Brief Summary
This video discusses a recent study that challenges the findings of a 2023 study suggesting that torine levels decline with age and that torine supplementation could extend lifespan. The new study, using longitudinal data, indicates that torine levels do not decrease with age and may even increase. Despite this, the presenter will continue to take torine due to its potential benefits for metabolic syndrome and heart health, while acknowledging the limitations of current research and the need for further investigation.
- A new study contradicts the 2023 study, suggesting torine levels don't decline with age.
- The presenter will continue torine supplementation due to potential benefits for metabolic syndrome and heart health.
- The importance of rigorous scientific testing and refinement of understanding is highlighted.
Introduction to Torine and the Initial Excitement
Two years ago, a study suggested torine, an amino acid found in the brain, heart, and muscles, could combat aging. Torine plays roles in energy metabolism and nervous system function, with deficiencies leading to conditions like cardiomyopathy. While torine has been added to energy drinks for decades, recent interest surged due to its potential anti-aging properties.
The 2023 Study: Torine's Impact on Lifespan and Age-Related Decline
The 2023 study made two key discoveries. First, torine supplementation increased the lifespan of worms by 10-23% and mice by 10-12%, also increasing life expectancy at 12 months from 18 to 25%. Second, torine levels appeared to decrease with age in mice, monkeys, and potentially humans. The researchers hypothesised that torine supplementation's lifespan-extending effects were due to compensating for this natural decline, suggesting that preventing this decline could slow down aging.
New Study Casts Doubt on Torine Decline with Age
A new study challenges the 2023 findings, noting conflicting results in previous research regarding torine levels and aging. Some studies found a decrease, others an increase, and some no change. This new research aims to clarify whether torine levels actually decrease with age, as this would undermine the theory that torine supplements could extend lifespan.
Cross-Sectional vs. Longitudinal Data Analysis
The new study used a different approach to data collection compared to the 2023 study. The 2023 study used a cross-sectional analysis, examining torine levels in groups of people of different ages at one point in time, which suggested a decline with age. The new study also incorporated longitudinal data, tracking torine levels in the same individuals over time (around 8 years), which is generally more accurate due to controlling for other factors that could influence torine levels.
Findings of the New Study: Torine Levels and Aging
Using data from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging, the new study found that torine levels did not decline with age. In fact, the opposite appeared to happen. This finding contradicts the 2023 study's assertion that torine levels decrease with age, undermining the idea that supplementation could combat aging by maintaining torine levels. The study also found no consistent correlation between torine levels and markers of aging like muscle strength and body weight.
Implications and the Scientific Process
The new data suggests that low circulating torine is not a driver of aging, and supplementing with torine is unlikely to slow it down. This highlights the importance of the scientific process, where theories are proposed, tested, and refined. The new study retested the assumptions of the earlier study, revealing that the initial conclusion was too hasty. This process of uncovering misunderstandings is crucial for advancing scientific knowledge.
Personal Decision to Continue Torine Supplementation
Despite the new findings, the presenter will continue to take torine as part of microvitamin plus powder. This decision is based on human data indicating potential benefits for metabolic syndrome and heart health, rather than the lifespan extension observed in animal studies. A meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials showed that torine decreased fasting blood sugar levels, blood pressure, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, HBA1C, and insulin levels.
Cautions and Additional Data on Torine's Benefits
The presenter notes cautions regarding the data on torine's benefits, including the potential for bias in the included studies and their short duration. However, additional data suggests torine may help with heart health by lowering blood pressure and improving cardiac performance in those with heart failure. Despite the need for more evidence, the presenter continues to take torine due to the consistent direction of experimental results in humans.
Safety and Conclusion
The presenter addresses safety concerns, referencing a new study on cancer cells that identified torine as a regulator of myoid cancers. However, it's important to note that this study was conducted on existing cancer cells in a petri dish, which is different from the effects in the real human body. The presenter believes that the human evidence suggests the benefits of torine outweigh the risks. While torine may not be the key to extending lifespan, it shows promise in other areas of health.