What is Carnosine? current research at a glance

Carnosine is the simplest form of a dipeptide – that is, the combination of two amino acids – consisting of alanine and histidine. These proteins are part of our normal diet and mainly come from animal products. The largest amounts are found in chicken, turkey, and tuna. For example, a classic chicken soup was able to increase the carnosine level while simultaneously curbing the growth of viruses. However, the reason why longevity research is so intensely interested in carnosine is a different one.

Throughout the animal kingdom, there are numerous related forms of histidine-containing molecules that are said to have a similar function. Interestingly, almost all mammals have at least two of these substances in their cells. Humans, for some specific reason, have only one, namely carnosine.This mainly exists in the human brain as well as in our muscles.

What does Carnosine do?

Numerous exciting studies have already been conducted with Carnosine. Researchers found that Carnosine binds harmful substances through chelation, that is, complex formation, and thus eliminates them from the body via urine. The assumption that Carnosine serves as a buffering agent in our musclesalso proved to be a scientifically valid finding. There, it acts, simply put, like a sponge that absorbs acidic byproducts of muscle contraction during physical activity. This protects the muscles from overfatigue, strengthens their function , and prevents possible power failure.

Additionally improved Carnosine enhanced wound healing in experiments and attracted attention in ophthalmology through a increase in visual acuity. These exciting findings are not the reason for the longevity hype. We will now take a look at this topic.

Sportler beim Gewichtheben

In research, L-Carnosine is discussed as an intracellular buffer that can influence certain acid-base processes during intense muscle work.

Carnosine as a longevity agent

The first extremely interesting finding regarding Carnosine and longevity was that the molecule contributes to a reduced telomere shortening .Once again for repetition: Telomeres are the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes in our genetic material, which shorten over time. Shortened telomeres, or telomere attrition, is one of the hallmarks of aging. With this, researchers are trying to explain aging at the molecular level.

Furthermore, carnosine is a strong scavenger of reactive oxygen and nitrogen. These free radicals are byproducts of mitochondrial activity and are partly responsible for the aging process. A normal amount of free radicals is desirable; however, as is often the case, the dose makes the poison.

But carnosine has another longevity ace up its sleeve, which is related to advanced glycation end products.

Advanced Glycation Endproducts (AGE)

Let's take a look at our favorite sweetener and valuable source of energy, sugar. As is well known, too much of it is unhealthy. This is partly due to the fact that glucose is sticky. Both in the form of a lollipop and in its molecular structure.

Glucose sticks to pretty much everything it comes into contact with in the body. From proteins to fats to DNA. When sticking occurs, distorted, harmful molecules are formed that have lost their original function. In technical jargon, these molecules Advanced Glycation Endproducts or simply AGE are called. This loss of activity is particularly problematic for proteins and negatively affects all aspects of cellular life.

vereinfachte Darstellung der negativen Wirkung von Zucker und AGEs auf ein Protein

What initially sounds quite theoretical can also be illustrated a bit more clearly: Among the most important proteins that ensure the structural integrity of our tissues are, among others, collagen and elastin. One can imagine the two molecules as a piece of fabric with woven fibers.

As a fabric coat, the proteins form an essential component of our skin, bones, and the walls of blood vessels. There, they adapt to natural conditions and provide strength while maintaining flexibility. It sounds paradoxical, but it is indispensable in a healthy body.

However, if one accidentally applies a drop of super glue to the piece of fabric, the fibers can no longer slide over each other. Instead, their elasticity is lost, and they become rigid and brittle.Exactly this happens when we age, that is, the super glue glucose drips onto our proteins. The beautiful smooth skin becomes wrinkled and saggy, while elastic blood vessels turn into steel pipes. The consequences are wrinkles, arteriosclerosis, and high blood pressure.

The formula for aging can be simplified as follows: The more AGEs one has, the older one has become.

What does Carnosine have to do with AGEs?

Studies have shown that Carnosine blocks about a dozen intermediate steps in the formation of AGEs. While some studies confirmed this ability, there is even evidence that the already damaged and thus out of service proteins can be rescued.

