What it is
Carnosine (β-alanyl-L-histidine) is a naturally occurring dipeptide concentrated in muscle and brain tissue, studied for antioxidant, anti-glycation, and carbonyl-scavenging activity. Unlike most entries in this index it is not an injectable research peptide — it is an oral supplement-grade dipeptide widely used in aging and exercise research.
Evidence boundary
Oral supplement use with a substantial human literature, mostly dietary-supplement context. Research use is limited to laboratory and education contexts.
Trial evidence
- Human studies cover carnosine’s antioxidant status, exercise performance, and anti-glycation/advanced-glycation-end-product (AGE) contexts.
Preparation and measurement
Oral dosing — no reconstitution. Typically taken as powder or capsule.
Concentration matches.
Reference schedule
| Phase | Dose | Draw / measure | Frequency | Weekly total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard research | 1 g | Oral | 1× daily | 7 g/week |
| Higher end | 2 g | Oral | 1–2× daily | 14 g/week |
Standard research
- Dose
- 1 g
- Draw / measure
- Oral
- Frequency
- 1× daily
- Weekly total
- 7 g/week
Higher end
- Dose
- 2 g
- Draw / measure
- Oral
- Frequency
- 1–2× daily
- Weekly total
- 14 g/week
Weekly totals apply only during the active phase.
Titration rules
- Common range: 1–2 g per day, once or twice daily, for 12–14 week study periods.
- Not an injection; no BAC, no syringe math — an oral dipeptide.
- Could be co-studied with beta-alanine loading (carnosine’s rate-limiting precursor).