Revealed: The popular drinks that contain taurine - after ingredient was linked to colon cancer in young people READ MORE: Colon cancer in young people could be fueled by energy drinks By Emily Joshu Health Reporter For Dailymail.Com Published: 15:16, 6 June 2024 | Updated: 16:57, 6 June 2024 e-mail 44 shares 212 View comments A little-known ingredient in energy drinks was thrust into the spotlight this week after scientists theorized it may partly explain a rise in colon cancer in young people. Taurine is an amino acid used in Red Bull to energize cells and improve mental clarity.
However, scientists in Florida hypothesize that this ingredient could 'feed' harmful bacteria that have been 'over-represented' in the guts of people with colorectal cancer. It's still only a theory, and based on preliminary studies in animals and labs, so experts say there is no reason to panic yet. But Taurine is also found in Monster, Celsius, and some Starbucks coffee beverages.
So is this a reason to cut out energy drinks altogether? The above graph shows the rise of colorectal cancer in young Americans from 1999 through 2020 The findings come as one in three adults ages 18 to 29 report regularly consuming energy drinks. The US energy drink market is valued at about $23billion, fueled largely by sales of Red Bull, Monster, and Celsius. The potential problem with taurine mostly relates to how much of it a person consumes.
In small amounts, it is considered safe. However high levels have been sh.
