Carnosine: A fountain of youth discovered?

[DeDukshyn]

 
Research has so far uncovered four nutrient compounds that have the ability to extend life, keep one healthy and youthful in old age, or both.

One is Oxaloacetate or 3-carboxy-3-oxopropanoic acid. This compound is an integral part of the Kreb's cycle, and supplementing with it provides more energy for mitochondrial function and at the point in which it it is inserted into that cycle, greatly reduces the creation of free radicals that normally have to be created as your body creates energy from food. This compound is found in reasonable qty in red apples - apple a day keeps the doctor away. Initial research shows this compound can extend the life fruit flies, mice and worms; human trials are underway.

Another more commonly known compound is Resveratrol; a compound found in high concentration in dark grapes and grape skins (and thus red wine). Resveratrol is the plants defense against fungi, but appears to have other potent properties in humans and other animals. It has been shown to increase the life span of fruit flies in research studies. (could longevity be related to absence of certain fungi?)

I don't know what the forth compound is, but the third is Carnosine. Carnosine is a dipeptide amino (two bound amino acids) present in muscle and brain tissue and initial research with it has shown some very interesting results.


Here's some excerpts from an article on Carnosine: (the numbers are reference numbers to the research - just ignore them)

Carnosine is found throughout the body wherever there are high energy demands such as in the brain, the heart, and our muscles.5 Its function is to protect these vital areas from the metabolic demands of energy production and management.6,7

Young organisms have high levels of carnosine in those energy-demanding tissues. As part of the aging process, carnosine levels decline over time.2-4 That’s because our bodies both make less carnosine as we age, and also because the carnosine we have is increasingly vulnerable to destruction. In human conditions such as diabetes and metabolic syndrome, which produce unnaturally accelerated aging, carnosine production is decreased, and its destruction is increased.8,9

These findings suggest that a “carnosine deficiency” might be partly responsible for the visible aging and loss of function in a multitude of areas throughout the body that occurs as we get older.

If we could restore our bodies’ carnosine stores to their youthful levels, we might be able to arrest part of the aging process.

Here are a few of the most dramatic observations in recent years that demonstrate how carnosine supplementation extends life spans:

1.Carnosine slows the aging of human cells in culture dishes.10,11 Scientists added carnosine to cultures of young cells. While the control cells developed the typical “old” appearance, those grown in high carnosine concentrations retained their youthful appearance.5 When these youthful-appearing cells were transferred to culture dishes lacking extra carnosine, they quickly developed the “old” appearance of control cells of the same age. Yet, when scientists took old cells, approaching the limits of their life span, and transferred them into culture dishes containing high carnosine concentrations, they found that the cells rapidly became rejuvenated to resemble young cells.10

2.Carnosine extends the life span of rotifers, a microscopic aquatic organism now being used as a model of aging in many laboratories.12 In this experiment, scientists tested many different antioxidant compounds, identifying carnosine as one of just four that had significant effects on the organisms’ longevity.

3.Carnosine extends the life span of fruit flies, another organism commonly used to study aging, up to 20% in males.13,14 Normally, male fruit flies die much sooner than do females, but when fed a steady diet including a carnosine supplement, the males attained the same age as the females.

4.Carnosine extends the life span of laboratory mice, complex, warm-blooded mammals with many of the aging features common to humans.15,16

Scientists used a strain of mice in which aging is markedly accelerated and supplemented their food with carnosine. Not only did the animals live significantly longer, they retained the physical and behavioral features of youthful animals.15 Next, the scientists tested the supplement in normal mice, finding much the same effects. Carnosine clearly improved the animals’ external appearances and maintained the animals in better condition than control animals receiving no carnosine.16

Carnosine Protects Against Cardiovascular Disease

Carnosine’s multi-targeted effects are most prominent in the heart and blood vessels. Carnosine has been shown to decrease mortality from strokes as well as mitigate the damaging effects of stroke on the brain itself.17-19 Studies in experimental animals show that carnosine, administered before or after a stroke is induced, protects brain cells from the so-called ischemia-reperfusion injury that occurs when tissue is first deprived of oxygen and is then subjected to high oxygen levels when blood flow is restored.17,18 That results in marked reduction in signs of oxidant damage to brain cells, and to a real and significant reduction in the size of the stroke area in the brain.18

Carnosine also protects heart muscle from ischemia (lack of blood flow), which can ultimately produce a heart attack. This protection derives from carnosine’s antioxidant actions, combined with its ability to trap oxidation-inducing transition metals, its acid-buffering capacity, and its influence on inflammatory cell activity.19 In fact, carnosine has been added to solutions used to protect heart muscle during open-heart surgery, when the heart is intentionally stopped, and there is high risk for ischemic damage.20

Carnosine’s actions on blood vessels may even prevent ischemia from occurring in the first place. Carnosine protects artery-lining endothelial cells from oxidation and glycation, both of which are early events in development of atherosclerosis.21,22 Studies show that carnosine prevents formation of dangerous “foam cells,” fat-laden scavenger cells that trigger the inflammatory response that produces deadly arterial plaque.23

Excessive muscle tone in arteries raises blood pressure and reduces blood flow to heart muscle and brain cells; carnosine reduces arterial tone by multiple mechanisms.24 It modulates calcium ion signaling in the smooth muscle cells that control vascular tone and enhances production of beneficial endothelial nitric oxide synthetase (eNOS) that induces arteries to relax.25

Given carnosine’s beneficial impact on skeletal muscle and exercise performance, it is hardly surprising to learn that carnosine also enhances heart muscle contractility. This is again a multifactorial effect, produced in part by carnosine’s ability to control calcium flow, and partly by its antioxidant, acid buffering, and anti-glycation activities.19,26,27

Carnosine Fights Diabetes and Its Consequences

The global obesity epidemic brings with it the growing threat of type 2 diabetes and all of its devastating consequences that include cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, nerve damage, and eye disorders.

Studies show that diabetics’ cells have lower-than-normal carnosine levels, similar to levels in older adults.10 That may be one reason that diabetes produces accelerated aging.28

Yet carnosine supplementation can restore youthful carnosine levels in vital tissues, and offers protection against many of the components of diabetes.

Carnosine lowers elevated blood sugar levels, reduces long-term formation of dangerous advanced glycation end-products, limits oxidant stress and elevated inflammation, and prevents protein cross-linking, not only in diabetics, but also in otherwise healthy aging adults.29-33

Additionally, carnosine works ‘behind the scenes’ to offer important protection for diabetics’ physiological destruction from high blood sugar:
•Carnosine protects kidney cells from the effects of high glucose levels, helping to reduce the risk of diabetic kidney disease, or nephropathy.34-36
•Carnosine reduces oxidation and glycation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) which bodes well for reduction of diabetes-induced atherosclerosis.37,23
•Carnosine reduces protein cross-linking in the lens of the eye and helps to reduce the risk of cataract, a common diabetic complication.38,39
•Carnosine supplementation also prevents the microscopic blood vessel damage that produces diabetic retinopathy, a major cause of blindness in diabetics.40
•Carnosine supplements prevent loss of sensory nerve function (neuropathy) in diabetic animals.41

Carnosine Protects Brain Cells, Preserves Cognition

So far, drug treatment has shown only minimal effectiveness at slowing the progression of cognitive decline. Carnosine’s many therapeutic targets make it exceptionally promising for all of these conditions.42

Alzheimer’s disease is the most widely feared and the most common of the neurodegenerative disorders. Scientists have found that Alzheimer’s patients have even lower levels of carnosine in their brains and spinal fluid than those of other older adults.43 It is not yet clear whether this is a cause or an effect of Alzheimer’s, but many intriguing observations suggest a role for carnosine in prevention of the disease.

Alzheimer’s disease is the result of multiple causes, virtually all of which have some connection to carnosine and its function in the brain. Noted expert Alan R. Hipkiss of London’s Queen Mary’s School of Medicine and Dentistry recently summarized the relationship between Alzheimer’s and falling levels of carnosine in the body.

Hipkiss observed that those parts of the brain that are first affected in early Alzheimer’s disease are also those in which carnosine is normally found in highest concentrations.44 That suggests that, as carnosine levels fall with age, those brain areas become the most vulnerable to the Alzheimer’s-related damage. In addition, he notes that the abnormal protein, amyloid beta, which is seen exclusively in Alzheimer’s diseased brains is typically full of zinc ions. Carnosine is capable of binding up zinc and keeping it from damaging tissues in excess.44,45 Again, the implication is that falling levels of carnosine allow brain tissue to fall victim to an unnatural accumulation of a toxic substance.

