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Click to Enlarge Unit Weight: 100 grams Unit Volume: 260 cc Click to Enlarge Certificate of Analysis Click to Enlarge Volumetric Equivalents

What is L-Carnosine?

Carnosine is a dipeptide molecule and an amino acid made naturally in the body from the covalent bonding of the amino acids histidine and alanine and by the enzyme carnosine synthetase. Carnosine is found in relatively high concentrations in several body tissues—most notably in skeletal muscle, skin, kidneys, stomach, heart muscle, nerve tissue and brain. The exact biological role of carnosine is not yet completely understood, but many studies have proven that carnosine has powerful antioxidant benefits. Carnosine may also function as a neurotransmitter (chemical messenger in the nervous system). Carnosine has been called a longevity nutrient since laboratory studies on tissues indicate that it can delay senescence and stimulate cellular rejuvenation in cultured human fibroblasts. For this reason, carnosine has been touted as the anti-aging and anti-oxidant dipeptide. The exact role of carnosine supplementation in human health is not clear right now because further studies and research are still needed but carnosine appears to be a promising nutrient with much potential.

L-Carnosine is known to be a powerful anti-aging supplement because it supports healthy aging and cellular rejuvenation by its effects on two mechanisms: Glycosylation and free radical damage (oxidation). Glycosylation is the oxidation of proteins by sugar which yields to a cross-linking of proteins and which is believed to cause loss of cell function, genome integrity and accelerated aging. L-Carnosine also slows down the aging process of the brain by limiting lipid peroxidation and stabilizing cell membranes. Carnosine is responsible for a number of important functions in the body as well, including a role in physical appearance. As proteins change over time, physical appearance changes correspondingly. In line with this, it follows that when proteins built in part by L-carnosine start to deteriorate, physical appearance and health starts to deteriorate as well. Because of this, L-carnosine is believed to have significant natural anti-aging properties. As a potent antioxidant, L-carnosine can nip in the bud the development of disease and minimize damage to body tissue as well. This, in turn, is believed to increase lifespan.

NOTE: Carnosine should not be confused with either L-Carnitine or Acetyl L-Carnitine, which are also amino acids. Be careful not to confuse L-carnosine with L-carnitine, a supplement used to protect the heart and help stabilize blood sugar. These supplements are not related in any way and serve entirely different purposes in the body.

What is L-Carnosine used for and who uses it?

Carnosine is an amino acid with potent antioxidant properties that prevents cell damage and improves cell function. Carnosine is a natural amino-acid with a variety of helpful functions. Aside from being a powerful anti-oxidant, it helps to chelate ionic metals (eliminate toxins from the body), it has immune boosting properties, and it is also known to reduce and prevent cell damage caused by beta amyloid (the substance found in the brain of Alzheimer disease patients). As such, this supplement is helpful in the prevention of debilitating diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s disease.

Russian researchers have developed carnosine eyedrops, which are used for age-related eye disorders and to help eradicate senile cataract problems. This type of carnosine is not taken orally, as it is not designed to be absorbed through the stomach, but it has demonstrated some remarkable effects and great success on patients with cataracts, a condition caused by the free-radical damage to the eye lens. In most cases, the cataracts were completely gone, and these favorable results were maintained with regular use of the drops. This type of carnosine eye-drop may have vital anti-aging eye actions because it is breaking protein cross-links, not just inhibiting them. L-carnosine can also be used topically. Regular use of carnosine skin creams and tonics can be beneficial in preventing and treating the appearance and texture of the skin and thus improve overall skin condition, as well as to help prevent signs of skin aging.

