[_xerces_]

It appears that the trial is still ongoing: https://www.cancer.gov/research/participate/clinical-trials-...

The theory is that the taurine added to the drinks is feeding gut bacteria that then produce hydrogen sulfide that damages the intestinal lining.

[washadjeffmad]

There was a pop-sci article around a decade ago, still within the "fight free radicals by buying our anti-oxidant products" craze, that posited that breathing flatulence could also help fight cancer because hydrogen sulfide damaged cancer cells.

I didn't think it passed the smell then, either.

Found it: https://www.cnet.com/science/how-smelling-farts-could-save-y...

[piuantiderp]

Not all gut bacteria cause this, but the bad ones sure, will break sulfur-aminos into badness.

[ivewonyoung]

> hydrogen sulfide

Interesting because NAC also has been studied to possibly accelerate cancer growth if you already have it, but it helps with prevention if you don't have it. And it has sulfur and also produces hydrogen sulfide in the body.

[Qem]

Most sulfides are insoluble. I wonder if ingestion with calcium/magnesium/iron rich foods may mitigate the risk, by precipitating the sulfide formed, instead of letting it stay as fast diffusing H2S.

[j45]

It also raises a question for me could Taurine in an energy drink be different than taurine as a supplement?