Popular Drink May Increase Risk Of Cancer

A new study showed that a "common" ingredient found in many popular energy drinks could increase the risk of blood cancers.

U.S. researchers are warning consumers to exercise caution while consuming taurine, an amino acid present in Red Bull, Celsius and other energy drinks, is a potential fuel source for leukemia cancer cells, which develop in bone marrow, following a study published in Nature.

“Since taurine is a common ingredient in energy drinks… our work suggests that it may be of interest to carefully consider the [risks and] benefits of supplemental taurine in leukemia patients,” the study states.

Taurine is naturally produced by the human body and has also been used to alleviate chemotherapy side effects in leukemia patients, however, researchers at the University of Rochester now believe additional intake may actually worsen the blood cancer. The study highlighted whether extra taurine had more risks or benefits, as well as the risk for those who consume energy drinks given their presence of taurine.

Taurine occurs naturally in foods with protein and is often used in energy drinks to aid with digestion, maintaining proper hydration and electrolyte balances, and support general function of the nervous system. The study is still in its initial phases, which includes experiments on mice and human leukemia cells, though researchers are optimistic about targeting taurine production as a new, strong approach to treating blood cancer.