What is Carnosine? current research at a glance

Carnosine is the simplest form of a dipeptide – that is, the A compound of two amino acids – consisting of alanine and histidine. These proteins are part of our normal diet and come primarily from animal products. The largest quantities are found in Chicken, turkey, and tuna. For example, a classic chicken soup was shown to increase carnosine levels while simultaneously inhibiting viral growth. However, the reason why longevity research is so keenly interested in carnosine is something else entirely.

Throughout the animal kingdom, there are several 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, only have one. CarnosineThis exists primarily in the human brain and in our muscles.

What does carnosine do?

Numerous exciting studies have already been conducted with carnosine. Scientists have discovered that carnosine through Chelation, i.e., complex formation, binds harmful substances and thus eliminated from the body via urine. The assumption that Carnosine serves as a buffer in our muscles., as a scientifically sound finding. Put simply, it acts like a sponge, absorbing acidic byproducts of muscle contraction during exercise. Therefore will the Muscles protected from fatigue, their function strengthened and prevented a possible failure of the power supply.

Besides that Carnosine improved wound healing in experiments. and attracted attention in ophthalmology through a Improved eyesightThese fascinating findings are not the reason for the longevity hype. Let's look at that topic now.

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 This contributes to... To reiterate: Telomeres are the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes in our genetic material, which shorten over time. Shortened telomeres, or... Telomere abrasion, is one of the Hallmarks of AgingResearchers are using these methods to try to explain aging at the molecular level.

Furthermore, carnosine is a powerful scavenger of reactive oxygen and nitrogenThese free radicals are byproducts of mitochondrial activity and contribute to the aging process. A normal amount of free radicals is desirable, but as is so often the case, the dose makes the poison.

However, 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 energy source: sugar. As is generally known, too much of it is unhealthy. This is due, among other things, to the fact that glucose is sticky.Both in the form of a lollipop and in its molecular structure.

Glucose adheres to pretty much everything it comes into contact with in the body, from proteins and fats to DNA. When materials stick together, distorted, harmful molecules are formed that have lost their original function. In technical terms, these molecules are called... Advanced glycation end products or called AGE for shortThis loss of activity is particularly problematic in proteins and has a negative impact on all aspects of cellular life.

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

What sounds rather theoretical at first can also be illustrated in a more vivid way: Among the most important proteins that ensure the structural integrity of our tissues are, for example: Collagen and elastin. You can imagine the two molecules as a piece of fabric with fibers woven into it.

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

However, if you accidentally put a drop of superglue on the piece of fabric, the fibers can no longer slide over each other.Instead, they lose their elasticity and become rigid and brittle. This is exactly what happens when we age, when the superglue glucose drips onto our proteins. Beautiful, smooth skin becomes wrinkled and saggy, while elastic blood vessels transform into steel pipes. The consequences are wrinkles, arteriosclerosis, and high blood pressure.

The formula for aging can be derived in a simplified form as follows: The more AGEs you have, the older you have become.

What does carnosine have to do with AGEs?

Studies have shown that that carnosine blocks about a dozen intermediate steps in the formation of AGEsWhile some studies have confirmed this ability, there is even evidence to the contrary. that the proteins that are already damaged and therefore out of service can be saved.

The initially assumed irreversible formation of waste products appears to be reversible. From the perspective of our collagenous connective tissue, we can actually turn back the clock! However, further experiments are needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind this effect.

bildhafte vereinfachte Darstellung des Effekts von Carnosin auf das Bindegewebe

Taking L-carnosine

Modern diets provide an insufficient daily intake of carnosine (only 50-250 mg, depending on the specific food). while studies mention doses of at least 500-3500 mg for biological effects.Since carnosine is predominantly found in animal-based foods, the call for animal-free alternatives has grown louder.

The majority of carnosine sold today is in Powder form available. MoleQlar Carnosine powder It is naturally derived and has no animal origin. Therefore, the product is Vegan and vegetarian friendly.

Carnosine in powder form is a water-soluble molecule.This means you don't necessarily have to take it with a meal. The most sensible and effective way is to mix the powder into a glass of water and then drink it. The taste is slightly sweet, but by no means unpleasant – rather, it's tasteless. Studies describe daily doses of up to one gram as safe.

Carnosine for eye health: What studies show

So far, you've learned about carnosine as an ideal supplement for athletes and as a potential longevity molecule. However, there's also the approach of using carnosine in the form of... Eye drops for cataracts to use.

A slightly different form is used – namely the N-Acetylcarnosine. In one study Improved visual acuity and increased lens clarity have been reported with eye drops containing N-acetylcarnosine. But how is that possible?

One theory is that the The formation of AGEs (the sticky sugar molecules) leads to a clumping of proteins in the lens. This makes the retina increasingly cloudy with age, and our vision deteriorates. Carnosine has been shown in several studies to... Prevent the formation of AGEs and repair damaged proteins. This is also where the main effect of N-acetylcarnosine is suspected to be used as eye drops. 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, application of carnosine is to support sleep in children with autism spectrum disorders. The scientific basis for this is primarily provided by... study In this study, 43 children with autism spectrum disorder were divided into two groups. One group received 500 mg of carnosine, and the other a placebo. The carnosine group reported fewer parasomnias. (undesired sleep events) than the placebo group.

The The scientists hypothesize that the brains of children with autism spectrum disorder are more susceptible to oxidative stress.Carnosine, with its antioxidant properties, has been shown in cell studies to protect nerve cells from damage. Likewise, Luteolin, which has also been tested in studies.

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

Zinc and carnosine: Together against inflammation of mucous membranes

Another area of application of Carnosine is responsible for wound healing. Together with zinc Several studies have shown that it can improve wound healing, especially of mucous membranes.

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

Not quite, Zinc L-Carnosine It essentially consists of only these two molecules, which are linked via a so-called chelate complex. The studies are also designed only for this specific combination. Whether a separate intake of Zinc capsules It is unclear whether carnosine leads to the same results.

And how can we now Zinc L-carnosine protects the mucous membranesThe molecular mechanism of action is actually quite sophisticated. Are the mucous membranes, z.BIf the cells in our stomach or intestines are damaged, they become more permeable to zinc. Through this mechanism, zinc L-carnosine reaches precisely the place where it is most needed..

Zinc has been shown in several studies to promote wound healing, and carnosine, through its anti-inflammatory properties, reduces inflammation.In the studies, daily doses of 50-300 mg of zinc L-carnosine were described as well tolerated. Based on this data, zinc L-carnosine could therefore be a useful supplement for people with inflammatory bowel diseases.

Conclusion on Carnosine

The small dipeptide Carnosine It is more than just a protein source, as numerous studies in a wide variety of fields have shown. Its property in particular... To prevent the formation of AGEsThis makes carnosine a very potent longevity molecule.

What is carnosine?