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Carnosine

Uses

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Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.

For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.

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

2 Stars Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.

1 Star For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:

Used for	Why
1 Star Peptic Ulcer Refer to label instructions	Carnisone may protect against ulcer formation and promote the healing of existing ulcers. Experimental animal studies have shown that a zinc salt of the amino acid Reference carnosine exerts significant protection against ulcer formation and promotes the healing of existing ulcers.³ ^{, 4} However, because zinc by itself has been shown to be helpful against peptic ulcer, it is not known how much of the beneficial effect was due to the carnosine.⁵ ^{, 6} Clinical studies in humans demonstrated that this compound can help eradicate H. pylori, an organism that has been linked to peptic ulcer and stomach cancer.⁷ The amount of the zinc carnosine complex used in research studies for eradication of H. pylori is 150 mg twice daily.
1 Star Wound Healing Refer to label instructions	Carnosine, a small molecule composed of the amino acids histidine and alanine, appears to promote wound healing. Reference Carnosine is a small molecule composed of the amino acids Reference histidine and Reference alanine. The exact biological role of carnosine is not completely understood, but animal research demonstrates that it promotes wound healing.⁸ More research is warranted in this area.

Used for

Why

1 Star

Peptic Ulcer

Refer to label instructions

Carnisone may protect against ulcer formation and promote the healing of existing ulcers.

Experimental animal studies have shown that a zinc salt of the amino acid Reference carnosine exerts significant protection against ulcer formation and promotes the healing of existing ulcers.³ ^{, 4} However, because zinc by itself has been shown to be helpful against peptic ulcer, it is not known how much of the beneficial effect was due to the carnosine.⁵ ^{, 6} Clinical studies in humans demonstrated that this compound can help eradicate H. pylori, an organism that has been linked to peptic ulcer and stomach cancer.⁷ The amount of the zinc carnosine complex used in research studies for eradication of H. pylori is 150 mg twice daily.

1 Star

Wound Healing

Refer to label instructions

Carnosine, a small molecule composed of the amino acids histidine and alanine, appears to promote wound healing.

Reference Carnosine is a small molecule composed of the amino acids Reference histidine and Reference alanine. The exact biological role of carnosine is not completely understood, but animal research demonstrates that it promotes wound healing.⁸ More research is warranted in this area.

How It Works

How to Use It

For eradication of H. pylori, the amount of the Reference 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.

Where to Find It

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

Possible Deficiencies

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

Interactions

Interactions with Supplements, Foods, & Other Compounds

At the time of writing, there were no well-known supplement or food interactions with this supplement.

Interactions with Medicines

As of the last update, no reported interactions between this supplement and medicines. It is possible that unknown interactions exist. If you take medication, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a new supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.

The Drug-Nutrient Interactions table may not include every possible interaction. Taking medicines with meals, on an empty stomach, or with alcohol may influence their effects. For details, refer to the manufacturers’ package information as these are not covered in this table. If you take medications, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.

Side Effects

At the time of writing, there were no well-known side effects caused by this supplement.

Related Information

Reference What Are Depletions & Interactions?

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.

3. Nishiwaki H, Kato S, Sugamoto S, et al. Ulcerogenic and healing impairing actions of monochloramine in rat stomachs: effects of zinc L-carnosine, polaprezinc. J Physiol Pharmacol 1999;50:183–95.

4. Arakawa T, Satoh H, Nakamura A, et al. Effects of zinc L-carnosine on gastric mucosal and cell damage caused by ethanol in rats. Correlation with endogenous prostaglandin E2. Dig Dis Sci 1990;35:559–66.

5. Cho CH, Ogle CW. A correlative study of the antiulcer effects of zinc sulphate in stressed rats. Eur J Pharmacol 1978;48:97–105.

6. Frommer DJ. The healing of gastric ulcers by zinc sulphate. Med J Aust 1975;2:793–6.

7. Kashimura H, Suzuki K, Hassan M, et al. Polaprezinc, a mucosal protective agent, in combination with lansoprazole, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin increases the cure rate of Helicobacter pylori infection. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 1999;13(4):483–7.

8. Roberts PR, Black KW, Santamauro JT, Zaloga GP. Dietary peptides improve wound healing following surgery. Nutrition 1998;14;266–9.

Last Review: 11-07-2012

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The information presented in Aisle7 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 pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2013.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.