Your body is a machine in constant motion. Every second, cells are created, divide and die in perfect coordination.
Most of the time, this process works seamlessly. But sometimes, things go wrong.
Cancer begins when certain cells start dividing uncontrollably. Scientists have long been trying to understand what gives these rogue cells their power.
Now, a surprising new clue has emerged — and it may be something already inside you.
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The familiar compound with an unfamiliar role
The substance in question is taurine. It’s an amino acid your body produces naturally.
You also consume it through foods like meat and fish — and it’s a key ingredient in many energy drinks.
Until now, taurine has been considered safe. In fact, previous studies have even linked it to protective effects against some cancers.
But researchers from the University of Rochester Medical Center have discovered something unexpected.
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In lab studies, they observed that leukemia cells appear to absorb taurine from bone marrow and use it to grow faster.
This happens because taurine helps fuel a process called glycolysis — how cells break down sugar for energy.
For cancer cells, more energy means faster and more aggressive growth.
A new treatment path?
Scientists blocked leukemia cells from taking in taurine, the cancer’s growth slowed down.
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This effect was seen in both human and mouse cells. It could lead to a new treatment strategy for blood cancers like acute and chronic myeloid leukemia.
But the picture is complex. Taurine is also known to support the immune system.
In some studies, it has even helped fight off other types of cancer, like stomach cancer. So researchers are cautious.
They stress that there’s no evidence taurine causes leukemia in healthy people.
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Still, they recommend leukemia patients consult their doctors if they regularly consume taurine, especially from supplements or energy drinks.
The article is based on information from Illustreret Videnskab.
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This article is made and published by Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk, who may have used AI in the preparation.