Taurine

Taurine is a naturally occurring amino sulfonic acid that is often classified as a "conditionally essential" nutrient. Unlike most amino acids, it is not used as a building block for proteins; instead, it remains in its free form within various tissues, particularly the heart, brain, retina, and skeletal muscles. While the human body can synthesize taurine from the amino acids methionine and cysteine, we also obtain it through diet—specifically from meat, seafood, and dairy. Research published in the journal Science (2023) highlighted taurine as a potential "driver of aging," noting that its levels in the blood decline by nearly 80% as humans age, sparking significant interest in its role as a longevity-supporting supplement.