Common ingredient in energy drinks linked to blood cancer growth, study finds

Common ingredient in energy drinks linked to blood cancer growth, study finds

Taurine, found in popular beverages and foods, can promote cancer progression in bone marrow

A common ingredient in some foods and drinks has been linked to an increased risk of blood cancers. (iStock)

Acute myeloid leukemia AML, a type of blood cancer, starts in the bone marrow, the soft inner parts of bones. Taurine triggers cancer growth in leukemia cells by promoting a process called glycolysis, which breaks down glucose to produce energy. (iStock)

"We are very excited about these studies because they demonstrate that targeting uptake by myeloid leukemia cells may be a possible new avenue for treatment of these aggressive diseases," said the lead researcher (not pictured). (iStock)

"There is concern that high-powered energy drinks containing too much taurine could fuel leukemia cells," a doctor told Fox News Digital. (iStock)

Further research is needed to determine the exact process for blocking taurine, the experts said. (iStock)