Taurine is an amino acid our bodies naturally produce, found in places like our bone marrow, brain, heart and muscles. You can also get it naturally by eating meat, seafood, dairy or seaweed products. Taurine is also a supplement added to many energy drinks, protein powders and vitamin-enhanced beverages.
Taurine has attracted attention in recent years thanks to its potential health benefits, but it’s most recently made headlines due to newly found potential risks linking it to blood cancer. We’re here to simplify the research and explain the risks and benefits of taurine supplementation.
Taurine and Blood Cancer
A 2025 study published in Nature found that increased taurine levels enhanced the development of leukemia cells when tested in mice. The research showed that leukemia cells absorb taurine and use it to fuel their growth, as taurine promotes energy production. Additionally, researchers learned that blocking taurine uptake in mice slowed leukemia progression, showing potential for future cancer treatment studies.
While the study showed that taurine supplements had the potential to accelerate the progression of leukemia significantly, researchers made no claims that taurine actually causes blood cancer.
important to note that this informative study was only conducted on mice and cell cultures. Further research is needed to determine whether a similar relation between taurine and blood cancer may exist in humans.
Taurine and Your Overall Health
While it’s not one of the nine essential amino acids, taurine plays a functional role in a few aspects of your health, including:
- Balancing electrolytes at the cellular level
- Forming bile salts in the liver to aid with digestion
- Protecting cells from inflammatory and oxidative stress
- Regulating mineral levels
- Supporting the nervous system
- Supporting your eye health
Most people make enough taurine on their own and don’t need to supplement with any additional foods or dietary aids. Though it’s generally considered safe for consumption, some people may experience side effects, including upset stomach, nausea or vomiting when ingesting taurine in large amounts. Taurine supplements aren’t recommended for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and those with bipolar disorder or kidney conditions. Taurine supplements can also interact with certain medications, so it’s important to talk to your doctor if you’re considering taurine supplementation.
Helping You Stay Your Healthiest
While there’s still a lot to learn about taurine, we’re dedicated to keeping you informed. If you or a loved one are navigating a blood cancer diagnosis, our hematology and oncology teams are here to help you navigate the science and make confident, informed choices about your care. We’re ready to support you every step of the way.
