L-carnosine is a dipeptide with antioxidant properties that can support skin elasticity, digestive health, memory, joint health, and manage age-related conditions by scavenging free radicals and reducing glycation end-products.
Carnosine is known scientifically as beta-alanyl-L-histidine. It is composed of one molecule each of the amino acids histidine and beta-alanine, and is therefore known chemically as a dipeptide. The L form, or isomer, of carnosine is biologically active in humans. L-carnosine is generally found throughout the bodies of animals, although is most concentrated in the brain and muscles.
L-carnosine is readily available in animal protein, especially red meat. It is not present in plants, so strict vegetarians don’t receive l-carnosine from dietary sources. The blood plasma level of l-carnosine drops to zero within several hours of eating red meat, indicating that l-carnosine is metabolized rapidly despite the relatively slow digestion of protein. This property means that the effects of l-carnosine are probably short-lived.
The Russian chemist V. Gulevich isolated carnosine and carnitine in 1900. Many scientific studies since then have established that l-carnosine has strong antioxidant properties that may provide a variety of health benefits. L-carnosine can scavenge free radicals in the body, which are highly reactive ions in the presence of oxygen. Free radicals can cause many types of damage known collectively as oxidative stress when they react with cellular components, especially the cell membranes. L-carnosine can also scavenge other reactive chemicals such as alpha-beta unsaturated aldehydes, which are formed by fatty acids in cell membranes during oxidative stress.
The biochemical actions of l-carnosine include the chelation of divalent metal ions, which can help reduce damage to DNA molecules. Additional benefits of l-carnosine derive from its ability to help support the healthy function of telomeres in the chromosomes. L-carnosine also supports the body’s ability to reduce the production of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), which can contribute to a variety of degenerative conditions.
L-carnosine’s health benefits are generally due to its antioxidant properties, which support many age-related conditions. The specific uses of l-carnosine include support for the skin, joints, digestive system, and memory.
L-carnosine can help defy the visible signs of aging in the skin. It helps to maintain the skin’s elasticity, which can minimize wrinkles.
L-carnosine may help support the digestive system and manage Helicobacter pylori, a species of bacteria that can cause peptic and gastric ulcers.
L-carnosine may help support brain health as well as help improve absentmindedness and memory recall.
L-carnosine supports joint health by supporting healthy inflammation management and delaying the onset of joint conditions that can occur as you age.
The antioxidant and protein that L-Carnosine provides makes it a vital ingredient in our Total Balance Premium for Men and Women. L-carnosine’s ability to scavenge other reactive chemicals, such as alpha-beta unsaturated aldehydes.
Strict vegetarians are most likely to have a deficiency of l-carnosine since they are unable to obtain it from their diet. L-carnosine deficiency is also common among individuals who do not consume enough beef, fish, and poultry. L-carnosine levels decline naturally with age, so the elderly may need l-carnosine supplements. Skin conditions such as wrinkles are one of the most obvious signs that indicate you may need l-carnosine. Additional signs of an l-carnosine deficiency also affect the brain, heart and immune system.
Carnosine, l carnosine
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