Carnosine is a natural chemical found in the body that is believed to protect against Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of cognitive decline.
Carnosine is a dipeptide which consists of the amino acids beta alanine and histidine. The chemical is highly concentrated in the brain and muscle tissues and is known to prevent against oxidation and glycation.
Carnosine was discovered by Russian chemist V. Gulevich and is found in many different types of natural food sources. The primary source is meat which is why vegetarians have noticeably lower levels of this compound in their body.
Supplementing with additional Carnosine may support longevity while improving the health of your neurons and supporting brain cells.



- Supports athletic peformance & muscle vitality
- Anti-oxidant with anti-glycation effects
- May boost immune system & anti-inflammatory
Carnosine Effects:
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Carnosine is considered to have a number of powerful anti-oxidant properties. It appears to work by scavenging a number of free radicals and removing different types of toxins and poisons from the body.
In addition to helping to fight oxidative stress, it seems to have anti-inflammatory properties as well. Carnosine is also thought to work by stimulating the immune system.
This activity, along with the anti-oxidant properties, are thought to protect the body against a number of different infections, diseases, and conditions.
Research continues into a number of these different mechanisms of action with much interest in the anti-cancer effects of Carnosine.
Carnosine Benefits:
One of the most interesting and exciting potential benefits of Carnosine is life extension. Of course, this has only been tested on laboratory animals thus far but results are promising.
The supplement has been show to lower blood glucose levels and enhance insulin sensitivity. These two effects may also explain evidence which suggests Carnosine can prevent the development of Type 2 diabetes.
The supplement does have a number of natural anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Carnosine is found in normal human tissues, but especially in the heart and brain and has anti-glycation effects as well.
Glycation is believed to be one of the primary reasons for cell aging, but this process is preventable. Carnosine helps to fight oxidation and glucose induced damage in the cells, blocking the central changes required to result in aging and age-related diseases.
Carnosine also works to protect the brain and cardiovascular system. There are a number of different mechanisms of action closely related to the interplay of glycation, oxidation, and inflammation.
The supplement has also been shown to extend the lifetime of human cells in cultures. In fact, many researchers and scientists feel strongly that this is a supplement which should be included as part of a comprehensive anti-aging program or regimen.
Carnosine Effects on the Brain
There is even some evidence suggesting that this supplement may be helpful in treating childhood autism spectrum disorders.
A 2002 study found that children who were treated with a Carnosine supplement every day for eight weeks showed significantly greater improvements in a number of behavior and communication tests than those taking a placebo. The thought here is that the supplement is capable of enhancing and improving overall nervous system function.
Finally, one of the most compelling reasons for taking Carnosine supplements is that they can protect the brain from proteins that are known to cause Alzheimer’s and other forms of memory loss and dementia.
It is a startling statistic that almost 50% of all individuals who are 85 years or older suffer from Alzheimer’s. Prevention of senile dementia and age related cognitive decline is perhaps the most pressing concerns for modern medicine today.
By taking a regular Carnosine supplement, you can significantly reduce the risk factors that lead to these issues and promote better neural health.
Carnosine Dosage:
Since most people – including non-vegetarians – consume very little Carnosine in their diet, experts recommend using at least 1,000 mg per day. This dose should be enough to maintain optimal levels within the body.
Obviously, before starting any type of health or supplementation program it is a good idea to talk with a qualified health care professional and this is no exception.
You may also want to start with a lower dosage level, at least until becoming familiar with the specific effects it has upon your body chemistry.
The supplement is generally regarded as safe and well-tolerated in healthy adults. However, there are some concerns that it might disrupt normal sleep patterns.
For this reason and due to the fact that it has a relatively long 5 to 6 hour half life, it is not recommended for use after the late morning or early afternoon, especially if you already are suffering from sleep issues.
Carnosine Side Effects:
The only known side effect of this supplement is the potential for disruption of sleep. Even this is mere conjecture based on anecdotal evidence since not much is really known about Carnosine at this point.
It is advisable for pregnant women and nursing mothers to avoid taking it at this time since we are also not sure what effects it might have on the unborn and small child.
Carnosine Review:
Any supplement with the potential to extend your lifespan and slow down the aging process will be met with a lot of interest and hope. Carnosine may seem like a wonder drug, but its mechanism of action is based on sound science and the potential to prevent Alzhemier’s makes this a highly beneficial component of any nootropic stack.
While many younger individuals may not be too concerned with preventing senile dementia right now, the anti-oxidant and anti-glycation effects of Carnosine will be most powerful with consistent use.
Whether you are a longevity-concerned individual or someone who simply wants to keep their brain healthy in the short term, Carnosine is a very important supplement to add to your routine.
Article last updated on: March 3rd, 2018 by Nootriment