Carnosine is an important protein building block that is naturally produced in the human body, making the knowledge of L-Carnosine Side Effects vital.
Carnosine is concentrated in muscle areas when they are working, and it is also found in the heart, brain, and many other parts of the body.
Carnosine is used to prevent aging and for preventing or treating complications of diabetes such as nerve damage, eye disorders (including cataracts), and kidney dysfunction.
Carnosine is also important for many normal body functions including the proper function and development of the muscles, heart, liver, kidneys, brain, and other vital organs.
There is some interest in using carnosine to prevent aging because it seems to affect certain chemicals that might play a role in the aging process.
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L-Carnosine
L-Carnosine is a natural dipeptide that plays a number of important roles in the body, being made up of beta-alanine and L-histidine, both amino acids.
L-Carnosine supplements are commonly used by sportspersons and health-conscious persons who want to promote longevity and general well-being.
Carnosine is safe with a low risk of side effects but may interact with some compounds, medications, and supplements.
L-Carnosine has also been researched for its antiglycation, antioxidant, cardioprotective, anticancer, and anti-diabetic properties.
How does Carnosine work?
Carnosine is important for many normal body functions. For instance, it is involved in the proper function and development of the muscles, heart, liver, kidneys, brain, and many other organs.
As mentioned earlier, there is some interest in using carnosine to prevent aging because it seems to interfere with certain chemicals that might play a role in the aging process.
L-Carnosine and its precursor Beta-Alanine are frequently used as pre-workout supplements to boost athletic performance.
Bodybuilders also take these supplements to boost workout power output and reduce muscle fatigue.
In the body, Carnosine helps to buffer muscle tissues and inhibit excessive concentrations of hydrogen ions which result from physical tiredness.
Working out results in the production of lactic acid in the muscles which can cause a burning sensation.
Carnosine helps to stay that burning sensation so that athletes can work out at a higher intensity for longer periods.
The heavy metal-chelating, antioxidant and antiglycation properties of L-carnosine prove beneficial for people with Alzheimer’s disease, as it helps to reduce endothelial and neuronal damage to cells from Alzheimer’s disease.
It is believed that carnosine may protect cells from side effects and toxicity induced by excessive zinc and copper exposure.
Glycation
Glycation is the attachment of sugars to proteins, resulting in rigidity, adhesiveness, and dysfunction of protein molecules.
Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) which form as a result of chronic glycation, can cause many health problems, as well as accelerate the aging process.
AGEs are abnormal protein chains that have been oxidized and cross-linked and are believed to be responsible for certain diabetes complications, including cataracts, kidney failure, and neuropathy.
Animal research suggests that the administration of L-carnosine reduces protein glycation and may help to prevent glycation-related cell impairment.
In another animal study, administering L-carnosine has prevented cellular membrane lipid peroxidation.
Carnosine seems to protect protein chains from alterations and toxicity induced by MDA (malondialdehyde) and may have the capacity to inhibit the actions of the toxic end product of lipid peroxidation (MDA).
L Carnosine – Precautions and How to Use
Before using L Carnosine, it is advised to inform your doctor about your current list of medications, over the counter products (e.g. vitamins, herbal supplements, etc.), allergies, pre-existing diseases, and current health conditions (e.g. pregnancy, upcoming surgery, etc.).
Some health conditions may make you more susceptible to the side-effects of the drug, so it is important to take as directed by your doctor or follow the direction printed on the product insert.
Dosage is based on your condition, and you should tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
L Carnosine – Drug Interactions
If you use other drugs or over the counter products at the same time, the effects of L Carnosine may alter.
This may increase the risk of side-effects or cause the drug not to work properly. L Carnosine may interact with products such as Amlodipine, Diltiazem, Felodipine, Isradipine, Nifedipine, and Verapamil.
Conclusion
Although carnosine dietary supplementation is well tolerated in healthy individuals, you should still approach usage cautiously.
L-carnosine may have a negative interaction with medications and herbal supplements with hypotensive potentials.
Some of these include antihypertensive drugs, coenzyme Q10, casein peptides, cat’s claw, L-arginine, theanine, Lycium, nettle, Andrographis, and fish oil, to mention but some.
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