Enticed by energy drinks' high caffeine and sugar content, it's no wonder that plenty of individuals reach for a can to acquire an extra boost to help them get through the day.
However, the latest research on the beverage has identified a common ingredient which might promote the growth of certain cancer cells.
A new study published in the journal Nature has revealed that taurine, a common ingredient found in energy drinks such as Red Bull, Monster, and Rockstar, may promote the growth of leukaemia cells in patients who already have this type of cancer.
Researchers used genetic tools to block taurine from entering leukaemia cells in human cancer cells and mouse models.
A common ingredient may promote the growth of certain cancer cells, experts warned
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When taurine was prevented from reaching the cancerous cells, it cut off a vital resource that the cancer needed to survive, leading to improved disease outcomes in their experiments.
The study found that cancer cells can hijack taurine to fuel their growth, according to Dr Wael Harb, a haematologist and medical oncologist at MemorialCare Cancer Institute. "They use taurine to help them multiply more quickly," he explained.
Study co-author Dr Jeevisha Bajaj, an assistant professor at the University of Rochester's Wilmot Cancer Institute, discovered that taurine can be produced by bone-forming cells in the bone marrow microenvironment, the tissue inside bones where myeloid cancers begin and expand.
The research showed that leukaemia cells use taurine to encourage metabolic changes, including the breakdown of glucose to create energy for their functions.
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The researchers emphasised that their findings do not suggest taurine causes cancer in healthy individuals.
"We do not have any evidence that taurine, or any other ingredient in energy drinks, can increase the risk of leukaemia in healthy people," said Dr Bajaj.
Dr Harb confirmed that taurine is "generally safe" to have in energy drinks for those without cancer. "That doesn't mean that taurine causes cancer," he added.
"But in people who already have cancer, it may fuel it," he warned.
The researchers emphasise that their findings do not suggest taurine causes cancer in healthy individuals
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Taurine is a naturally occurring amino acid that may help regulate blood pressure, improve cardiac fitness, and enhance vascular health, with potential anti-ageing properties.
Still, doctors have said that healthy individuals do not need to stop drinking energy drinks based on these findings - a claim that is supported by the study's researchers.
However, for patients with leukaemia, Dr Harb recommends discussing energy drink consumption with their doctor, including how often they consume such beverages.
"More research is still needed on how to manage taurine with cancer care," Dr Harb noted.
Before making any dietary changes, it's important to always consult your health practitioner for health advice.
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