Finally, Hipkiss notes that the so-called “neurofibrillary tangles” found in the brains of Alzheimer’s disease patients contain proteins that are extensively cross-linked.44 Carnosine is an effective inhibitor of protein cross-linking everywhere in the body.46

Mitochondrial dysfunction is yet another contributor to Alzheimer’s disease; the oxidant stress it produces may be involved in formation of the Alzheimer’s protein amyloid beta.47 Experimental studies show that supplementing Alzheimer’s disease mice with carnosine potently reduces amyloid beta accumulation and completely rescues their brains from mitochondrial dysfunction.31

These biochemical relationships are now showing real effects in experimental models of neurodegenerative diseases of aging. Researchers fed aged rats a supplement rich in carnosine, which also contained vitamin D3 as well as blueberry and green tea polyphenols, or a control substance.48 The animals were then trained in finding their way to a platform submerged in water. By the end of the training period, the treated group of impaired older animals performed better than the controls in the same age category. Supplemented animals also were found to have increased production of new brain cells and fewer markers of brain cell inflammation and deterioration than controls. Similar anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects were seen in the brains of mice with an experimental form of Parkinson’s disease.49

Strokes cause brain cells to die from oxidant damage. Recent studies show that carnosine’s antioxidant effects provide some protection against both ischemic stroke (in which too little blood reaches brain tissue), and hemorrhagic strokes (in which bleeding exposes brain tissue to damage from free blood).

In one study, rats were supplemented with a carnosine-blueberry-green tea-vitamin D3 mixture for two weeks prior to experimentally-induced ischemic stroke, at which time a major brain artery was surgically blocked.50 Pre- and post-surgery behavioral testing demonstrated that, compared with control animals, supplemented rats had a 12% reduction in motor asymmetry, and a 24% reduction in neurologic dysfunction following the stroke. Supplemented rats also had up to a 3-fold increase in new brain cell proliferation after the stroke, compared with controls.

Other studies of ischemic stroke demonstrate a strong reduction in oxidative stress and brain cell death by apoptosis in animals supplemented with carnosine.51 Importantly, carnosine also provides protection following ischemia from so-called glutamate excitotoxicity, the same sort of neuronal “overdrive” that is thought to further contribute to Alzheimer’s disease.52

In experimental models of hemorrhagic stroke, carnosine treatment led to restoration of normal neurotransmitter receptors damaged by the presence of blood in brain tissue.53 Carnosine also prevented some of the dangerous swelling that often follows a hemorrhagic stroke.53

Carnosine Enhances Exercise Performance

While excess body fat increases the risk of diabetes, regular exercise reduces the risk of both obesity and diabetes. Carnosine supports exercise performance by buffering the rising levels of acid that accumulate in working muscle.55,56 Accumulating acid in muscles produces the fatigue and pain that ultimately limits our workouts.54,57,58

Increasing muscle carnosine levels is now a well-established means of improving exercise performance and reducing fatigue, both in trained and untrained individuals.6,59,60 In older adults, in whom frailty and the risk of falls increases with muscle weakness, it can be a critical factor in promoting safety and independent living.61

In one study of people 55-92 years old, raising muscle carnosine content increased their fatigue threshold by 29% from pre- to post-supplementation, with no change seen in the placebo group.62 A similar study among 60-80 year-olds demonstrated a significant increase in the time subjects could exercise before becoming exhausted.63


Summary

The past decade has led to a broad array of findings regarding carnosine’s multiple protective effects, arising from its ability to fight multiple processes that cause aging.

Carnosine defends against oxidant damage, glycation of vital proteins, acid accumulation in muscle and heart, dangerous transition metal ions, age-induced protein cross-linking, mitochondrial dysfunction, and age-accelerating telomere shortening.64

These multitargeted actions collaborate to prevent age-related diseases such as cognitive decline and dementia, to promote exercise comfort and performance, to slow progression of metabolic conditions such as diabetes, and to defend against atherosclerosis and heart disease. It’s no wonder carnosine is referred to as the “antiaging dipeptide.”26

Six mechanisms Carnosine helps with longevity and health

Initially, researchers considered carnosine as just an antioxidant molecule. But, while it has good antioxidant effects, carnosine is by no means the most powerful antioxidant in the body. What caught the researchers’ attention was that supplementation with other, more potent, antioxidants did not produce the dramatic increase in longevity seen with carnosine.62,65

Clearly, something else is going on.

