Leukemia Risk Linked to Energy Drink Ingredient & Bone Health
- Researchers at the University of Southern California have found that taurine, an ingredient commonly found in energy drinks and dietary supplements, not only fuels the growth of leukemia...
- The new research indicates that as leukemia cells utilize taurine,less of the amino acid is available for other cells,potentially leading to reduced bone density.
- "It appears that leukemia cells and bone-producing cells have dual requirements for taurine," says Jeevisha Bajaj, professor of biological sciences at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts...
Taurine‘s Role in Leukemia May Extend to Bone Health, Study Finds
Researchers at the University of Southern California have found that taurine, an ingredient commonly found in energy drinks and dietary supplements, not only fuels the growth of leukemia stem cells but may also contribute to weaker bones. The findings, published January 26, 2026, in Cell Death & Disease, build upon a 2025 study revealing taurine’s impact on leukemia.
The new research indicates that as leukemia cells utilize taurine,less of the amino acid is available for other cells,potentially leading to reduced bone density. Researchers conducted the study using mice.
“It appears that leukemia cells and bone-producing cells have dual requirements for taurine,” says Jeevisha Bajaj, professor of biological sciences at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences and senior author of the study. “if leukemia cells are rapidly using taurine and thus depleting levels of taurine in the bone marrow, it could explain why other cells that also rely on taurine for bone strength are coming up short.”
Researchers note that a significant percentage of cancer patients experience reduced bone density, often developing osteoporosis or osteopenia. They hypothesize that impaired taurine uptake might potentially be a contributing factor.
The study was published in Cell Death & Disease.