Energy drinks, protein powder, and cancer
I’ve been a fitness trainer and exercise enthusiast for decades, and I’ve consumed my fair share of protein powders and various supplements. An ingredient in some of those products was taurine, an amino acid used to enhance endurance and reduce muscle fatigue during workouts. It’s also included in popular energy drinks like Red Bull, Monster, and Rock Star.
Concentrated in the brain, eyes, heart, and muscle tissues, taurine has anti-inflammatory properties. Research has linked supplementation to improved blood sugar management, reduced cholesterol, and lower blood pressure.
A new study, however, is raining on taurine’s parade. Findings published in the journal Nature link taurine to a potential acceleration of leukemia by fueling cancer cell growth. In lab studies, the process by which taurine breaks down sugar for energy also “energized” leukemia cells and sped their progression.
In addition to widespread consumption in fitness supplements and energy drinks, taurine is also administered to some cancer patients to lessen the side effects of chemotherapy. For these reasons, researchers are alerting the medical community and consumers about the potential risks the amino acid poses.
As a rebuttal, Jeff Ventura at the Council for Responsible Nutrition says, “The study doesn’t say anything about the safety of taurine for healthy people or suggest that normal dietary or supplement use is harmful.” What this statement doesn’t consider is that there are people who feel healthy yet are unaware that pre-established cancer cells are present in their bodies, making taurine potentially dangerous.
Being informed empowers us to decide what to consume or say "no thanks" to. Learn more about taurine and the researchers’ findings in this article from Pennlive:
https://www.pennlive.com/health/2025/05/common-energy-drink-protein-powd...
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
Slipstream
I've used protein powders in the past, and I have no idea what it had in them. I've learned that just because it's a health food store doesn't mean all the food is healthy. Scary stuff; thanks for the warning.
youtropolis
Thank you for posting this important article. Companies selling supplements may not be aware of the latest studies on ingredients they're using. Those who are, may view it as inconvenient news. It's always up to the consumer to do their own research. So we appreciate the value Well Street brings with its informative, newsworthy health updates.