L-Carnosine: Is it the New Wonder Nutrient?

For years, fitness experts and trainers have used supplements to enhance their physique, their endurance and their longevity. Many of them have relied on the antioxidant carnosine. It was discovered more than 100 years ago to be naturally occuring in the body especially in the brain, skeletal and muscle tissues. Carnosine is made up of two amino acids, beta-alanine and histadine.

It is sold as an amino acid, L-carnosine, which has been known to aid in the prevention of glycosylation which is one of the two main processes that cause the breakdown of the body. But this antioxidant does much more for the body than one might expect.

L-carnosine, found in meat and fish, has many healthful benefits. It can be a powerful immunity booster. The reduction of inflammation has been seen with the use of this supplement. Even wound healing and ulcer prevention make the list of possible positive effects of ingesting this powerful antioxidant.

It has been found to reduce cell damage caused by amyloid plaque which is found in the brains of Alzheimer's patients and possibly prevent that damage altogether. The protection of the neural tissues comes from its ability to block and neutralize beta amyloid. There is even a study being done about the use of this supplement in the treatment of Schizophrenia. Read more about it at http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct/show/NCT00177177 .

L-carnosine supplementation may be useful in altering glucose metabolism as well. This poses the opportunity to reduce the risk of diabetes, with any development coming on at a much later age with less harsh effects.

There are other ways to utilize the nutrient as well. There has been proven acceleration of healing of bacterial infections when eye drops were used which contained L-carnosine. Visual aging has been delayed in a large percentage of case studies. Cataracts have even disappeared permanently with the regular use of such eye drops.

The list goes on and on with carnosine being used to modulate enzyme activity, bind heavy metals, aid in injury recovery and more. It is even being studied as having an anticancer effect on the body.

The use of L-carnosine has been found to be extremely safe with a standard dosage of 100 to 200 milligrams daily for the best anti-aging effects. It is suggested not to exceed 500 milligrams in a 24 hour period and it has been found that over 1000 milligrams daily can attribute to muscle twitching.

The benefits of carnosine have not undergone extensive or thorough research. As with any supplementation, you should always consult with a health professional before use, recognizing that articles such as this are for informational purposes only and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease.