You may have seen the brightly colored energy drinks on store shelves—maybe even in your kids (or grandkids’) hands or tucked in your own pantry.
After all, these popular beverages are advertised as energy boosters with potential heart health benefits.
But shocking new research reveals that taurine, a common ingredient in many of these drinks, may have hidden dangers, particularly for your heart health…
Now, to be fair, taurine does have its place. It’s a natural amino acid that our bodies produce, and it’s been associated with benefits like hydration, electrolyte balance, and even some cardiovascular support when used in specific, controlled ways. Taurine helps with energy production and is involved in vital processes like regulating calcium in cells and supporting nerve health.
So, what’s changed?
It turns out taurine may have a darker side when it comes to those already dealing with heart issues. This recent study from China found that while taurine can reduce plaque size, it may also weaken the stability of these plaques in a way that raises the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Let’s dig into the details…
In the study, researchers focused on the relationship between taurine and cardiovascular health by examining blood samples from 145 individuals with varying levels of heart health.
They noticed that heart attack patients had higher blood taurine levels than those with stable heart conditions. This unexpected link led the researchers to dig deeper and examine taurine’s effects on plaque formation within the arteries.
In laboratory tests on mice with atherosclerosis—a condition where plaque builds up in the arteries—taurine reduced plaque size, which might seem beneficial.
However, it simultaneously destabilized these plaques, making them more prone to rupture. Think of a snow-covered mountain where the snowpack is reduced but becomes dangerously loose and avalanche-prone.
That’s what taurine seemed to do to arterial plaques: making them smaller, yes, but also more fragile.
This destabilization appears to stem from taurine’s impact on collagen within the arterial walls.
See, collagen acts as a stabilizer for plaque, much like rebar in concrete, holding everything in place. Taurine, however, seems to trigger enzymes that break down this collagen, which is why plaques become less secure and more likely to rupture.
For individuals with a history of heart issues, this plaque instability could spell serious trouble, heightening the risk of life-threatening cardiac events.
While taurine may offer benefits in other contexts, this study serves as a wake-up call for those with cardiovascular concerns. The energy drinks you might see young people grabbing at the grocery store are often packed with high taurine levels, and while they may seem harmless or even beneficial, they could carry significant risks we’re only beginning to understand.
If you or someone you know has underlying heart conditions, especially as we age, this new information underscores the importance of considering these potential risks. It’s a good idea to speak with a healthcare provider about the potential effects of taurine, particularly in energy drinks or supplements.
If you’re looking for a safer way to boost heart health naturally, here are a couple of safe, research-backed alternatives:
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish oil and certain plant sources like flaxseed, omega-3s have anti-inflammatory properties that support heart health by reducing blood pressure, triglycerides, and arterial plaque buildup.
- Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): This antioxidant plays a critical role in cellular energy production and has been shown to improve heart function in people with cardiovascular disease. CoQ10 can be taken as a supplement or found in foods like oily fish, organ meats, and whole grains.
Making conscious choices about what’s in our drinks and supplements—and opting for well-researched natural alternatives—can go a long way toward protecting your heart.
And remember, it’s always wise to consult your doctor before adding new supplements, especially with any pre-existing health conditions.
To making heart-healthy choices,
Rachel Mace
Managing Editorial Director, e-Alert
with contributions from the research team
P.S. Long-time HSI contributor, Dr. Fred Pescatore has devised an all-natural plan to prevent and reverse America’s biggest killers—high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. He details it all in his Ultimate Heart Protection Protocol. To learn more, click here.
Sources:
Staff, S. (2024, October 28). This additive in energy drinks and dietary supplements may cause serious heart issues, study warns. Study Finds. https://studyfinds.org/taurine-energy-drinks-supplements-heart-attacks/
