Carnosine

1. Carnosine Carnosine can help to protect your body from many conditions associated with aging On a recent episode of his self-titled TV show, Dr. Oz mentioned a protein called L-carnosine as a product that can help you turn back the clock on aging. Carnosine is a small two-unit protein made up of beta-alanine and histidine. It is found naturally in high concentrations in our brain and muscles, but is quickly broken down in other tissues. It has been shown to have a number of protective effects in the body against some harmful chemicals and byproducts. Research has examined its use as an antioxidant, anti-aging, and in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, cataracts, arteriosclerosis, and even cancer. In general, carnosine has been found to be associated with longer lifespan. Carnosine as an Antioxidant The When present in sufficient amounts, carnosine can act as a scavenger of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are the free radical sources responsible for damaging surrounding cell membranes, fats, and fat-soluble vitamins and nutrients. Carnosine can act as an excellent antioxidant, and help to protect our tissues from this oxidative damage that leads to the physical signs of aging. For more information on free radicals and antioxidants, please click here. When our tissue is starved for oxygen, like when blood flow is interrupted during a stroke or heart attack, it is weakened but can actually survive for a reasonable period of time. In fact, much of the damage done during stroke or heart attack is when the blood flow returns in a process called reperfusion. During this time, the tissue is exposed to a huge number of ROS as oxygen floods back in. Carnosine can help to protect the tissues during this time and reduce the permanent damage caused by heart attack or stroke. One study found that carnosine can actually protect cells at the DNA level against recurring damage by ROS, such as those caused in long-term smokers. Thus, carnosine may help to protect the body, and reduce some of the damage caused by smoking.

2. 2 Neuroprotective Carnosine has been found to protect brain cells against one particular oxidative molecule that has been associated with Alzheimer's disease, cataracts, arteriosclerosis, and even cancer. One study on elderly patients found that carnosine treatment prevented nerve cell damage caused by treatment with other medications such as anesthetics. It has also been found useful in treatment of patients after stroke or Parkinson disease. Thus, carnosine has been found to be an effective protective agent for the brain particularly in age-associated conditions. Carnosine and Aging Higher content of carnosine in muscle has been associated with better athletic performance. Some online sources are stating that carnosine levels drop 60% from youth to old age. This figure is inaccurate. In fact, a 16% drop in muscle carnosine occurs between young adulthood and middle age, although after this it stays relatively stable for life. Large effects on muscle carnosine content are seen with regular exercise and dietary intake. Reductions during our life span may be due to the hormonal effects caused by puberty. More importantly, diet and lifestyle changes can easily help to boost muscle carnosine levels and reverse these effects. Preventing Glycation – Avoiding Diabetic Complications Glycation occurs when sugar molecules stick to other molecules in our body and prevent their proper functions. The most often glycated products in humans are proteins and fats. It is these glycated end products that cause most of the damage associated with uncontrolled diabetes such as cardiovascular disease and peripheral nerve damage. Carnosine has been shown to prevent local glycation, which may help it prevent the secondary complications of diabetes. In addition to those effects seen in diabetes, chronic glycation of molecules in the body is suspected to accelerate aging. Because of this, carnosine may help to protect the body tissues and slow the effects of aging..

3. 3 Carnosine and Cancer Carnosine's antioxidant capabilities allow it to potentially protect against cancer, and it can also bind and inactivate zinc and copper ions. These two ions play large roles in our immune system and blood vessel development. Chelating copper can help to prevent angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels) in tumours because this process requires free copper. In addition to binding ROS and glycation products, carnosine can also react with damaging aldehydes in the body to protect us from their potentially carcinogenic effects. Aldehydes are chemicals with two reactive oxygen groups, which makes them very reactive and also gives them a very pungent odour. A common aldehyde known to most is formaldehyde. In addition to protecting us from reactive chemicals in our bodies, some recent research in a 2012 cancer journal has shown that carnosine directly inhibits proliferation of colon cancer cells in a test tube. One study a few years ago found a similar effect on a rare type of brain cancer in a test tube. Further research will be required to see if this effect works in the human body as well. If results continue to be promising, carnosine may appear on the scene in the next few years as a potential treatment for some forms of cancer. Autism Contraversy Carnosine was shown in one study to have beneficial effects on the development of a small cohort of children with Autism, particularly in mental development and socialization. Further studies have not found the same effect, and since that time the design of the original study has been called into question. Current consensus in the research community is that carnosine is one of the lesser treatments for autism and should only be used following attempts with melatonin, carnitine, vitamin C, and other therapies such as music and vision therapy. For more information on the treatment of autistic spectrum disorders (ASD), please click here.

4. 4 Carnosinase There is an enzyme in most of our body tissues that quickly breaks carnosine down into its amino acid constituents. The only tissues in our body without this enzyme are our muscles and our brain tissue. Unfortunately, because any carnosine supplemented must pass through our other tissues to get to muscle or our brain, much is lost along the way. This may be a limitation for the supplementation of carnosine to treat and prevent disease, although further research is required to know the half-life of this peptide in the body.  Excess Carnosine In general excess carnosine in the blood, or "carnosinemia" is seen only with a particular enzyme deficiency in humans, which leaves the body unable to break down carnosine into its amino acid subunits. Signs of excess carnosine are mental retardation, nerve damage, and seizures.  How can I take carnosine? Carnosine is found naturally in animal muscle, and thus is present in any meat ingested in the diet. Through research it has been found that sufficient muscle carnosine levels can be achieved simply by eating a well-balanced (omnivore) diet, and getting sufficient exercise. Whether this also translates to healthy brain levels is not yet known. Supplemental carnosine is often found as L-carnosine. When supplementing, Dr. Oz has recommended a dose of 500mg twice daily with food when supplementing carnosine directly. Some sources recommend only 500mg daily. Interestingly, supplementation with carnitine has also been found to increase muscle carnosine levels. Since carnitine is broken down less quickly in the body, this may be a better way to increase tissue carnosine levels. Further research is required to be sure. For more information on carnitine, please click here.

5. 5 Carnosine – Quick Facts #Colspan# #Colspan# #Colspan# Sources · Meat, Fish, Carnitine, Synthesized. · Aging, Cancer, Alzheimer's Disease, Autism, Diabetes Applications #Colspan# Optimum Dosage · 500 – 1000mg Daily With Food. (Clinical Doses May Be Higher As Recommended By Your Practitioner). · Carnitine, Exercise Works Well With #Colspan# Important Information Click For Products · There Are No Known Risks Or Interactions For Carnosine. #Colspan# For Informational Purposes Only. Please Consult Your Health Care Practitioner Before Taking Natural Health Care Products. Click Here For Full Disclaimer. #Colspan#