New Delhi, May 16 -- Energy drinks are among the most commonly consumed beverages available in the market. However, a recent research paper published in Nature has linked a common energy drink ingredient to the progression of blood cancer leukaemia, reported People.

Taurine-an amino acid that occurs naturally in proteins like meat and fish-is a common ingredient in many popular energy drinks.

However, the research paper suggested that taurine may promote leukemogenesis - the development of leukaemia cells. It also "identifies taurine as a key regulator of myeloid malignancies", which, like leukaemia, are cancers that begin in the blood.

The study revealed that cancer cells in mice were fueled by taurine: "Taurine supplements could sign...