients with leukaemia.
However, researchers at the University of Rochester in New York believe that additional taurine intake might actually worsen the blood cancer.
They explained that their studies indicate that the risks and benefits need to be carefully evaluated, when giving extra taurine to leukaemia patients.
The US study is new, but researchers are optimistic that targeting taurine production in cancerous cells could present a new approach to treating these aggressive diseases.
Researchers conducted experiments on mice and human leukaemia cells, and found that by blocking taurine from entering cells, they could slow down disease profession.
According to Mayo Clinic, taurine occurs naturally in foods with protein but is often used in energy drinks as it can aid in digestion and balancing electrolytes.
