The ingredient is added for its alleged benefits, such as improving mental performance and reducing inflammation.
A warning has been issued after an ingredient which is used in several popular drinks has been linked to blood cancer, according to a new study.
The study published in Nature has brought up concerns surrounding taurine, an amino acid used in several energy drinks such as Red Bull and Celsius, that may lead to an increase in blood cancer.
Researchers at the University of Rochester’s Wilmot Cancer Institute discovered that taurine can fuel the growth of leukaemia cells, as the cells absorb the acid which develops in bone marrow.
Taurine is naturally produced in the human body and is found in meat and fish.
It is also used in energy drinks for its supposed benefits, such as improving mental performance and reducing inflammation.
It has also been used to alleviate chemotherapy side effects in leukaemia patients.
However, the study suggests that an excessive intake of taurine, particularly through supplements and energy drinks, can exacerbate leukaemia by providing additional fuel for cancer cells.
Researchers have cautioned people to look at the pros and cons of extra taurine for leukaemia patients and energy drink consumers, due to its widespread availability.
While the study is still quite new, researchers are hoping that blocking taurine in leukaemia cells could lead to new treatment options.
The study is part of a broader effort to discover whether taurine contributes to the spike of other cancers, such as colorectal cancer.
