Taurine

Why in news?

• A recent study has shown that Taurine – a nutrient found in meat, and fish and sold as a supplement – extends life and boosts health in a range of animal species.
• Experiments on middle-aged animals showed boosting taurine to youthful levels extended life by over 10% and improved physical and brain health.

About Taurine:

• Taurine is an amino acid and is widely-distributed in animal tissues
• It has important roles in your body, including supporting immune health and nervous system function.
• It is a major constituent of bile and can be found in the large intestine, and accounts for up to 0.1% of total human body weight.
• The scientific report suggests taurine plays a role in reducing cellular senescence, a hallmark of ageing.
  • Cellular senescence is a phenomenon characterized by the cessation of cell division
• The nutrient also appeared to keep mitochondria functioning.
• Taurine is virtually non-existent in plants. So the nutrient either comes from the animal protein in the diet or is manufactured by the body.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Consider the following statements regarding Taurine:

1.  It is widely-distributed in plant tissues

2. It has important roles in human body, including supporting immune health and nervous system function.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer