Carnosine is a dipeptide molecule composed of the amino acids, histidine and alanine. It is found in high concentrations in the skeletal muscle, heart muscle, skin, stomach, nerve tissue and brain. It is produced by the body naturally by the enzyme carnosine-synthetase.
How does it work?
As an antioxidant, it protects neurons (nerve cells) from free radical damages, especially ideal for autism, ADHD, seizures and Alzheimer’s disease. It also acts as neurotransmitter, chemical messenger in the nervous system.
Carnosine may be used to mitigate excessive activities and/or stimulation of the N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors caused by excitotoxins such as aspartate in artificial sweeteners, and glutamate in monosodium glutamate (MSG) and its derivatives.
It is also a good chelating agent of heavy metals, which potentially cause toxicity resulting in behaviors seen in children with ADHD and/or autism. It is able to chelate copper, zinc and other heavy metals by binding to them, then removing them from the body.
Carnosine is well-known for its anti-aging property and is considered to be a longevity nutrient. It protects body cells against free radical damage as an antioxidant, inhibits glycation and reverses the damages.
Glycation or non-enzymatic glycosylation is the reaction between glucose molecules and protein or fat molecules, resulting in advanced glycating end-products (AGEs). Oxidative stresses, frequently seen in children with special needs, accelerate the production of AGEs.
AGEs interfere with molecular and cellular functions throughout the body, facilitating the aging process, resulting in an array of chronic diseases and conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease, cancers, peripheral neuropathy, cataract formation and hearing loss.
Carnosine helps protect body cells from radiation damages, such as during cancer treatment and accidental radiation exposures by reversing the oxidative damages.
Athletes have long used carnosine to improve their performance. It enables heart muscles to contract more efficiently through enhanced calcium receptors in heart tissues
Dosage
100-200mg before breakfast and at lunch for children with ADHD.
Caution
Excessive intake may result in irritability, hyperactivity and insomnia.
As always consult a registered dietitian and/or physician who are familiar with dietary or nutritional supplements and working with children with developmental disorders. Avoid implementing trials of any supplements on your own, especially when your child has other medical conditions and/or taking prescription medication. Even though many supplements are natural in a sense, but when taken in high doses, it has therapeutic effects as medication. Thus, supplements may sometimes interact with medications and some require close monitoring of a pair of experienced eyes.
