Carnosine is a natural antioxidant and anti-aging compound that protects cells from damage by neutralizing harmful molecules. It acts as a buffer to maintain a healthy pH in muscles, which helps reduce muscle fatigue. It also helps protect against the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), which are linked to many chronic diseases like diabetes and Alzheimer's.

Antioxidant & Anti-Glycation Effects
Neurological Benefits
Diabetes & Metabolic Support
Cardiovascular Benefits
Exercise & Muscle Function
Potential Anti-Aging Applications
Immune & Anti-Inflammatory Effects
•
Reduce inflammation and oxidative stress
•
Support improved cognitive clarity and focus
•
Enhance circulation and tissue oxygenation
•
Carnosine is a naturally occurring dipeptide (made of beta-alanine and histidine) that is found in high concentrations in muscle and brain tissue. It’s available both from diet (mainly meat) and as a supplement. Research into its effects is ongoing, but there are several medically studied and evidence-based benefits:
1. Antioxidant & Anti-Glycation Effects
Carnosine helps neutralize free radicals and reduces oxidative stress, which is linked to aging and chronic disease.
It inhibits protein glycation, the process where sugars bind to proteins and form “advanced glycation end products” (AGEs). AGEs contribute to tissue stiffness, vascular damage, and diabetic complications.
Some studies suggest it may slow down cellular aging by protecting DNA and proteins.
2. Neurological Benefits
Neuroprotection: Animal and small human studies show carnosine may protect brain cells from oxidative damage and excitotoxicity.
Alzheimer’s & Parkinson’s: Preliminary evidence suggests carnosine could slow amyloid plaque formation and protect neurons in neurodegenerative diseases.
Cognitive Function: Some trials report improvements in attention, executive function, and behavior in children with autism spectrum disorder and adults with mild cognitive impairment.
3. Diabetes & Metabolic Support
Helps improve insulin sensitivity and may lower blood glucose in type 2 diabetes.
Reduces accumulation of AGEs, which are particularly damaging in diabetes.
Clinical studies have shown improvements in lipid profiles and reductions in inflammation markers.
4. Cardiovascular Benefits
May improve vascular elasticity by reducing glycation-related stiffening.
Helps buffer acidity in muscles (similar to beta-alanine supplementation for athletes), which may improve exercise performance.
Shown to reduce oxidative damage in endothelial cells (cells lining blood vessels).
5. Exercise & Muscle Function
Acts as a pH buffer in muscle, delaying fatigue during high-intensity exercise.
Supplementation (often via beta-alanine, the precursor) increases muscle carnosine and has been shown in multiple clinical trials to enhance performance in sprinting, cycling, and weight training.
6. Potential Anti-Aging Applications
Research suggests carnosine may extend the replicative lifespan of cells in vitro.
Some small human studies suggest supplementation may improve skin elasticity and wound healing.
Animal studies indicate it may slow age-related degeneration in eyes (like cataracts).
7. Immune & Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, lowering cytokine levels in some studies.
May support immune system regulation, though more human trials are needed.