Few scientists, however, were prepared for the revelation that carnosine actually targets six major processes involved in the aging process. Let’s look briefly at each one, to see how carnosine exerts its overall effects.

1.Oxidation at the cellular and tissue levels is one of the major contributors to the aging of organisms. Carnosine scavenges oxygen and nitrogen free radicals, and reduces their destructive impact on fat and DNA molecules.1,62,66,67 These effects are a powerful means of stopping atherosclerosis and cancer formation, respectively.

2.Glycation, the formation of molecular compounds of glucose with vital biomolecules such as enzymes and other proteins, is another major cause of aging. Glycated proteins induce potent oxidant stress and trigger inflammatory responses that hasten the aging process. Glycated proteins also form “cross-links” that bind them together, reducing their youthful flexibility and function. Carnosine takes a “sacrificial hit” and allows itself to be glycated, sparing other vital structures and preventing dangerous protein cross-linking.5,67,68

3.Accumulation of excess metals 44,69 Carnosine chelates, or binds to, ions of copper, zinc, and iron, which in excess are known to induce production of amyloid beta and other proteins found in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.66,70-72

4.Cross-linked proteins are the result of accumulated oxidant damage and glycation in youth. They are eliminated by intracellular structures called proteasomes.65 With increasing age, however, proteasomal degradation drops off, allowing the dysfunctional proteins to accumulate and interfere with cellular function. Carnosine can react with these abnormal proteins, hastening their elimination.65,70

5.Telomeres are the repeating DNA sequences at the ends of chromosomes that function as a kind of “molecular clock,” becoming shortened with each cycle of cell replication. When telomeres become too short, cells die. Carnosine reduces damage to telomeres and slows their rate of shortening in experimental systems.64

6.Mitochondrial dysfunction accelerates aging by depriving cells of the energy they need, and by adding to their oxidative burden as mitochondria lose their efficiency.73 Carnosine alleviates all of these alterations, especially in vulnerable brain cells where mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.47,73,74

Taken from www.Lifeextension.com here: http://www.lifeextension.com/Magazin...Factor/Page-01 -- please refer to the original article for more info on life extension.

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[Flash]

Is there any compound in the market that has those 3-4 elements as a supplement for example?

and, how does it play to get into the brain: is it sufficient to have carnosine for example in the muscles or does it have to cross the blood brain barrier? If so, what exist that could help it?

I see there is L-carnosine supplements on the market, what would be the amount suggested for protection and enhanced quality of life?

I will follow your info to the letter, believe me.

What is the difference between carnosine and carnitine?

[DeDukshyn]

Posted by Flash (here)
Is there any compound in the market that has those 3-4 elements as a supplement for example?

Good question. Not that I am immediately aware of - however each of at least the three I mentioned are available as separate supplements. Oxaloacetate and Resveratrol are not very stable molecules and so are somewhat questionable as effective oral supplements. A thermally stabilized form of Oxaloacetate has been found and it is sold under the brand "BeneGene". The only company I know that takes extra precautions against resveratrol degredation through the manufacturing process is AOR - the company I work for. We put the product into UV protective capsules and filter out all UV light during all the manufacturing process in our facility. Others may as well, but I have never heard of it; UV light is the main degradation factor for supplemental resveratrol. Carnosine, however, is more easily available (easier to get than oxaloacetate, and cheaper than good resveratrol - all should be available to a well stocked health supplement store).

If there is such a combination product, it would likely be sold through the Life extension site I took the article from. I do believe they have products made for them to their specs that they sell to the public. Not 100% sure ... perusing the site would determine that.

Posted by Flash (here)
... and, how does it play to get into the brain: is it sufficient to have carnosine for example in the muscles or does it have to cross the blood brain barrier? If so, what exist that could help it?

Another good question. The effects of carnosine appears to be local to where the molecules are - getting them everywhere would be a major consideration. I don't know the exact mechanism that carnosine is pushed to the brain, but I do know that with other aminos, how you take your dosage makes a difference. If blood sugar levels are on the high end of their variability, the amino will tend to get pushed to the muscle tissue, and if taken on the low end of that spectrum the body will tend to push the nutrients into the brain. Carnosine is recommended to be taken on an empty stomach, likely to ensure it can also get into the brain.

