Taurine in Energy Drinks May Fuel Blood Cancer, Researchers Warn

It’s the secret weapon behind your favorite energy drink—an amino acid touted for boosting performance, easing stress, and even helping cancer patients tolerate chemotherapy. But what if that same ingredient is quietly fueling one of the most aggressive forms of blood cancer?

That ingredient is taurine, and while it’s naturally found in foods like meat and fish, it’s also added to countless energy drinks marketed for vitality and focus. Now, a groundbreaking study from the University of Rochester suggests that leukemia cells may be exploiting taurine as a powerful energy source—accelerating their growth in ways scientists are only beginning to understand.

This surprising revelation is reshaping how researchers—and increasingly, doctors—think about a once-celebrated compound. Could something so common in our diets and wellness routines be playing a darker role in disease progression? Here’s what the science reveals, and why it matters more than ever.

The New Discovery: Taurine’s Surprising Role in Leukemia Progression

For years, taurine has enjoyed a reputation as a harmless—if not helpful—compound. But recent research from the University of Rochester’s Wilmot Cancer Institute has added a crucial caveat to that narrative. In a study published in the prestigious journal Nature, scientists uncovered a troubling link between taurine and the progression of myeloid malignancies, a category of blood cancers that includes leukemia.

Using both genetically modified mice and human leukemia cells, researchers found that taurine actively fuels the growth of leukemia cells. These cancer cells, unlike healthy cells, cannot make taurine on their own. Instead, they extract it from their surroundings—specifically the bone marrow—using a specialized protein transporter coded by the SLC6A6 gene.

Once inside the cell, taurine triggers a process called glycolysis, the metabolic breakdown of glucose to generate energy. In healthy cells, glycolysis is a basic function. In cancer cells, however, it becomes a turbocharged engine, accelerating proliferation and making the disease more aggressive.

Dr. Jeevisha Bajaj, lead author of the study and a biomedical genetics researcher, called the findings “exciting” for their implications in treatment development. “We are very excited about these studies because they demonstrate that targeting uptake by myeloid leukemia cells may be a possible new avenue for treatment,” she said in a university release.

Crucially, the research also showed that blocking taurine from entering leukemia cells significantly slowed disease progression in mice. That insight suggests a promising new therapeutic strategy—disrupting the cancer’s energy source rather than simply trying to kill off fast-dividing cells.

Dr. Jane Liesveld, an oncologist who co-authored the study, stressed the need for caution regarding supplemental taurine use, especially in leukemia patients. “Local levels of taurine in bone marrow may enhance leukemia growth,” she noted, adding that this metabolic vulnerability is only beginning to be understood.

This discovery doesn’t just highlight taurine’s hidden role in leukemia—it also marks a broader shift in cancer research, where metabolic reprogramming is now considered as critical as genetic mutations in driving cancer behavior. And in this case, a molecule many people consume daily may be inadvertently tipping the scales.

What Is Taurine and Why Is It So Common?

Despite the ominous implications in recent cancer research, taurine itself is not new—nor inherently harmful. It’s a naturally occurring amino acid-like compound, found in many parts of the body, including the brain, heart, muscles, and especially the bone marrow. Unlike essential amino acids that must be obtained from food, taurine is produced by the human body and also absorbed through diet, particularly from meat, fish, eggs, and dairy.

So why is taurine added to energy drinks, protein powders, and even some infant formulas?

Taurine is prized for its role in regulating hydration, supporting electrolyte balance, aiding digestion, and modulating nervous system activity. According to the Mayo Clinic and other medical sources, it may also play a protective role in heart health and help reduce oxidative stress. These attributes made taurine an appealing ingredient in energy drinks, where it’s often paired with caffeine, B-vitamins, and sugar to promote a feeling of alertness and stamina.

Its usage skyrocketed with the rise of drinks like Red Bull, Celsius, and Monster, all of which contain added taurine in doses that can exceed 1,000 milligrams per serving. The global energy drink market, valued at over $86 billion in 2024, reflects how widespread taurine consumption has become, often without consumers giving it much thought.

Beyond sports performance, taurine has even been studied for its potential protective effects during chemotherapy, particularly in mitigating organ damage from toxic treatments. A 2013 paper in the Journal of Cancer Research and Therapeutics suggested taurine’s antioxidant capacity could help buffer some of chemotherapy’s harshest side effects.

But therein lies the complexity: a substance once viewed as a protective ally in cancer treatment may, under certain biological conditions, become a silent accomplice in cancer progression. As new findings emerge, researchers are urging a more nuanced understanding, not of taurine as universally “good” or “bad,” but as a biologically active compound whose effects may depend on context, dosage, and individual health factors.

From Antioxidant to Potential Cancer Driver

For years, taurine was viewed through a largely favorable lens in health and nutrition research. Its antioxidant properties made it a subject of interest for mitigating cellular damage, particularly in high-stress medical treatments like chemotherapy. Studies suggested that taurine could reduce inflammation, protect organs, and help the body recover more effectively during cancer treatment, offering a gentler path through some of the harshest medical regimens.

This positive reputation was bolstered by its ability to neutralize free radicals, molecules that can damage cells and DNA when left unchecked. As a result, taurine supplements were occasionally used in cancer care settings, not as a treatment for the disease itself, but as a complementary aid to reduce the toxic side effects of chemotherapy drugs.

But the new research linking taurine to accelerated leukemia growth has forced scientists to reassess that narrative. In the Nature study from the University of Rochester, researchers observed that leukemia cells effectively hijack taurine, using it to amplify glycolysis—a metabolic process that gives cancer cells the energy they need to grow and spread. The more taurine available, the more fuel the cancer seems to have.

