Just a little extra info on L Carnosine

[vanadeux]

Carnosine is "A substance that protects and extends the functional life
of the body's key building blocks?cells, proteins, DNA, lipids?can be
fairly called an agent of longevity. When that agent is safe, naturally
present in the body and in food, and has demonstrated prolongation
of life span in animals and cultured human cells, it is fundamental to
any life extension program. Mounting research suggests that carnosine
has just such anti-aging potential."

The body is made up largely of proteins. Unfortunately, proteins tend
to undergo destructive changes as we age, due largely to oxidation
and interactions with sugars or aldehydes. These interrelated protein
modifications include oxidation, carbonylation, cross-linking, glycation
and advanced glycation endproduct (AGE) formation.

They figure
prominently not only in the processes of aging but also in its familiar
signs such as skin aging, cataracts and neurodegeneration. Studies
show that carnosine is effective against all these forms of protein
modification.

As an antioxidant, carnosine potently quenches that most destructive
of free radicals, the hydroxyl radical, as well as superoxide, singlet
oxygen and the peroxyl radical. Surprisingly, carnosine was the only
antioxidant to significantly protect chromosomes from oxidative
damage due to 90% oxygen exposure.

Carnosine's ability to rejuvenate connective tissue cells may explain its
beneficial effects on wound healing. In addition, skin aging is bound up
with protein modification. Damaged proteins accumulate and cross-link
in the skin, causing wrinkles and loss of elasticity. In the lens of the
eye, protein cross-linking is part of cataract formation.


Carnosine eye drops have been shown to delay vision senescence in humans, being effective in 100% of cases of primary senile cataract and 80% of cases
of mature senile cataract. Carnosine levels decline with age. Muscle
levels decline 63% from age 10 to age 70, which may account for the
normal age-related decline in muscle mass and function..."


Anne