Carnosine also helps to prevent glycosylation - the cross linking of proteins and DNA molecules caused by sugar aldehydes reacting with the amino acids on the protein molecule and creating Advance Glycosylation End-products (AGE's). Cross linking can be likened to what happens when you cut an apple in half and it gradually turns yellow. Such anti-glycosylation attributes may be beneficial for diabetes, cataracts, neuropathy, kidney failure and skin conditions, as well as more general anti-aging properties, especially improving skin condition. Another very interesting and unique attribute of carnosine is its ability to help block the accumulation of lactic acid. As anyone who has ever exercised knows, lactic acid is the substance that literally causes the pain in muscles after periods of intensive exercise. In runners and joggers, this is better known as side stitch. Carnosine taken pre and post exercise can reduce and often even eliminate this aching pain, making it ideal for strength and high performance athletes so they can sustain long hours of intense training.

Carnosine supplements also fight cellular damage by supporting the body rid itself of toxic metals in a process known as chelation. Excessive levels of pro-oxidative metals, such as copper and zinc, and toxic heavy metals, such as lead, mercury, and nickel, have been linked to a host of illnesses, including Alzheimer’s, autism, Parkinson’s, dementia, ADHD, and schizophrenia. Supplementing with carnosine may help protect against these degenerative diseases, because it ensures these substances do not accumulate in your system. Although research concerning carnosine supplementation is preliminary as a lot of studies are still underway, results as early as now are promising. Those who wish to reinforce their anti-aging arsenal have nothing to lose, because no toxic effects have been reported with carnosine supplements, and the supplements are relatively inexpensive.

How pure is your L-Carnosine?

This pharmaceutical grade amino acid L-Carnosine is assayed by the manufacturer to be 99.45% product (normal range 98.0% and up). You will receive a sealed and labeled heavy duty 4 mil polyethylene bag containing this white powder product. It contains no fillers, taste additives, or anti-caking agents. The remaining 0.55% by weight are inactive byproducts of the extraction.

Carnosine levels are abundant when a person is young, and it consequently declines with age, particularly when an individual hits their 40's. Stress and trauma may also be factors in a reduction in levels. For these reasons, one may want to consider the benefits of L-Carnosine supplementation.

What are some of the common effects of L-Carnosine?

L-carnosine supplements are reported to have numeroous positive effects on health, most notable of which are pertaining to its ability to negate the aging process by neutralizing free radical damage. For example, L-carnosine may prolong life by reducing the protein and DNA damage caused by a process called glycosylation. Glycosylation occurs when sugars and proteins combine in unusual ways, which can lead to the development of conditions like heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and skin damage. Also, toxic metals that are produced by various metabolic reactions in the body are bound by L-carnosine and flushed out before irreversible damage to tissues can occur. The cells of the immune system are rejuvenated and stabilized by L-carnosine as well.

There is also some neurological research that supports L-carnosine supplements may be beneficial to children who suffer from epilepsy and autism. The basis for this research is the fact that L-carnosine triggers brain function in sections of the brain that control emotion, abstract thinking, and expressive speech. In one double blind study conducted by a neurologist, children given 400 mg of L-carnosine twice daily exhibited significant improvement in their auditory processing, social skills, awareness of surroundings, fine motor planning and expressive language.

L-Carnosine, although its levels decline with age, is classified as a super anti-oxidant because it has the remarkable ability to neutralize the destructive effects of great variety of free radicals, hydroxyl radicals, super oxides, singlet oxygen, and peroxyl radicals. Some research studies also suggest L-Carnosine may be effective in helping to protect cellular DNA and chromosomes from the oxidative damage associated with cellular aging.

What is the daily suggested dose of L-Carnosine?

Since carnosine oral supplementation is relatively new, there is no Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) set yet for this substance. For anti-aging benefits and for general supplementation (to protect against free radical damage), the normal ranges from 100 to 200 milligrams daily. Recommended dosing for L-Carnosine vary between as little as 50 milligrams (mg) per day to as much as 1-2 grams per day. For internal use take 1/8th level teaspoon (202mg) to 1/4 level teaspoon (404mg) once or twice per day. You can see the full bulk density/volumetric conversion chart for L-Carnosine here. L-Carnosine is also used topically (for anti-aging skin care) usually in concentrations between 0.5% and 2% by weight. When preparing topical solutions you may want to add 1% Ascorbic Acid or 1% EDTA as a preservative.

