Author(s): BECKER, L., STARZYNSKA, K., AL SADAT, L., MURR, A., WACKERHAGE, H., HAUNER, H., Institution: TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY MUNICH, Country: GERMANY, Abstract-ID: 2186

INTRODUCTION:
Ageing is accompanied by a progressive loss of muscle mass, strength, and endurance. This decline is clinically relevant, as lower grip strength, reduced muscular strength, and impaired cardiorespiratory fitness are associated with increased morbidity and mortality in older adults [1,2]. In contrast, regular physical activity reduces mortality risk and increases life expectancy [3]. Taurine is a semi-essential amino acid with proposed health- and performance-promoting effects in humans. In animal models, taurine supplementation extends healthspan and lifespan [4]. However, whether taurine influences the pace of human ageing and, in this analysis, age-related declines in health, strength, and endurance remains unknown. To address this question, we conducted a randomized human taurine intervention trial.
METHODS:
83 older healthy adults (m=41; f=42; age=62.88 ± 5.72; BMI=25.19 ± 2.93 kg/m2) completed a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial and were allocated to two groups (A, B) receiving either 4 g/day taurine or placebo for six months (NCT06613542). Outcomes at baseline and six months included dominant-hand grip strength (kg; dynamometer), knee extensor torque (right, left; Nm; isometric dynamometer setup), and PWC130 relative to body mass (W/kg). We tested baseline group differences with t-tests and analysed changes over time (time × group interaction, B–A) using linear mixed-effects models adjusted for sex and baseline age.
RESULTS:
Groups did not differ at baseline (all p>0.05). For all outcomes, model-estimated means showed small declines in A and small improvements in B, including a significant decline in right-leg torque in A (p=0.024). However, time × group interactions were not significant, with effects generally favouring B. Between-group differences in change were: grip strength +1,67 kg (95% CI [-3.97, 0.64]; p=0.154), left-knee torque +7.1 Nm (95% CI [−19, 4.76]; p=0.237), right-knee torque +12.7 Nm (95% CI [−27, 1.49]; p=0.079), and PWC 130 + 0.07 W/kg (95% CI [-0.19, 0.05], p=0.269). Sex did not influence the effect (all time × group × sex interactions p>0.05). Exploratory sex-stratified analysis revealed small, non-significant tendencies favouring B, with one significant interaction for the right-knee torque, that was not supported by the three-way interaction.
CONCLUSION:
Six months of taurine supplementation did not significantly change grip strength, knee extensor torque, or PWC130 compared with placebo in healthy older adults. Although not significant, small trends favoured B; confidence intervals were wide. Larger and longer trials are required to clarify potential subtle or sex-specific effects.
[1] Celis-Morales CA et al. BMJ, 2018; [2] Kodama S et al. JAMA, 2009; [3] Wen CP et al. Lancet, 2011; [4] Singh A et al. Science, 2023
Comment: The data will be unblinded before the ECSS conference 2026.