Marcangeli et al. 2025 — human taurine, aging, and physical function
TL;DR
In 137 men aged 20–93, fasting serum taurine was not associated with age, muscle mass, strength, physical performance, body composition, insulin-sensitivity indices, C-reactive protein, or ex-vivo skeletal-muscle mitochondrial function. This independently challenges taurine as a primary human aging driver or biomarker, while leaving supplementation efficacy untested.
Design
- 49 physically inactive and 88 physically active men, ages 20–93.
- Serum taurine measured using isotope-dilution liquid chromatography–electrospray tandem mass spectrometry.
- Outcomes included six-minute walk, Timed Up and Go, sit-to-stand, step test, grip and knee strength, leg power, muscle cross-sectional area, body composition, HOMA-IR, QUICKI, fructosamine, and C-reactive protein.
- Muscle biopsies supported ex-vivo measurements of mitochondrial respiration, hydrogen-peroxide emission, and calcium-retention capacity.
Key results
No positive association was found between serum taurine and chronological age or the proposed physical, metabolic, inflammatory, and mitochondrial correlates of healthy aging. Mean serum taurine was also similar in active and inactive participants.
Limitations
- Cross-sectional secondary analysis; it cannot estimate within-person trajectories or supplementation effects.
- Men only.
- Recruitment and exclusion criteria produced a relatively healthy volunteer cohort.