Scientists have warned that a common ingredient found in many popular drinks could put you at an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. According to a new study an amino acid that is used in many energy drinks and dietary supplements could have a dangerous effect on the body.
The research, which was published in the Journal of Exploratory Research in Pharmacology, exposed some of the potential risks of taurine. Although taurine has previously been linked to improved heart health, scientists now say this might not be the case.
Taurine supplements are often used to regulate blood pressure and improve heart function and blood fat levels in people with heart conditions.
But now researchers warn that taurine might actually destabilise atherosclerotic plaques – a build up of fatty substances in the arteries – increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes in some cases.
This is because if clumps of plaque ever break off they can float away to a smaller blood vessel leading to your heart or brain. And if they get stuck in that vessel, you can have a heart attack or stroke.
The team from several institutions in Nanjing, China, found that while taurine reduced the size of arterial plaques in mice, it also made these plaques less stable and more prone to rupture.
As part of the research they examined blood samples from 145 people, including healthy individuals and patients with various stages of coronary heart disease.
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This revealed that patients experiencing acute heart attacks had significantly higher levels of taurine in their blood compared to healthy individuals or those with stable heart conditions.
To investigate this, the researchers studied laboratory mice genetically modified to develop atherosclerosis.
They created conditions that accelerated plaque formation in the mice’s arteries and then supplied them with taurine for four days.
While the taurine treatment did reduce the size of arterial plaques, it also decreased their stability.
The treated plaques had a reduced collagen content and fewer smooth muscle cells, both crucial components that help keep plaques stable and less likely to rupture.
Their findings also revealed that taurine increased the production of certain enzymes that break down collagen in blood vessel walls – explaining why the plaques became less stable.
However, the researchers highlighted that their findings don’t mean people should completely avoid taurine.
But suggested that healthcare providers should carefully monitor patients taking taurine supplements, particularly those with existing cardiovascular conditions.
The study authors said: “These findings suggest that taurine supplementation may reduce both the size and stability of atherosclerotic plaques. Therefore, dietary taurine supplements should be used with caution.”