Carnosine

Posted by Elaine Moore Nov 4, 2007

Carnosine is a potent antioxidant with known benefits for patients with autoimmune disorders. Carnosine, which is a dipeptide composed of beta-alanine and L-histidine, is best known for its ability to prevent glycation, a form of oxidative damage that occurs when sugar molecules react with protein molecules.

• Carnosine reduces inflammation and strengthens the immune system.
• Carnosine reduces fatigue.
• Carnosine reduces oxidative stress autoimmunedisease.suite101.com/blog.cfm/free_radicals_trigger_autoimmunity
• Carnosine acts as a neurotransmitter aiding in communication between the nervous and immune systems.
• Carnosine protects against radiation damage.
• Carnosine aids in wound healing.
• Carnosine helps chelate or bind toxic metals.
• Carnosine helps prevent cataract formation.
• Carnosine helps heal gastric ulcers.
• Carnosine is reported to offer benefits in children with autism.
• Carnosine helps repair damaged proteins.
• Carnosine helps prevent damage caused by excitotoxins, alcohol metabolism, and lipid peroxidation.
• Carnosine reduces the formation of amyloid plaques, helping prevent the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

Carnosine is found in poultry, meat, and fish. Individuals on vegetarian diets or who avoid eating meat, poultry, or fish are at risk of developing carnosine deficiencies. The body’s stores of carnosine are found in skeletal muscle, the heart, and the brain. Carnosine levels in the body decrease with age. Muscle levels of carnosine decrease more than 60 percent between the ages of 10 and 70 years. This is thought to account for the reduction of muscle mass and muscle function seen in aging humans.

Supplements containing carnosine and its isomer L-carnosine are also available. The usual recommended dose for supplements is 100-200 mg daily. Amounts greater than 300 mg daily are not recommended.

Resources:

Michael Chez, Carnosine and Autism Study, accessed September 1, 2007.

Carnosine by Anti-Aging Systems, accessed November 3, 2007.