L-Carnosine: A Cellular Rejuvenator

L-Carnosine is a naturally occurring substance found in many parts of the human body, as well as the food we eat. L-Carnosine is classified as a dipeptide, because it is made up of two linked amino acids, beta-alanine and l-histidine. L-Carnosine has shown in laboratory studies that it can extend cell life, and restore aging cells to a normal appearance. In the human body, the cells that live the longest, nerve cells and muscle cells, have the highest concentration of L-Carnosine, and researchers believe that these levels of L-Carnosine may be a factor in their longevity.

L-Carnosine's usefulness stems from its ability to protect cells from the depredations of oxygen, glucose, trace minerals, lipids, and proteins. While all of these are necessary elements of the human body, over time they break down the proteins from which our muscles, nerves and other body tissues are made. These broken down proteins accumulate in a process called cross linking, and are elements in aging of the skin, retinas, neuro-pathways, and muscle mass, as well as many other bodily systems. As an anti-oxidant, L-Carnosine protects cell walls from oxidation damage. L-Carnosine also regulates trace minerals, such as copper and zinc, which is particularly beneficial in the prevention of neurodegeneration.

By preventing the accumulation of plaque along the brains minute vascular system, L-Carnosine may alleviate the depredations of Alzheimer's Disease and strokes. Studies also show L-Carnosine can promote the healing of wounds. L-Carnosine eye drops have been tested on individuals with cataracts, and have shown to be between 80% and 100% effective, with the best results coming with milder cases. However, the L-Carnosine used effectively on eye conditions is not the same formulation available as a nutritional supplement. Researchers say that as a supplement, L-Carnosine has no effect on the retina. A number of studies on cell cultures have shown how L-Carnosine can restore aging cells to their youthful appearance. Of more interest, though, are studies in which the effects of L-Carnosine were tested on animals as a whole organism.

In studies with mice, the visible signs of aging - skin deterioration, brain chemistry changes, senescent behavior, and deterioration of physiological health - were all decreased after treatment with L-Carnosine. L-Carnosine occurs naturally in meats, but can be taken as a supplement by those on a vegetarian diet. The body neutralizes L-Carnosine in the bloodstream with the enzyme carnosinase, but scientists believe that some of the benefits of L-Carnosine may come from this breakdown, and do not recommend taking large dosages, over 500mg daily, in order to saturate the available carnosinase.

There are no known side effects or drug interactions with L-Carnosine, although muscle twitching has been reported in dosages over 1g per day. The effect of L-Carnosine on the developing fetus and infants has not been tested.

Recommended L-Carnosine Supplement

We have stumbled upon a company that produces a product that provides the highest quality of L-Carnosine is Xtend-Life Natural Products from New Zealand. Xtend-Life has one of the strictest regulatory environments in the world for the manufacture of dietary supplements, far exceeding U.S. FDA standards.

Their flagship product, Total Balance, contains standardized L-Carnosine, along with many other potent herbal supplement extracts, numerous vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other speciality nutrients, many of which are documented in this site.

We here at www.InstantHealthSecret.com personally take Xtend-Life's Total Balance as the foundation of our own health regimen and have achieved excellent results: we have noticed an increase in energy, mental acuity, and general sense of well-being.