Carnosine is an extraordinary substance, and recent studies show that it has a significant impact on processes in the body related to aging. But what exactly is it? Carnosine is a naturally occurring compound in the body, primarily found in long-lived nerve and muscle cells, such as those in our heart and brain. As an active ingredient, carnosine is used in dietary supplements, as well as in medical and cosmetic products.
Carnosine works in various ways throughout the body. For example, studies have shown that it has a rejuvenating, revitalizing effect on cells that are in later stages of cell division. These studies, which focus on the oral intake of carnosine, suggest that it could be particularly beneficial in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
In addition, carnosine is a potent antioxidant, capable of protecting our cells from some of the most harmful free radicals, like superoxide radicals and peroxyl radicals. If you’ve read my blog post Why Antioxidants Are Amazing, you’ll know how valuable antioxidants are, especially when they’re available for use in skincare products, either through extraction, synthesis, or biomimetic processes.
What really interests me about carnosine are the promising findings regarding its protective effects on proteins. Proteins are some of the most essential building blocks of our body and its functions. For instance, our skin is largely made up of proteins, including collagen and elastin, which provide strength and elasticity.
When proteins are damaged, it can have a profound impact on the body. In fact, protein modification through damage is considered one of the leading causes of aging, explaining why our appearance changes as we grow older. On our skin, this aging process is visible in the form of thinner, sagging skin, wrinkles, and age spots.
Proteins are primarily damaged by two processes: oxidation and glycation. We’ve already seen how carnosine’s strong antioxidant properties help fight oxidative processes in the body, but what about glycation?
Glycation is a natural process that mainly occurs in the bloodstream and tissues—such as the skin, kidneys, and the lenses of the eyes. During glycation, sugars in the body react with proteins, lipids, or even DNA.
When there’s an excess of sugar in the blood—often due to a diet high in sugar or conditions like diabetes—glycation leads to the formation of Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs). Unhealthy behaviors that cause oxidative stress, such as smoking or prolonged sun exposure without protection, accelerate AGE formation.
AGEs are difficult for the body to break down and tend to accumulate over time. This buildup can trigger inflammatory responses and create even more oxidative stress. It has been found that AGEs are present in higher quantities in the tissues and organs of people with age-related degenerative diseases. These AGEs can also bind to proteins like collagen and elastin, damaging their structure and function. The resulting inflammatory processes and oxidative stress can further harm these proteins.
Carnosine is considered multifunctional, and its potential to counteract the formation of AGEs and their effects is a prime example of why it’s so valuable. Carnosine act as an antioxidant and may help reduce the reaction between proteins and sugars, and even reduce inflammation. Therefore, preliminary research suggests that carnosine plays a role in anti-glycation in the body.
Research into carnosine is ongoing, and I am eager to see what new findings emerge. I’m especially interested in exploring its potential for skincare and what future discoveries may reveal.
At Doctor Eckstein®, we use nature-identical synthesized carnosine, particularly for its powerful antioxidant properties, in our Repair Day and Night Care products, designed for mature skin prone to dryness and sun damage.
Carnosin in Our Diet
While the body naturally produces carnosine, its concentration decreases as we age. This is why it can be helpful to adjust your diet or take supplements if needed. Here’s the catch: plant-based foods don’t contain carnosine. You can only get it through eating meat and fish. For example, beef contains about 150 to 200 mg of carnosine per 100 grams, poultry has around 70 to 200 mg per 100 grams, and mackerel offers about 200 mg per 100 grams.
AGEs in Our Diet
On the other hand, it’s a good idea to keep your intake of harmful AGEs (Advanced Glycation End Products) as low as possible. While it’s nearly impossible to completely avoid them, they are commonly found in baked goods and, more importantly, in foods that are high in proteins, fats, and sugars. But here’s something you should know: certain cooking and processing methods can greatly increase the amount of AGEs in food. These include chargrilling, roasting at high temperatures (broiling), and frying. Also, heavily processed foods like fast food tend to have higher AGE content.
But if you do indulge in chargrilled meat or French fries every now and then, try pairing them with fresh salad. Tomatoes, spinach, and bell peppers, for example, are packed with antioxidants that could help reduce the negative effects of AGEs on the body.
There’s hardly any topic that’s discussed and researched as much as aging today. Sooner or later, we all find ourselves asking, “What should I accept as I get older, and what can I do to make this process as optimal as possible for myself?”
Research has long shown us that physical processes can’t be reduced to a simple answer—they require a holistic, or rather, a whole-body approach. We already know how important regular physical activity is for staying mobile as we age. We know that a balanced diet is essential to nourish our cells and keep them functioning at their best. We understand that lifestyle factors like chronic stress can make us age faster. And we can clearly see that aging shows itself in the changes in our skin over time.
And new research continues to add depth to our understanding of the aging process, showing us ways to slow it down. While we’re still far from achieving "eternal life" (if that’s even a goal we should be striving for), we’re definitely not too far from achieving "healthy aging," as the example of carnosine demonstrates.
Take care, Verena Eckstein