The originally assumed irreversible formation of waste products seems to be reversible after all. We can actually turn back the clock, from the perspective of our collagenous connective tissue! However, to understand the mechanisms behind this effect more precisely, some experiments still need to be conducted.

bildhafte vereinfachte Darstellung des Effekts von Carnosin auf das Bindegewebe

Intake of L-Carnosine

The modern diet provides an insufficient daily intake of Carnosine (only 50-250 mg, depending on the exact food), while studies mention biological effects at a minimum of 500-3500 mg. Since Carnosine primarily occurs in animal foods, the call for animal-free alternatives has become louder.

The majority of Carnosine sold today is available in powder form . MoleQlar Carnosine Powder is naturally derived and has no animal origin. This makes the product vegan and vegetarian-friendly.

Carnosine in powder form is a water-soluble molecule. This means that you do not necessarily have to take it with a meal. The most sensible and effective way is to add the powder to a glass of water and then drink it. The taste is somewhat slightly sweet, but by no means unpleasant – rather tasteless. Studies describe daily dosages of up to one gram as safe.

Carnosine for eye health: What studies show

So far, you have learned about Carnosine as an ideal supplement for athletes and as a possible longevity molecule.However, there is also the approach to use carnosine in the form of eye drops against cataracts .

A slightly different form is used – namely N-acetylcarnosine. In a study, improved visual acuity and increased lens clarity were reported with eye drops containing N-acetylcarnosine. But how is this possible?

One theory is that the formation of AGEs (the sticky sugar molecules) leads to clumping of proteins in the lens. This becomes increasingly cloudy with age, and we can see worse. Carnosine was able to prevent the formation of AGEs and renew damaged proteins in several studies.Here, the main effect of N-Acetylcarnosine as eye drops is also suspected. Whether this is also possible through the intake of Carnosine via food still needs to be researched.

Einnahme von Augentropfen

Carnosine and Sleep in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Another, rather unusual area of application for Carnosine is the support of sleep in children with autism spectrum disorders. The scientific basis is mainly provided by a study in which 43 children with autism spectrum disorder were divided into two groups. One received 500mg of Carnosine and the other a placebo. In this study, the Carnosine group reported fewer parasomnias (undesired sleep events) than the placebo group.

The hypothesis of the scientists is that the brains of children with autism spectrum disorder are more susceptible to oxidative stress. Carnosine was able to protect nerve cells from damage in cell studies with its antioxidant properties. Just like luteolin, which was also tested in studies.

The data on the use in children with autism spectrum disorders is still quite thin. There is evidence that carnosine can affect sleep. However, it does not lead to a cure for autism spectrum disorder, as the researchers also emphasize in their paper.

Zinc Carnosine: Together against the inflammation of mucous membranes

Another area of application for carnosine is wound healing. Together with Zinc it has been shown in several studies that it can improve wound healing, especially of mucous membranes.

In Japan, the combination of zinc and carnosine (correct designation: zinc L-carnosine) has been researched and used for decades in the treatment of stomach ulcers. And in this study it was possible to improve wound healing after dental surgery with a zinc L-carnosine mouthwash. So can you simply mix zinc with carnosine and achieve the results?

Not quite, Zinc-L-Carnosine essentially consists only of the two molecules, which are connected through a so-called chelate complex. The studies are also only designed for this specific combination.Whether a separate intake of Zinc Capsules and Carnosine leads to the same results is unclear.

And how can Zinc L-Carnosine protect the mucous membranes? The molecular mechanism of action is indeed quite sophisticated. If the mucous membranes, z.B. in our stomach or intestines are damaged, then the cells become more permeable to zinc. Through this mechanism, Zinc L-Carnosine reaches exactly the place where it is needed the most.

Zinc has already shown in several studies that it promotes wound healing, and Carnosine, due to its anti-inflammatory properties, leads to less inflammation. In the studies, daily dosages of 50-300mg Zinc L-Carnosine per day were described as well tolerated. Based on this data, Zinc L-Carnosine could be a useful supplement for people with inflammatory bowel diseases.

Conclusion on Carnosine

The small dipeptide Carnosine is more than just a pure protein source, as shown by the many studies in various fields. Its property of preventing the formation of AGEsmakes Carnosine a very potent longevity molecule.

What is carnosine?