Aliquot #106: The Science of Longevity Vitamins: Taurine, Ergothioneine, and PQQ
Aliquot #106: The Science of Longevity Vitamins: Taurine, Ergothioneine, and PQQ
Vitamins are substances that our bodies need to develop and function normally. When considering vitamins, we tend to think of the usual suspects – A, C, D, E, and K, plus the eight B vitamins. However, the body produces many molecules that fit the description of a vitamin, driving physiological processes from infancy through later life. Some of these molecules might even be considered longevity "vitamins" – substances that extend healthspan and promote a longer life. In this Aliquot, I talk about three substances that may act as longevity vitamins – taurine, ergothioneine, and PQQ.
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Vitamins are substances that our bodies need to develop and function normally. When considering vitamins, we tend to think of the usual suspects – A, C, D, E, and K, plus the eight B vitamins. However, the body produces many molecules that fit the description of a vitamin, driving physiological processes from infancy through later life. Some of these molecules might even be considered longevity "vitamins" – substances that extend healthspan and promote a longer life. In this Aliquot, I talk about three substances that may act as longevity vitamins – taurine, ergothioneine, and PQQ.
Update: Although early animal studies suggest topping up taurine levels could extend lifespan and improve health markers, this has not yet been proven in people. A May 2025 Nature paper showed taurine uptake may fuel aggressive myeloid leukemias in laboratory and mouse models, illustrating how nutrients beneficial to healthy tissues may also feed certain cancers.
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Is taurine the key to Okinawan's long lifespans?
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How taurine promotes mitochondrial health
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How taurine deficiency impacts muscle mass and performance
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Does supplementing the age-related decline in taurine boost longevity?
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Which country has the highest taurine intake (and the longest lifespan?)
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Can taurine significantly alter blood pressure, blood lipids, and glucose levels?
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The role of ergothioneine in shielding membranes from oxidative damage
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How ergothioneine's lipophilic properties protect mitochondria
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Why do some people transport ergothioneine better than others?
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Whether to get ergothioneine from foods or supplements
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Is ergothioneine destroyed by cooking?
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The unusual antioxidant power of PQQ
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The role of PQQ in the brain
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PQQ's impact on NAD and sirtuin levels
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Does PQQ blunt the positive effects of exercise?
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