Carnosine Free Foods

Carnosine is a naturally occurring animal-based protein made up of two amino acids. According to the experts at VeganHealth.org, preliminary evidence suggests that carnosine may aid athletic performance and may have applications in the treatment of various diseases. Though carnosine has gained recent popularity as an athletic enhancement and its availability in supplement form has become relatively widespread, little, if any, concrete scientific documentation exists to verify these claims.

Athletic Benefits

• Carnosine is found in muscle tissue in concentrations that can be twice as high as those found in vegetarians, reports VeganHealth.org. In combination with a synthesizing amino acid beta-Alanine, carnosine may improve performance during extreme physical activity, specifically during cycling. However, unlike more mainstream athletic enhancers, like creatine, there is very little research on the purported benefits and results remain inconclusive.

Carnosine Free Foods

• Carnosine exists solely in animal-based protein and is not found even in protein-rich plants, such as beans, nuts and grains. Therefore, according to VeganHealth.org, those on a vegetarian and especially a vegan diet, may not be getting enough carnosine as typical meat-eaters.

Medical Applications

• Because carnosine is found in higher concentrations in the brain and muscles, it is believed that carnosine may have applications in treating degenerative diseases, like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Though carnosine is listed under the wary title of "Alternative Medicine," the Mayo Clinic also believes there may be applications for treating Asperger's Syndrome with carnosine supplements. Studies also suggest that carnosine may have applications in diabetes and cataract research. However, no research exists that conclusively proves that patients would significantly benefit from carnosine supplementation.

Risks

• Carnosine's effects are largely unknown. According to VeganHealth.org, therapies utilizing carnosine supplements "are in their infancy," only having started within the last few years, and long-term effects haven't been thoroughly researched. Never start a nutritional or dietary supplement program without consulting a qualified, licensed physician.