carnosine is the simplest form of a dipeptide – the Combination of two amino acids – consisting of alanine and histidine. These proteins are part of our normal diet and come mainly from animal products. The largest amounts are found in Chicken, turkey and tuna. For example, a classic chicken soup was able to increase carnosine levels while simultaneously curbing the growth of viruses. However, the reason why longevity research is so interested in carnosine is different.
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 reason, have only one, namely carnosine. This exists mainly in the human brain and in our muscles.
What does carnosine do? – small but mighty
Numerous exciting studies have already been carried out with carnosine. Scientists have found 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 valid finding. There, to put it simply, it acts like a sponge that absorbs the acidic end products of muscle contraction during exercise. will be the muscles protected from fatigue, strengthened their function and prevent possible failure.
Besides that Carnosine improved wound healing in experiments and attracted attention in ophthalmology through a increase in vision. These exciting findings are not the reason for the longevity hype. We will now look at this topic.
Carnosine as a longevity agent
The first extremely interesting finding on the subject of carnosine and longevity was that the molecule reduced telomere shortening To repeat: Telomeres are the protective caps at the ends of the chromosomes in our genetic material, which shorten over time. Shortened telomeres, or telomere attrition, is one of the Hallmarks of AgingWith these, researchers try to explain aging at the molecular level.
In addition, carnosine is a strong scavenger of reactive oxygen and nitrogenThese free radicals are byproducts of mitochondrial activity and are partly responsible for the aging process. A normal amount of free radicals is desirable, but as is often the case, the dose makes the poison.
But carnosine has another longevity ace up its sleeve, which has to do with 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 due, among other things, to the fact that glucose is stickyBoth in the shape 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 bonding, distorted, harmful molecules are created that have lost their original function. In technical jargon, these molecules are called Advanced glycation end products or AGE for shortThis loss of activity is particularly problematic for proteins and has a negative impact on all aspects of cellular life.
What sounds quite theoretical at first can also be explained in a more descriptive way: The most important proteins that ensure the structural integrity of our tissue include collagen and elastin. You can imagine the two molecules as a piece of fabric with fibers woven into it.
As a fabric coat, proteins form an essential component of our skin, bones and the walls of blood vessels. There they adapt to the natural conditions and ensure strength while at the same time providing flexibility. It sounds paradoxical, but it is essential for a healthy body.
However, if you accidentally put a drop of superglue on the piece of fabric, the fibers will no longer be able to slide over each otherInstead, 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. 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 derived as follows: The more AGEs you have, the older you have become.
What does carnosine have to do with AGEs?
Studies have shown that carnosine blocks about a dozen intermediate steps in the formation of AGEsWhile study after study has confirmed this ability, there is even evidence that the already damaged and thus out of service proteins can be rescued.
The formation of waste products, which was originally thought to be irreversible, appears to be reversible. So we can actually turn back the clock from the perspective of our collagenous connective tissue! However, a few more experiments need to be carried out to understand the mechanisms behind this effect in more detail.
taking L-carnosine
The modern diet provides an insufficient daily intake of carnosine (only 50-250 mg, depending on the exact diet), while for the biological effects at least 500-3500 mg would be requiredSince carnosine is mainly found in animal foods, calls for animal-free alternatives have become louder.
The majority of the carnosine sold today is in powder form available. MoleQlar Carnosine is obtained naturally 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 don't necessarily have to take it with a meal. The most sensible and effective option is to put the powder in a glass of water and then drink it. The taste is probably slightly sweet, but by no means unpleasant - more like tasteless. Studies have shown that an amount of up to one gram per day is safe.
Carnosine for eye health
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 of carnosine in the form of eye drops against cataracts to use.
A slightly different form is used – namely the N-acetylcarnosineEye drops containing this active ingredient could be study show an improvement in visual acuity and increased clarity of the lens of the eye. But how is this possible?
One theory is that the Formation of AGEs (the sticky sugar molecules) can lead to clumping of proteins in the lens. This becomes increasingly cloudy as we age and our vision becomes worse. Carnosine has been shown in several studies to Prevent the formation of AGEs and renew damaged proteins. This is also where the main effect of N-acetylcarnosine suspected as eye drops. Whether this is also possible through the intake of carnosine through food remains to be researched.
Carnosine as a sleeping aid for autism spectrum disorder
Another, rather unusual, application of carnosine is to support 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 500 mg of carnosine and the other a placebo. The carnosine group had fewer parasomnias (unwanted sleep events) than the comparison group without carnosine.
The The scientists' hypothesis is that the brains of children with autism spectrum disorder are more susceptible to oxidative stressIn cell studies, carnosine was able to protect nerve cells from damage with its antioxidant properties. Just like luteolin, which has also been tested in studies.
The data on its use in children with autism spectrum disorders is still quite thin. There is evidence that carnosine can improve sleep. However, it does not lead to a cure for autism spectrum disorder, as the researchers also emphasize in their paper.
Carnosine and zinc: Together against inflammation of mucous membranes
Another area of application of 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 mixture of zinc and carnosine (correct name: zinc L-carnosine) has been used to treat stomach ulcers for decades.And in this study A zinc L-carnosine mouthwash was able to improve wound healing after dental surgery. So can you just mix zinc with carnosine and get the results?
Not quite, zinc-L-carnosine It essentially consists of just the two molecules, which are connected via a so-called chelate complex. The studies are also only designed for this fixed combination. It is not clear whether taking zinc and carnosine separately will produce the same results.
And how can Zinc L-Carnosine protect the mucous membranes? The molecular mechanism of action is actually quite sophisticated. If the mucous membranes, for example in our stomach or intestines, are damaged, then the cells are more permeable to zinc. Through this mechanism, zinc L-carnosine reaches exactly where it is needed most.
Zinc has been shown in several studies to promote wound healing and carnosine reduces inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory propertiesIn the studies, doses of 50-300mg of zinc L-carnosine per day were considered safe. Based on these data, zinc L-carnosine could be a useful supplement for people with inflammatory bowel disease.
Conclusion on Carnosine
The small dipeptide carnosine is more than just a source of protein, as shown by many studies in a wide variety of areas. It is precisely its property prevent the formation of AGEs, makes carnosine a very potent longevity molecule.