What’s particularly striking is the discovery that leukemia cells cannot produce taurine on their own. They must pull it from their environment, primarily the bone marrow, where taurine is produced by surrounding healthy cells. This biological dependency not only underscores taurine’s role in the cancer’s energy supply but also opens the door to a new therapeutic idea: cutting off taurine access to starve the disease.

Dr. Jane Liesveld, co-author of the study and a hematologist at the Wilmot Cancer Institute, emphasized the need to reframe how we view taurine. “Metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of cancer,” she noted. “We are at the very beginning of understanding metabolic effects on leukemia cells.” Her comments highlight a growing recognition in oncology that cancer isn’t driven solely by genetic mutations—it’s also deeply influenced by how cancer cells extract and use energy.

That doesn’t mean taurine is universally dangerous. In healthy individuals, it likely performs its normal, beneficial functions without concern. But for patients with leukemia or pre-leukemic disorders, or those undergoing cancer treatment, the science suggests it may be time to reexamine taurine’s role in both diet and supplementation. Context, it seems, is everything.

The Public Health Question: Should Consumers Be Worried?

With taurine so widely available—in energy drinks, workout supplements, and even some medications—it’s fair to ask: should consumers be concerned?

The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. For most healthy individuals, moderate consumption of taurine through diet or an occasional energy drink is unlikely to pose a serious risk. Taurine is, after all, a compound the body produces naturally and has long been considered safe by regulatory agencies, including the European Food Safety Authority and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. However, the context is changing.

The new research doesn’t implicate taurine as a direct cause of leukemia. Instead, it identifies taurine as a critical fuel source for leukemia cells once the disease is present or developing. In the recent study, mice given supplemental taurine showed a threefold increase in leukemia progression compared to those that did not receive the extra taurine. While these are preclinical findings and human studies are still needed, the implications are hard to ignore, especially for individuals at higher risk for blood cancers, including those with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), a precursor condition.

That’s why researchers are urging caution, particularly for patients with existing or suspected hematologic disorders. “It may be of interest to carefully consider the benefits of supplemental taurine in patients with leukemia,” the study’s authors noted—a measured but important warning in the context of a marketplace saturated with high-dose, over-the-counter taurine products.

What adds complexity is taurine’s common pairing with other active compounds like caffeine and sugar in energy drinks. These combinations may mask fatigue, encourage overconsumption, and put added strain on the body, especially when consumed in large volumes or by vulnerable groups such as adolescents, athletes, and immunocompromised individuals. According to a 2023 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 30% of young adults in the U.S. consume energy drinks regularly, often unaware of what these beverages contain.

So, while a can of Red Bull is unlikely to be a direct threat to the average consumer, the broader public health concern lies in awareness and transparency. Are consumers adequately informed about what taurine is and how it behaves in the body, especially when underlying health conditions are present? At this point, the science suggests that a cautious, informed approach is warranted, particularly for people with known blood disorders or those undergoing cancer treatment.

For now, health experts recommend moderation and, where relevant, consulting a physician before using taurine-containing supplements, especially if you have a family history of blood cancers or are under oncological care. As the research evolves, so too should our approach to seemingly benign ingredients that might have more influence on our health than once believed.

My Personal RX on How to Stay Energized Naturally

As a physician, I hear it from patients all the time: “I’m just tired all the time.” And they’re not imagining it—modern life drains us, mentally and physically. Between poor sleep, processed foods, high stress, and overstimulation, it’s no wonder energy levels are at an all-time low. But reaching for quick fixes like caffeine and sugar only leads to bigger crashes later. Real, sustainable energy comes from restoring balance through nourishment, gut support, stress regulation, and daily rhythms that work with your body, not against it. The goal isn’t just to power through your day—it’s to feel consistently focused, vibrant, and resilient.

1. Fuel Your Gut to Boost Your Energy: A sluggish gut can lead to fatigue and brain fog. MindBiotic supports gut health and mood stability with probiotics, prebiotics, and Ashwagandha—helping you feel clear, calm, and energized without stimulants.
   
2. Eat to Stay Energized, Not Just Full: The Mindful Meals cookbook includes 100+ balanced, energy-sustaining recipes with complex carbs, healthy fats, and fiber-rich ingredients that stabilize blood sugar and prevent energy crashes.
   
3. Start Your Day with a Protein-Rich Breakfast: Skip the sugar-laden cereals and opt for eggs, Greek yogurt, or a protein smoothie. Protein in the morning helps balance blood sugar and set a stable energy tone for the day.
   
4. Move Often, Not Just Hard: You don’t need intense workouts to boost energy. Short walks, stretching, or light bodyweight movement throughout the day keep circulation going and fight fatigue.
   
5. Stay Hydrated to Stay Alert: Even mild dehydration can lead to energy dips and difficulty focusing. Aim for steady water intake, especially during or after physical activity.
   
6. Create a “Digital Sunset” Routine: Overexposure to screens drains mental energy. Power down 1–2 hours before bed to improve sleep quality and next-day energy.
   
7. Snack Smarter: Combine protein, healthy fat, and fiber—like apple slices with almond butter or hummus and veggies—to maintain a steady flow of energy between meals.
   
8. Use Breathwork for a Quick Boost: Try a few minutes of deep, intentional breathing when you feel an energy slump. It helps oxygenate your body and calm the nervous system at the same time.
   
9. Prioritize Consistent Sleep Patterns: Going to bed and waking up at the same time daily helps your body regulate energy more efficiently than sleeping in or staying up late sporadically.
10. Reduce Reliance on Stimulants: Caffeine can be helpful in moderation, but too much disrupts your sleep cycle and taxes your adrenals. Focus on building natural energy through lifestyle, not just quick fixes.