A to Z / Longevity
Carnosine
Also known as beta-alanyl-L-histidine, L-carnosine.
Best known for The muscle dipeptide used as an anti-glycation supplement
Evidence★★★☆☆
Safety dataWell characterised
Route Oral
United StatesDietary supplement: lawfully sold
AustraliaSupplement: lawfully sold
as at 16 September 2026
What it is and what it does
Carnosine is a dipeptide (beta-alanine and histidine) concentrated in skeletal muscle and brain. It is a lawful supplement, with good human evidence for exercise and much weaker evidence for anti-ageing. It is widely used both as an exercise supplement and as an “anti-glycation” agent.
What the full entry covers
The book carries the rest of this entry:
- Where the research stands, with every claim cited
- What people commonly ask, and what the research shows so far
- Dosing in four labelled bands, described and not recommended
- Side effects, serious risks, cautions and interactions
- Questions to discuss with your doctor
- How it compares with Collagen Peptides, Glutathione, NAD+ and Precursors
Related entries
A certificate of analysis tells you what is in a vial. The evidence rating above tells you whether the compound has been shown to work in humans. Neither answers the other's question. How to read a certificate of analysis.
This page describes what is known and not known about Carnosine. It is not medical advice and not a recommendation to use it.