Carnosine is a small but mighty molecule with significant therapeutic potential and crucial roles in muscle function, antioxidant defense, and overall health. The molecule is classified as a dipeptide because it is composed of beta-alanine and histidine and is predominantly found in animal-based foods, which is one of the many reasons I suggest including animal-based foods in our diets. It is also why carn, being a Latin root word for meat, is in its name. While it offers numerous health benefits, those following vegan and vegetarian diets are at risk of carnosine deficiency, which can lead to several health and performance issues. This post delves into the importance of carnosine, its sources, the consequences of low carnosine levels in plant-based diets, and strategies to mitigate these risks.

Biological Activities and Health Benefits of Carnosine

Carnosine exhibits several biological activities that make it a promising candidate for enhancing health through diet:

1. Antioxidant Properties: Carnosine acts as a powerful antioxidant, neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and protecting cells from oxidative damage. This is crucial for preventing chronic diseases related to oxidative stress.

2. Anti-Glycation Effects: Carnosine inhibits the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), helping mitigate aging and complications associated with diabetes, such as nephropathy and retinopathy.

3. Metal Chelation: Carnosine can chelate divalent metal ions like copper and zinc, reducing metal-catalyzed oxidative damage and preventing the aggregation of misfolded proteins, which is beneficial in neurodegenerative diseases.

4. Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Carnosine reduces inflammation by modulating pro-inflammatory cytokines, which can be advantageous in managing inflammatory diseases.

5. Neuroprotective Effects: Carnosine protects neurons from oxidative stress and excitotoxicity, highlighting its potential in treating neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

6. Wound Healing: Carnosine promotes wound healing by enhancing fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis, making it useful in dermatological applications.

Sources of Carnosine: Animal-Based Foods

Carnosine is primarily found in animal-based foods such as meat, poultry, and fish. These sources provide direct dietary carnosine, which is readily available for the body to utilize. In contrast, plant-based foods do not contain carnosine, making it challenging for vegans and vegetarians to obtain adequate levels of this essential molecule.

For those who consume animal products, dietary intake of carnosine can be easily achieved through regular consumption of meat and fish. However, individuals following vegan or vegetarian diets must rely on the body's ability to synthesize carnosine from its precursor, beta-alanine. Unfortunately, the availability of beta-alanine in plant-based diets is often lower than in animal-based diets, posing a risk of carnosine deficiency.

The Impact of Vegan and Vegetarian Diets on Carnosine Levels

Research published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (2017) highlights the challenges faced by vegan and vegetarian athletes regarding carnosine levels and muscle mass. The study emphasizes that plant-based diets typically result in lower carnosine levels in muscle tissue due to the absence of direct dietary sources. Consequently, vegans and vegetarians may experience reduced muscle buffering capacity during high-intensity exercise, leading to a quicker onset of muscle fatigue and decreased performance.

Moreover, the lower availability of beta-alanine in plant-based diets can hinder the body's ability to synthesize adequate amounts of carnosine. This deficiency can impact muscle health, as carnosine is vital for protecting muscle cells from oxidative damage and supporting optimal muscle function.

Consequences of Low Carnosine Levels

1. Reduced Athletic Performance:

   • Lower carnosine levels can lead to decreased buffering capacity, resulting in quicker muscle fatigue during high-intensity exercise. This can negatively affect athletic performance and endurance.

2. Muscle Mass and Strength:

   • Insufficient carnosine levels can impact muscle mass and strength, as carnosine plays a crucial role in muscle health and function. Vegan and vegetarian athletes may need to pay extra attention to their protein intake and consider supplementation to maintain muscle mass. Loss of muscle mass, which is called sarcopenia, can lead to early death. Read this post I wrote about the importance of maintaining our muscle mass.

3. Oxidative Stress and Aging:

   • Carnosine's antioxidant properties help protect cells from oxidative stress and damage. Low levels of carnosine can increase the risk of oxidative damage, contributing to aging and the development of chronic diseases.

Strategies to Mitigate Carnosine Deficiency

To counteract the risk of carnosine deficiency, vegans and vegetarians can adopt several strategies:

1. Beta-Alanine Supplementation:

   • Beta-alanine supplements can help increase muscle carnosine levels by providing the necessary precursor for carnosine synthesis. This can enhance muscle buffering capacity and improve exercise performance.

2. Adequate Protein Intake:

   • Ensure sufficient protein intake from diverse plant-based sources such as legumes, nuts, seeds, tofu, tempeh, and whole grains. Consider using plant-based protein supplements to meet higher protein requirements.

Conclusion

Carnosine is a vital molecule with numerous health benefits, primarily sourced from animal-based foods. Vegan and vegetarian diets can lead to lower carnosine levels, impacting muscle health and performance. By adopting strategies such as beta-alanine supplementation and ensuring adequate protein intake, plant-based individuals can mitigate these risks.

References

• Jukić, I., Kolobarić, N., Stupin, A., et al. (2021). Carnosine, Small but Mighty—Prospect of Use as Functional Ingredient for Functional Food Formulation. Antioxidants (Basel), 10(7), 1037. doi: 10.3390/antiox10071037.

• Rogerson D. Vegan diets: practical advice for athletes and exercisers. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2017 Sep 13;14:36. doi: 10.1186/s12970-017-0192-9. PMID: 28924423; PMCID: PMC5598028.