FROM Tom Brady to Jeff Bezos and former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, the world's richest are in pursuit of perpetual youth.
But for all the millions they've spent investing in biotech and the healthiest foods money can buy, the key to endless youth could be found in your corner shop energy drink.
Taurine is an amino acid that has been found to increase the lifespan of mice by 12 per cent – the equivalent of an extra decade in humans.
The study by Columbia University found the chemical could also help improve health in middle-aged folk by suppressing age-related weight gain and improving immunity.
The additive – which is also used by exercise fanatics as a supplement to build muscle – is produced naturally in the body, but production falls rapidly with age.
Lead author, Dr Vijay Yadav, assistant professor of genetics and development, said the results suggested taurine supplements could be used as an anti-ageing drug.
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But are taurine supplements safe for people to take? And do they actually work?
A GP has weighed in on the new study and whether we all should be heading to the drinks or medicine aisle to stock up on the substance.
According to GP Philippa Kaye, taurine can support a healthy lifestyle – but whether it can increase life expectancy is up for debate.
"Taurine is one of the building blocks of protein," she told The Sun.
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"You need protein in your diet to help your body repair cells and make new ones.
"It is found in fish and meat and has roles in the body such as in energy production," she added.
This is why it's often added to energy drinks.
However, the GP warned against "rushing out and buying supplements or energy drinks.
"There are lots of unanswered questions, such as why does taurine fall when you get older?
"How does it help and are there any risks or side effects?"
It's also worth bearing in mind that energy drinks do not come without their own side effects, especially when consumed in large amounts.
"There are other ingredients in energy drinks which could cause problems in high levels, such as caffeine," she explained.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warn that caffeine, sugars, additives and legal stimulants designed to boost energy and alertness can have a harmful effect on our central nervous system.
Energy drinks can also lead to dehydration, heart problems, high blood pressure, anxiety and insomnia.
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Health experts have long issued warnings about the drinks' detrimental effects on health and told mums and dads to be extra vigilant about kids drinking them.
Last year, ministers vowed to ban the sale of energy drinks to anyone under 16, but there are currently no legal age restrictions.
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