Carnosine is a protein building block that is naturally produced in the body. It is concentrated in muscles when they are working, and it is also found in the heart, brain, and many other parts of the body. Carnosine helps prevent aging and preventing or treating complications of diabetes such as nerve damage, eye disorders (cataracts), and kidney problems. Carnosine is important for many normal body functions including the proper function and development of the muscles, heart, liver, kidneys, brain, and many other organs. There is some interest in using carnosine to prevent aging because it seems to interfere with certain chemicals that might play a role in the aging process.

What is Carnosine?

Carnosine is a small peptide that contains two amino acids, beta- alanine and histidine. It is found in relatively high concentrations in several body tissues, most notably in skeletal muscles, heart muscles, and the brain.

How is it Made?
L-Carnosine is a naturally occurring substance found in many parts of the human body, as well as the food we eat.

Where is it Found?
Dietary sources of carnosine include high-protein meats such as poultry, fish, pork and beef. Lower concentrations of carnosine exist in other protein-rich foods such as eggs and milk.

Over the years carnosine has been believed to be a powerful anti-aging nutrient and as one of the nutrients for longevity. However, the exact biological role of carnosine is not well understood, but many studies suggest that it harbors strong and specific antioxidant properties, including amazing anti-aging actions. Carnosine also possesses other suggested roles such as a modulator of enzyme activities and chelator of heavy metals ((i.e., a substance that binds heavy metals, possibly reducing their toxicity to the body). In addition, it appears to act as a neurotransmitter (chemical messenger in the nervous system).
L-Carnosine is touted as the "anti aging nutrient" because of its favorable effects on inhibiting the formation of age-inducing substances called "advanced glycation end products" (AGEs). Glycosylation is the oxidation of proteins which occur when sugar molecules attach to proteins and block their normal metabolic function resulting in cross-linking of proteins. In other words, AGEs are abnormal, cross-linked and oxidized proteins which are implicated in loss of cell function, genome integrity and accelerated aging. Studies suggest that carnosine protects DNA and proteins from cross-linking. Moreover, it also binds to already formed AGEs and inactivates them.
Numerous animal studies indicate carnosine protects against radiation damage, improves heart function, and promotes wound healing. It is thought that this unique di-peptide is the water-soluble counterpart to vitamin E in protecting cell membranes from oxidative damage. In addition, laboratory studies have shown that it can rejuvenate senescent cells (the end of the life cycle of dividing cells) thus restoring and extending cellular normal life span.

Even though the benefits of L-Carnosine have not been thoroughly researched, based on preliminary studies it may be useful to patients suffering from diabetes, cataracts, kidney failure, and neuropathy. L- Carnosine may also help to slow down the aging of skin, minimizing wrinkles and the breakdown of skin elasticity. It may be beneficial in the prevention of atherosclerosis, joint inflammation and cataract formation. Carnosine has shown to reduce and prevent cell damage caused by beta amyloid, a substance found in the brain of Alzheimer sufferers.
In addition, it appears to have the ability to help eradicate the bacterium (Helicobacter pylori), an organism linked to peptic ulcer and even stomach cancer. As such, carnosine may provide significant protection and healing of both gastric and peptic ulcers.

Dosage
Dietary sources of carnosine include high-protein meats such as poultry, fish, pork and beef. Lower concentrations of carnosine exist in other protein-rich foods such as eggs and milk.

Possible Side-Effects / Precautions / Possible Interactions:
High levels of carnosine are nontoxic, although not recommended. Muscle twitching is one side-effect with dosages over 600 mg. To date no adverse side-effects have been reported. Some short-term results show it could possibly create alertness but also unsound sleep, but only when high doses are administered. There are possible allergic reactions to carnosine as it stimulates histamines in the body; reactions include rashes and runny noses.

Special Precautions & Warnings:
Not enough is known about the use of carnosine during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Research Studies / References