Carnosine

Carnosine is a small molecule composed of the amino acids, histidine and alanine. It is found in relatively high concentrations in a few body tissues—most notably in skeletal muscle, heart muscle, and brain.¹ ²

Where is it found?

Dietary sources of preformed carnosine include meat and poultry and fish.

Carnosine has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):

Science Ratings	Health Concerns
	Hepatitis C (zinc-L-carnosine)
	Peptic ulcers Wound healing
Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit. Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit. For a herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.

Science Ratings

Health Concerns

Hepatitis C (zinc-L-carnosine)

Peptic ulcers

Wound healing

Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
2Stars

Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
1Star

For a herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.

Who is likely to be deficient?

Carnosine deficiency may occur in severe protein deficiency and in certain severe genetic disorders characterised by inborn errors in amino acid metabolism.

How much is usually taken?

For eradication of H. pylori, the amount of the zinc carnosine complex used in research studies was 150 mg twice daily. Due to the lack of human clinical trials, recommended levels for other applications are not known at this time.

Are there any side effects or interactions?

Due to the lack of human studies, side effects and interactions are not known.

At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with carnosine.

References

1. Quinn PJ, Boldyrev AA, Formazuyk VE. Carnosine: its properties, functions and potential therapeutic applications. Mol Aspects Med 1992;13:379-444.

2. Bonfanti L, Peretto P, De Marchis S, Fasolo A. Carnosine-related dipeptides in the mammalian brain. Prog Neurobiol 1999;59:333-53.

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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or chemist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires August 2007.