Meta Information

ID:carnosine

Name:Carnosine

Schema Version:1.5

Alternate Names

• L-carnosine
• beta-alanyl-L-histidine

Active Compound

carnosine

Intervention Type

therapeutic_agent

Delivery

Route:

oral

Scope:

• systemic

Regulatory Status

• us:dietary_supplement
• eu:food_supplement

Indication

Focus:

healthspan

Description:

Targeting the reduction of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) and acting as an antioxidant and pH buffer in muscle and brain tissue.

Typical Protocol

• Typical doses range from 500 mg to 2,000 mg per day, often split into two doses.

Expected Cost Mean

Low Cost:

15

High Cost:

40

Cost Type:

monthly

Description:

Cost for a monthly supply of oral capsules or powder; not covered by insurance.

Summary

Carnosine is a dipeptide of beta-alanine and histidine, highly concentrated in muscle and brain tissue. It functions as a potent anti-glycation agent, inhibiting the formation of harmful advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), and also acts as an antioxidant and pH buffer. These mechanisms may help protect cells from damage associated with aging, potentially supporting cognitive, metabolic, and musculoskeletal health.

Purpose

An anti-glycation agent and antioxidant protecting against age-related cellular damage.

Card Summary

A dipeptide that combats glycation and oxidative stress, potentially protecting brain and muscle tissue.

Drug Class

Drugs In Class

Empty Array

Impact

Score:

4.5

Justification:

Targets key aging pathways like glycation, but human healthspan extension data is limited.

Evidence

Grade:

B

Score:

5.5

Justification:

Human trials exist for specific endpoints, but large-scale healthspan studies are lacking.

Safety

Score:

2.5

Justification:

Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) with a very low incidence of side effects.

Flags

• Carnosine is rapidly broken down by the carnosinase enzyme in blood, limiting bioavailability.
• Its precursor, beta-alanine, is often supplemented to raise muscle carnosine levels more effectively.
• May cause a harmless tingling sensation (paresthesia) at higher doses, similar to beta-alanine.

Verdict

A promising anti-glycation agent with high safety; bioavailability is a key limitation.

Created

2026-05-03T16:32:14.186681Z

Ai Model

Gemini 2.5 Pro (High)