Posted by Flash (here)
... I see there is L-carnosine supplements on the market, what would be the amount suggested for protection and enhanced quality of life?

500mgs (pharmaceutical grade recommended) per day. Although there has been no side effects shown at much higher dosages.

Posted by Flash (here)
... What is the difference between carnosine and carnitine?

An "i" and a "t".

But more seriously , Carnosine is two aminos, beta-alanine and histidine, bound to each other. Carnitine is amino derivative. Not related at all but both very important to not be deficient in for good health (note these are not vitamins. Under normal conditions the body can create these molecules for its use, age seems to deplete the body's stores and reduce overall production of carnosine).


I hope that helps a little

[DeDukshyn]

One anecdote:

I have an ex co-worker who's mother became very interested in Carnosine after hearing about it. After acquiring a steady supply and taking the product for a few months, she noticed she was regaining the lost colour in her hair (she had been almost completely grey/white) - how long that lasted or whether she continued for years afterward and what the results are, I do not know.


On a separate note, Carnosine also has been proven to reduce cataracts when used in an eyedrop formulation with the form of N-acetyl-Carnosine. This form is slightly acidic and allows the carnosine to penetrate directly into the eye, where it performs its magical rejuvenating effects. several studies have attested to its cataracts dissolving effects.

[Flash]

Another technical question:

ALCAR ACETYL-L-CARNITINE versus L-Carnitine, which one is the best to take?

Many many thanks


And

should someone take all together, Carnitine, carnosine, Benagene, revestratol?

Is there any contra-indication to your knowledge, understanding very well that these are not medical advice but only information from your scientific knowledge.

For and "old" diabetic, any contra indication that you are aware of (I am reading the Carnitine may be good for diabetics on some texts on the internet and the exact contrary on others, as if it was contra indicated for diabetis)

Can we overdose one any of them to your knowledge?

Once again, I understand that you are sharing scientific information, and that the bottom line of what I would take (or any one else would) has to be my own (or anyones else's) decision, based on my own research (or anyone else's), and to consult with my doctor if I have any health problem to ensure no contra indications (protecting you here).

[DeDukshyn]

Posted by Flash (here)
Another technical question:

ALCAR ACETYL-L-CARNITINE versus L-Carnitine, which one is the best to take?

Many many thanks


And

should someone take all together, Carnitine, carnosine, Benagene, revestratol?

Is there any contra-indication to your knowledge, understanding very well that these are not medical advice but only information from your scientific knowledge.

For and "old" diabetic, any contra indication that you are aware of (I am reading the Carnitine may be good for diabetics on some texts on the internet and the exact contrary on others, as if it was contra indicated for diabetis)

Flash,

ALCAR (acetylated l-carnitine) and l-carnitine work a bit differently. The ALCAR can more easily get across the BBB so is far better for use related to cognition. L-carnitine will get pushed into non-brain tissues more easily, so is probably better for weight control (energy production), and those types of uses.

.....

I don't know if there is interactions between those, but I assume not at all - all are found in our foods ... but as you said, don't take that as medical advice (personally I'd probably take them all together on an empty stomach (assuming my stomach can handle it)).

Carnosine and Benegene so far have shown to provide benefit to diabetics, by helping blood sugar regulation. ALCAR may provide relief from neropathy in diabetics, I haven't seen much for contra-indications ... might be different with regular l-carnitine.

[Bob]

Good thread DeDukshyn

[Olaf]

I have some experience with Resveratrol.

Yes, Resveratrol can switch mitochondria into a more efficient mode, so that they are able to produce more ATP easily while beeing in the same biochemical invironnment including possibly existing deficiencies.
As an effect you will have much more power.

A lot of sportsmen take Reseveratrol to prevent muscle cramps and to get back to full strength again after work.

I normally take Resveratrol when I need to be fully present when I make full day presentations of mitochondrial therapy. Other teachers also use it.

Resveratrol activates sirtuins, which trigger some repair processes in the cells. That is very beneficial.
Another way to activate those sirtuins is fastening longer than three days. But I won't recommend fastening to people who are weak. For those people Resveratrol ist the only tool that I can use.

Reseveratrol has been proven to help in reduce/heal cancer.
I know a singel case of a women who has healed her cancer with Resveratrol + Curcumin + other mitogene substances alone.
(But I would not recommend to trust on these substances alone.)

