Effects of carnosine supplementation on glucose metabolism: Pilot clinical trial
What this study found
Carnosine supplementation was associated with improved glucose-metabolic outcomes and preserved insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion compared with placebo. Urinary carnosine increased in the carnosine group (P = 0.046), confirming exposure, and the intervention normalized glucose intolerance in participants with impaired glucose tolerance while reducing 2-hour glucose and insulin levels. There were no meaningful changes in cardiovascular risk factors, including blood pressure or lipid profile, and the intervention was well tolerated with no reported side effects. Overall, these pilot…
- Study & population
- Single-center, placebo-controlled pilot trial in sedentary, non-diabetic adults with overweight or obesity in Bratislava, Slovakia.
- Intervention
- Carnosine was given orally at 2 g daily in two divided doses for 12 weeks.
- Key limitation
- This was a small pilot study with only 15 participants in the active arm and a 12-week follow-up, limiting statistical power and durability assessment.
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Open PDFOriginal abstract
Carnosine is a naturally present dipeptide in humans and an over‐the counter food additive. Evidence from animal studies supports the role for carnosine in the prevention and treatment of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, yet there is limited human data. This study investigated whether carnosine supplementation in individuals with overweight or obesity improves diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors.