Carnosine

Carnosine Supplement

Did you know that Advanced Glycation End-Products (AGEs) are responsible for most of the complications of diabetes, heart disease, neurodegenerative disorders, and are implicated in the aging process? Carnosine supplementation protects all of the body’s tissues against damage and aging associated with these AGEs.

Carnosine (or L-Carnosine) is a dipeptide that is essential to health and supports optimal cell growth and function. This amino is synthesized in skeletal muscle from the amino acids histidine and beta-alanine, but unfortunately, our levels decline drastically as we age. Fortunately, carnosine can be found fairly readily in foods such as meat, fish and poultry.

Carnosine is often referred to as “muscle carnosine” because it is most concentrated in our muscles, but other important organs such as the heart and the brain (as well as many other tissues), also contain and require it. In addition to being a powerful antioxidant, one of the most unique features of this amino is its ability to prevent Advanced Glycation End-Product (AGE) formation, as well as early glycation. It is even able to reverse previously formed AGEs, which multiplies benefits for your health. These AGEs are formed via glycation, a process that results in the creation of AGEs that cause structural/functional changes in your blood vessels, skin, nerves, heart muscle and brain, and which result in premature aging of cells. Glycation happens in response to the consumption of glucose, fructose and their derivatives. Complicating things further, is the fact that high blood sugar further reduces carnosine levels. Fortunately, this supplement helps lower your blood sugar/insulin levels, so offers systemic protection to all of your body’s tissues against damage and aging (so basically, keeps cells young).

Benefits of Carnosine

• Anti-Glycation/Anti-Aging Supplement
• Supports Normal Cell Growth and Healthy Cell Function

Who Needs Carnosine?

Some of the most common uses for this amino acid include support for diabetic complications such as; peripheral neuropathy, kidney damage, diabetic retinopathy, as well as cataracts. Carnosine is also often recommended as an anti-aging supplement to support normal cell growth & function, to boost immunity, as well as to stimulate neurotransmission.

Carnosine Potencies, Forms & Formats

Supplement Potencies

Carnosine is offered in a few different potencies and the typical recommended dose range is 50 to 1000mg daily, depending on the purpose it is being used for.

Supplement Forms

Carnosine can come in a few forms; The “L” form is considered biologically active. N-acetyl-Carnosine is also readily available. Both offer good bioavailability and absorption.

Supplement Formats

Carnosine is available in a variety of formats based on the use for which it's intended. It’s available in capsule, tablet & powder form, as well as in eye drop formats. Drops (either in L-carnosine or N-acetyl-L-carnosine form) are also available and offer a new approach to the support of cataracts. They have shown to reduce opacification of the lens when used as a direct instillation to the eye, so represent a revolutionary new means of addressing cataracts (as opposed to surgery).

Final Thoughts

Carnosine is a powerful anti-aging and cell-protective supplement that offers a wealth of benefits to health (far more than this brief description was able to touch upon). Research is ongoing to further elucidate the health benefits.

It is considered safe but may cause side effects such as dry mouth, changes in appetite, feelings of tiredness, or vivid dreams.