Another substance that has a similar effect to push mitochondrial function and energy production is Maca. Maca even works faster whithin hours, if you take >1 teaspoon of it.

Interesting: The plants that developed those substances to help their own mitochondrial function grow in very harsh environments that have very few nutrients. So for them developing this substances was a question of surviving.

The disadvantage
The boost on mitochondrial function only works as long as you take those substances.
There is nor "healing effect" and no real long term effect.

I have experienced several times that after the sudden resetting of Resveratrol my own energy production collapsed massively. For a few days I felt very weak. The body needed a few days to adapt to the new situation.

I have observed the same effect when I stopped taking Maca.

[Daozen]

We need more threads like these. The answer to longevity is out there.

[lucidity]

I have a simple question:
What dosage is the life extension website suggesting for Carnosine ?
Anyone know ? I'd be very grateful if you could pop a reply

[lucidity]

Posted by Daozen (here)
We need more threads like these. The answer to longevity is out there.

At the moment, on longecity.org -- the new kid on the block, the leading edge, since
telomerase promoters, is Nicotinamide Riboside (NR+) a relative of vitamin B3 (niacin).
That's the new big thing for them. Why ?
Because it turns out the fuel used by mitochondria is something called NAD+.
It puts new life and new vitality into old mice and middle aged humans.
Nicotinamide Riboside (NR+) is a precursor to NAD+ that:
(1) boosts NAD+ levels
(2) can be taken orally without gastric destruction or metabolism by the liver.

I expect we'll be seeing threads on here about NR+ in about a year's time, when
the rest of the world catches up to the leading edge of the research.
Mark my words

[Unicorn]

Lucidity,

Have you tried Nicotinamide Riboside? Or someone else here? There are mixed views out there on the Internet and I would like to know your opinion. Thanks!

[TargeT]

Posted by Daozen (here)
The answer to longevity is out there.

We now have Crisper... I think living to 400 will be common with in my life time.. and maybe start very soon.

There's a lot of fascinating research being done on this topic.

Posted by lucidity (here)
I have a simple question:
What dosage is the life extension website suggesting for Carnosine ?
Anyone know ? I'd be very grateful if you could pop a reply

500mg and up, apparently there aren't any bad side effects from much higher doses.

[DeDukshyn]

Posted by Olaf (here)
I have some experience with Resveratrol.

Yes, Resveratrol can switch mitochondria into a more efficient mode, so that they are able to produce more ATP easily while beeing in the same biochemical invironnment including possibly existing deficiencies.
As an effect you will have much more power.

A lot of sportsmen take Reseveratrol to prevent muscle cramps and to get back to full strength again after work.

I normally take Resveratrol when I need to be fully present when I make full day presentations of mitochondrial therapy. Other teachers also use it.

Resveratrol activates sirtuins, which trigger some repair processes in the cells. That is very beneficial.
Another way to activate those sirtuins is fastening longer than three days. But I won't recommend fastening to people who are weak. For those people Resveratrol ist the only tool that I can use.

Reseveratrol has been proven to help in reduce/heal cancer.
I know a singel case of a women who has healed her cancer with Resveratrol + Curcumin + other mitogene substances alone.
(But I would not recommend to trust on these substances alone.)

Another substance that has a similar effect to push mitochondrial function and energy production is Maca. Maca even works faster whithin hours, if you take >1 teaspoon of it.

Interesting: The plants that developed those substances to help their own mitochondrial function grow in very harsh environments that have very few nutrients. So for them developing this substances was a question of surviving.

The disadvantage
The boost on mitochondrial function only works as long as you take those substances.
There is nor "healing effect" and no real long term effect.

I have experienced several times that after the sudden resetting of Resveratrol my own energy production collapsed massively. For a few days I felt very weak. The body needed a few days to adapt to the new situation.

I have observed the same effect when I stopped taking Maca.

Carnosine supplementation has the same pitfall ... as indicated in the research, creating an absence of carnosine, even in cells that had been fully rejuvenated by carnosine; once the cells were removed from the high carnosine environment, the rejuvenation effect seen, reverted.

Resveratrol and oxaloacetate can also induce gene expression changes (mitochondrial changes me be result of this) - the same changes seen with caloric restriction (hence they are often called "CR mimics" - as they tend to mimic the effect of gene expression seen with caloric restriction -- which is the only solidly known mechanism that can extend life (a result of the gene expression change).

