L-Carnosine Supplements for Anti-Aging, Preventing Glycation and AGEs

L-carnosine supplements are used for anti-aging effects, to inhibit glycation and to increase muscle stamina. This supplement is sometimes recommended for those with prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, eye disorders like cataracts and certain neurodegenerative diseases.

Although there is limited data concerning the specific effects of supplementing with L-carnosine, as an endogenous amino acid it plays a number of important roles in the body.

Research shows that L-carnosine buffers hydrogen protons and helps to improve the acid balance in muscle tissues during intense workouts. This may decrease muscle fatigue and improve athletic performance.

Currently, much attention is being directed at its antiaging, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antiglycation and anti-inflammatory properties. Some research suggests that supplementing with the precursor beta-alanine is more effective for raising muscle carnosine levels compared to L-carnosine capsules or powders.

Carnosine

Bodybuilding Supplement

Endurance

Body- building

Anti- Aging

How It Works:

• Supports athletic peformance & muscle vitality
• Anti-oxidant with anti-glycation effects
• May boost immune system & anti-inflammatory

Dosage:

500 mg per day

Safety:

Generally Well Tolerated

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L-Carnosine in the Diet

The majority of people gain only small amounts of L-carnosine from their dietary intakes. Carosine is also depleted from the blood quite quickly via the actions of the carnosinase enzyme.

Carnosinase is present in the blood, kidneys, liver and various other tissues throughout the body. However, carnosinase is not present in muscle tissue. It is also not believed to be found in the lenses of the eyes.

When exogenous carnosine is introduced to an organism, it is not accumulated in tissues which contain carnosinase. The majority of carnosine ingested via the diet is excreted through the urinary system, or destroyed by carnosinase.

This is one of the main reasons why athletes and bodybuilders prefer instead to supplement with beta-alanine, which is used to make carnosine in the muscle tissues. In research studies, taking a beta-alanine supplement has been associated with many of the benefits attributed to L-carnosine.

The levels at which carnosinase hydrolizes carnosine increases as the organism ages. This means that carnosine levels in the body decline as we get older.

Carnosinase activity has also been shown to decrease in those with chronic hepatic (liver) disorders. N-acetyl carnosine is being explored for its capacities to resist hydrolyzation from carnosinase found in human serum.

L-Carnosine Supplements for Diabetes

Research supports using L-carnosine supplements to help manage the symptoms of diabetes, and related complications, like diabetic neuropathy.

Administration of carnosine reduces blood glucose levels and increases sensitivity to insulin. Use in those with impaired glucose tolerance (prediabetes) may help to prevent the onset type 2 diabetes mellitus.

L-Carnosine Supplements for Aging

Aging can be defined as the accumulation of damage at the cellular level that leads to impaired organ functioning and eventually death.

Especially over the past decade, much research has been centered on understanding the pathophysiology of the aging process. Researchers are attempting to discern novel possibilities for combating age-related diseases.

One process that has been associated with aging is the glycation of proteins in the body. The glycosylation of proteins causes the release of AGEs (advanced glycation end products).

AGEs are formed in concentrated amounts with both aging and diabetes mellitus. Properly using am L-carnosine supplement may induce certain antioxidant and antiglycation effects which inhibit AGE formation.

Research shows that L-carnosine supplements may help to bind to and dispose of aged protein chains throughout the body.

Carnosine seems to directly react with carbonyl groups which attach to older proteins. This often results from the actions of RNS (reactive nitrogen species), ROS (reactive oxygen species) and certain other protein-glycating agents.

Research shows administration of carnosine increases the lifespan of laboratory animals. Cultured human cells have also demonstrated significantly increased lifespans.

While some researchers have suggested that regularly using a L-carnosine supplement may extend human lifespan, more research is required to validate this hypothesis.

L-Carnosine for Cardiovascular Health

Research shows that using an L-carnosine supplement can help to reduce oxidative stress throughout the body. Oxidative stress results from excessive exposure to radical agents like environmental toxins, societal stress, free radicals and poor dietary choices.

Antioxidants are required to neutralize the destructive effects of oxidative stress. L-carnosine demonstrates strong antioxidant effects; and is very effective at scavenging radical agents like superoxide, ROS and RNS.

Decreasing oxidative stress is directly associated with reducing the risks of developing cardiac conditions like atherosclerosis (artery hardening), coronary artery disease and heart disease. L-carnosine has also been shown to impede the oxidation of lipids like LDL-C (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol).

L-carnosine supplements may also help to inhibit certain activities in the sympathetic nervous system which are believed to modulate transient hypertension (high blood pressure). This helps to diminish the blood pressure elevations which are associated with the development of obesity as well.

The antioxidant strengths of L-carnosine supplements can also protect the heart muscle from damage by toxins. This includes toxicity from prescribed/illicit drugs, chemotherapy agents, food toxins and others.

Carnosine’s antiglycation effects impede harmful alterations to cholesterol and other fatty acids which contribute to arterial plaque deposits. Carnosine helps protect the blood vessels from the damaging effects of diabetes as well.

When the flow of blood is restricted, oxygen and other nutrients are derived from tissues and organs throughout the body. This causes immediate adverse effects and can also cause ischemia; a condition of prolonged lacking O2 in organs.

L-carnosine supplements may help those who already have developed arterial plaque and/or clogged arteries via anti-ischemic effects.

L-Carnosine Supplement Doses

L-carnosine 500 mg capsules and other supplement forms are available commercially. According to the Natural Medicines Professional Database, 179 carnosine-containing products are available for purchase. Always closely follow the dosing instructions on the products you buy.

Human research shows that L-carnosine sourced from chicken breast extract reaches peak serum concentrations roughly 30 minutes after ingestion.

Routine usage of a L-carnosine supplement has been shown to increase muscle carnosine levels. Both 3.2g and 6.4g daily doses over 4 weeks caused increases estimated between 42.1% and 65.8%.

Conclusions

Using a quality L-carnosine supplement may promote anti-aging benefits and help to reduce glycation in the body. Carnosine seems to benefits cells, tissues and organs throughout the body, potentially saving them from various pathologic aging effects.

Carnosine found in muscle tissue can also buffer against acid build-up during intense workouts, such as the lactic acid produced during anaerobic metabolism. However, beta-alanine has been found more effective for increasing carnosine levels and is more frequently supplemented by bodybuilders and other athletes.

It is best to speak with a doctor who knows about your health history before beginning to take any supplements. L-carnosine may cause hypotension (low blood pressure). Use cautiously with medications or herbal supplements which can also lower blood pressure.

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