{"id":20295,"date":"2019-10-23T23:54:40","date_gmt":"2019-10-24T06:54:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/selfhacked.com\/?p=20295"},"modified":"2021-09-20T09:17:32","modified_gmt":"2021-09-20T16:17:32","slug":"carnosine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/selfhacked.com\/blog\/carnosine\/","title":{"rendered":"6 Benefits of Carnosine + Side Effects, Food Sources"},"content":{"rendered":"

Carnosine first appeared in the mainstream health community around a decade ago in the form of supplements, eye drops, and skin creams. Companies touted carnosine as an \u201celixir of youth.\u201d Fast forward ten years and there is still insufficient evidence to back up the alleged benefits of carnosine supplementation. Read on to discover the unbiased science behind this compound.<\/p>\n

What is Carnosine?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Overview<\/span><\/h3>\n

Carnosine is a peptide made by combining two amino acids: beta-alanine, and histidine<\/a> (R<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Scientists discovered that it is present in the brain, kidney and skeletal muscle of fish, birds, and mammals. Some hypothesize that carnosine has the capability to affect many different tissue types (R<\/a>, R<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Ongoing research is investigating its effects on preventing cellular damage from free radicals, such as reactive oxygen species<\/a> (like hydroxyl radicals and superoxide) and reactive nitrogen species. Nonetheless, clinical data are lacking to back up these effects (R<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Limited human studies have researched potential associations between various disease states and carnosine levels. However, proper clinical trials on the effectiveness and safety of carnosine supplementation are lacking (R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Additionally, carnosine supplements have not been approved by the FDA for medical use. Supplements generally lack solid clinical research. Regulations set manufacturing standards for them but don’t guarantee that they’re safe or effective. Speak with your doctor before supplementing.<\/p>\n

Carnosine is a peptide composed of the amino acids beta-alanine and histidine. Proper clinical trials on its effects are lacking.<\/div><\/div>\n

Snapshot<\/span><\/h3>\n

Proponents<\/h4>\n
    \n
  • Alleged anti-aging capabilities<\/li>\n
  • May support healthy blood sugar levels<\/li>\n
  • May be good for gut health, cognition & memory<\/li>\n
  • Brain-protective potential being researched<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Skeptics<\/h4>\n
      \n
    • Proper clinical trials lacking<\/li>\n
    • Drug interactions possible<\/li>\n
    • Long-term safety unknown<\/li>\n
    • May interfere with blood clotting<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Purported Health Benefits of Carnosine<\/span><\/h2>\n

      Insufficient Evidence For:<\/span><\/h3>\n

      The following purported benefits are only supported by limited, low-quality clinical studies. There is insufficient evidence to support the use of carnosine for any of the below listed uses.<\/em><\/p>\n

      Remember to speak with a doctor before taking carnosine supplements. Carnosine should never be used as a replacement for approved medical therapies.<\/em><\/p>\n