L-Carnosine
is a natural body product consisting of the amino acids beta-alanine and L-histidine chemically bound
to each other. Nerve cells (neurons) and muscle cells (myocytes) contain
high levels of Carnosine. Carnosine is NOT a drug, vitamin or mineral and it
does not react with any drugs. You are born with high levels of Carnosine in
your body but unfortunately it decreases with age. The good news is that you
can now replace Carnosine naturally with a daily supplementation of L-Carnosine.
L-Carnosine is the most effective anti-carbonylation
agent yet discovered. (Carbonylation is a pathological step in the
age-related degradation of the body's proteins.) Carnosine helps to prevent
skin collagen cross-linking which leads to loss of elasticity and wrinkles.
L-Carnosine is a super antioxidant that quenches even the most destructive
free radicals: the hydroxyl and peroxyl radicals, superoxide, and singlet
oxygen. Carnosine helps to chelate ionic metals (flush toxins from the
body).
It also acts as a regulator of zinc and copper
concentrations in nerve cells, helping to prevent overstimulation by these
neuroactive minerals. What is known about the biological role of Carnosine
in the body substantiates all of the above and other studies have indicated
further benefits.
L-Carnosine is classified as a dipeptide, which
is a combination of two amino acids, in this case alanine and histidine. It
naturally occurs in high concentrations in skeletal muscle tissue, and
therefore may support muscle vitality. L-Carnosine is also an antioxidant
that stabilizes cellular membranes, protecting them from damage by free
radicals.* Because L-Carnosine is only found in vertebrates, it is
especially important for persons who do not consume beef, pork or chicken.