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Carnosine Safety

Carnosine is a molecule made up of alanine, histidine and amino acids, and is found in a number of body tissues. It has been identified as having strong antioxidant properties and the ability to promote wound healing. Patients with Hepatitis C have a better response to interferon therapy when treated with zine salt of carnosine. It may also be used to treat peptic ulcers and to prevent or treat diabetic complications such as eye problems and kidney damage.

  1. Safety Information

    • According to RxList, little information is currently available about the safety of carnosine, especially when used as a supplement, instead of a prescription treatment. However, this substance is already naturally present in the human body, and is important for normal function. It is generally assumed to be safe in the doses most people take. Few studies have been performed on humans, so side effects and possible drug interactions for carnosine remain unknown.

    Concerns

    • According to the Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database, some studies have reported possible side effects of carnosine. A 1974 animal study showed possible reproductive effects for carnosine when given in moderate doses. At high doses, this substance has been shown to cause problems with the brain and nervous system in animals. High doses of aerosol carnosine have also been shown to cause respiratory problems in animals.

    Expert Insight

    • According to the National Institutes of Health, carnosine extracted from chicken breast has been shown to be safe in rats. Rats dosed with 500 or 2000 mg/kg of body weight each day showed no significant differences from the control group. Over the course of 90 days, they retained similar body weight, food consumption rates and behavior to normal rats. Organs and body tissues also remained the same, with no mutations.

    Considerations

    • RxList notes that appropriate dosage for carnosine depends on the age and health of the user, and that there is currently no official correct dose for this substance. While carnosine is a natural substance, usually derived from meat, it may not be safe in large doses. Users should consult their doctor for more information about correctly taking this substance.

    Warning

    • Because there is little information available about carnosine use in humans and because animal studies show possible reproductive side effects in animals, women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should avoid taking carnosine. This substance could conceivably cause problems with the unborn fetus or developmental problems in infants.

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