As always, if you have concerns or questions, consult a physician or a health care professional before taking any supplements. Before taking any kind of medicine, check with your doctor to ensure that the supplement you want to take is right for you. You may be allergic or you may have a sensitive stomach which may raise the need for special instruction as far as dosage goes.

What kind of results do people anticipate while taking L-Carnosine?

In a nutshell, carnosine has the ability to change itself into numerous compounds that can each carry out or enhance many important body functions. These include, in no particular order:

a) Binding to harmful metal compounds to inactivate them (chelation).
b) Turning the resultant carnosine/metal compound into useful antioxidants that in turn become anti-ulcer agents.
c) Stabilizing and protecting cell membranes, this in turn helps to protect the cells from harmful free radicals.
d) Protecting healthy cells from radiation damage (certain cancer treatments).
e) Acting as a neuro-transmitter - a chemical that helps messages jump from one nerve to another, to help boost memory and fight dementia (Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease).
f) Fighting allergies.
g) Improving blood flow to brain.
h) Blocking the activation of guanylate cyclase - an enzyme linked to asthma, migraine, septic shock and cancer.
i) Special carnosine analogs can clear the build up of abnormal protein and sugar compounds in the eye to prevent age-related eye which can lead to cataracts, glaucoma and Macular Degeneration.
j) Functioning as a catalyst to enhance the benefits of numerous other nutrients and compounds.

Precautions and Potential side effects of L-Carnosine

L-carnosine is considered to be extremely safe, and few side effects are reported when it is used within recommended guidelines. In some cases, children taking l-carnosine supplements for autism seem to become more hyperactive, though it has not been ascertained whether this is a direct result of L-carnosine supplementation or whether it stems from a decrease in autistic symptoms that manifest itself as an increase in activity and excitability.

The information at Purebulk.com is NOT a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not use any dietary supplement as a replacement for conventional care, or as a reason to postpone seeing a doctor about a medical problem. Tell all your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

Taste, solubility, and daily suggested dose of L-Carnosine

This product dissolves somewhat slowly in water and has very little flavor or taste. Just mix your usual dose with water or juice and drink.

L-Carnosine is used in the following Proprietary Formulas

iSatori Liquid Morph+, Ultimate Nutrition AdreNOline, Universal Hard Fast, NOW L-Carnosine, Hammer Nutrition HEED, ALRI Primed Ultra, LaneLabs Nature's Lining, Life Extension Mitochondrial Energy Optimizer, Metabolic Diet MVM, Metabolic Diet Power Drink, OAC VolcaNO

References & Further Research

Anti-crosslinking properties of carnosine: significance of histidine
Carnosine, a histidine-containing dipeptide, is a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease. There is evidence that carnosine prevents oxidation and glycation, both of which contribute to the crosslinking of proteins; and protein crosslinking promotes beta-amyloid plaque formation. It was previously shown that carnosine has anti-crosslinking activity, but it is not known which of the chemical constituents are responsible. The individual amino acids in carnosine (beta-alanine, histidine) as well as modified forms of histidine (alpha-acetyl-histidine, 1-methyl-histidine) and methylated carnosine were tested. The results suggest that histidine is the representative structure for an anti-crosslinking agent, containing the necessary functional groups for optimal protection against crosslinking agents.

Use of carnosine as a natural anti-senescence drug for human beings
Carnosine is an endogenous free-radical scavenger. The latest research indicates that apart from the function of protecting cells from oxidation-induced stress damage, carnosine appears to be able to extend the lifespan of cultured cells, rejuvenate senescent cells, inhibit the toxic effects of amyloid peptide (A beta), malondialdehyde, and hypochlorite to cells, inhibit glycosylation of proteins and protein-DNA and protein-protein cross-linking, and maintain cellular homeostasis. Also, carnosine seems to delay the impairment of eyesight with aging, effectively preventing and treating senile cataract and other age-related diseases. Therefore, carnosine may be applied to human being as a drug against aging.

L-Carnosine for International Customers

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