Carnosine
Also known as: L-Carnosine · Beta-alanyl-L-histidine
A dipeptide taken orally and studied for antioxidant and anti-glycation properties.
Carnosine at a glance
| Name | Carnosine |
|---|---|
| Also known as | L-Carnosine, Beta-alanyl-L-histidine |
| Category | Longevity & cellular energy |
| Type | Amino / injectable |
| Sequence | Dipeptide (beta-alanyl-L-histidine). |
| Typical dose | Commonly ~500-1000 mg per day as a supplement |
| Frequency | Once or twice daily |
| Route | Oral |
| Half-life | Short; oral carnosine is rapidly broken down by carnosinase. |
Overview
Carnosine is a dipeptide of beta-alanine and histidine found naturally in muscle and brain tissue. As a supplement it is studied for antioxidant, pH-buffering, and anti-glycation activity, though oral carnosine is partly broken down during digestion.
How it’s thought to work
- Acts as a buffer against acidity in muscle tissue.
- Scavenges reactive oxygen species as an antioxidant.
- May bind reactive carbonyls, limiting glycation of proteins.
Researched uses
- Antioxidant and anti-glycation research
- Muscle pH buffering
- General cellular-aging contexts
Commonly cited protocol
| Typical dose | Commonly ~500-1000 mg per day as a supplement |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Once or twice daily |
| Route | Oral |
| Notes | Partly degraded during digestion; some prefer beta-alanine to raise muscle carnosine. |
Reconstitution
Not applicable - this is an oral supplement, so injection unit math does not apply.
Cautions
- A dietary supplement, not a medical treatment.
- High doses may cause mild digestive upset in some people.
- Human evidence for many claimed benefits remains limited.
Carnosine FAQ
What is Carnosine?
A dipeptide taken orally and studied for antioxidant and anti-glycation properties.
How does Carnosine work?
Acts as a buffer against acidity in muscle tissue. Scavenges reactive oxygen species as an antioxidant. May bind reactive carbonyls, limiting glycation of proteins.
What is Carnosine used for?
Antioxidant and anti-glycation research; Muscle pH buffering; General cellular-aging contexts.
What is a typical Carnosine dose?
Commonly ~500-1000 mg per day as a supplement, Once or twice daily, Oral. This is a commonly cited figure for context only, not medical advice.
How do you reconstitute Carnosine?
Not applicable - this is an oral supplement, so injection unit math does not apply.
What is the half-life of Carnosine?
Short; oral carnosine is rapidly broken down by carnosinase.