These gene expression changes can also be a bit hard on the body while it adjusts.

[DeDukshyn]

Posted by lucidity (here)
I have a simple question:
What dosage is the life extension website suggesting for Carnosine ?
Anyone know ? I'd be very grateful if you could pop a reply

As previously indicated, 500mg daily is the dosage that should provide effect for an adult human. Almost all carnosine supplements have 500mg per capsule - one per day. Shown to be safe at much higher levels. I personally started a regimen with 1000mg carnosine and 100mg of buffered oxaloacetate, just to see what I might notice - I hope to keep this regimen up for a few months at least. I've only been on it for a bout a week, but I feel more energy and seem to need a little less sleep than prior to starting. If I notice anything significantly worth reporting, it shall go in this thread.



BTW Re: Me not being sure if Lifeextension.com sold products ... I checked their site a little more, and yes, they have a whole host of products for sale, and a whole load of all kinds of great articles on life extension.

[lucidity]

Posted by Unicorn (here)
Lucidity,

Have you tried Nicotinamide Riboside? Or someone else here? There are mixed views out there on the Internet and I would like to know your opinion. Thanks!

Yes, i've been using it for several months now.
It does give you extra energy and vitality.

But, there is an 'experiences' thread, where users discus
their experiences uses NR. There is some suggestion that
certain types of pathogen are 'fed' by NR. For example there's
a strain of candida that proliferates in the presence of NR.

So some users report sore joints, typically feet or wrists.

See the last page of posts in this thread for more details:
http://www.longecity.org/forum/topic...31#entry793567

[lucidity]

Posted by DeDukshyn (here)

BTW Re: Me not being sure if Lifeextension.com sold products ... I checked their site a little more, and yes, they have a whole host of products for sale, and a whole load of all kinds of great articles on life extension.

hi DeDukshyn,

I have some suggestions for you,
given your interest in the articles on the life extension site

=> I think maybe you might consider creating an account on longecity.org.
You'll be with lots of other people that are also interested in health and longevity issues.
There are lots of threads there with lots of valuable information.
See here: longecity.org

=> You might also wish to sign up for the free emails from iHealthTube.com
(the emails contain links to short,.. 2,3 or 4 minute videos on health issues.
Like... the new accumulating evidence that the calcium in dairy products is
basically killing people.. search for "Tom Levy death by calcium"...
you're not hearing that news in MSM ! Or for example, the news about the
impact of boron in curing arthritis and osteoporosis... again not a dickie bird
on MSM. Big pharma makes billions on pain killers, anti-inflamatories and
anti-arthritis drugs. Boron (Borax) costs next to nothing).
But i digress..

So those are my, hopefully, helpful suggestions

[Flash]

What a nice forum you suggested Lucidity. Thanks a lot.

I truly have nothing against longevity, on the contrary. It would, I think, make us much more responsible as individuals and as a group -certainly more time to mature, learn, and understand the consequences of short term thinking.

Posted by lucidity (here)

Posted by Unicorn (here)
Lucidity,

Have you tried Nicotinamide Riboside? Or someone else here? There are mixed views out there on the Internet and I would like to know your opinion. Thanks!

Yes, i've been using it for several months now.
It does give you extra energy and vitality.

But, there is an 'experiences' thread, where users discus
their experiences uses NR. There is some suggestion that
certain types of pathogen are 'fed' by NR. For example there's
a strain of candida that proliferates in the presence of NR.

So some users report sore joints, typically feet or wrists.

See the last page of posts in this thread for more details:
http://www.longecity.org/forum/topic...31#entry793567

[Unicorn]

The two amino acids that form carnosine (alanine and histidine) can be found in great quantities in gelatine. I've been taken gelatine in the last weeks (home-made, powdered gelatin), and in fact I've noticed a better skin condition (is also very good for your joints, muscles and bones). It's another and cheaper option. Anyway, I'll give carnosine supplements a go...

Besides, I've read that carnosine is soluble in water. Then you can apply it directly in your skin to boost good results. Maybe it's worth trying :-)

[latina]

Be careful with Maca, it best known effect is to improve libido and it works wonders on that. I told a friend of mine about it and she was experiencing a very low interest in sex and having problems with her boyfriend. She took a tablespoon of maca in a cup pf coffee and got this almost immediate reaction, having her heart palpitations very fast, she got hot and sweating the whole day.