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Carnosine: from exercise performance to health

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Abstract

Carnosine was first discovered in skeletal muscle, where its concentration is higher than in any other tissue. This, along with an understanding of its role as an intracellular pH buffer has made it a dipeptide of interest for the athletic population with its potential to increase high-intensity exercise performance and capacity. The ability to increase muscle carnosine levels via β-alanine supplementation has spawned a new area of research into its use as an ergogenic aid. The current evidence base relating to the use of β-alanine as an ergogenic aid is reviewed here, alongside our current thoughts on the potential mechanism(s) to support any effect. There is also some emerging evidence for a potential therapeutic role for carnosine, with this potential being, at least theoretically, shown in ageing, neurological diseases, diabetes and cancer. The currently available evidence to support this potential therapeutic role is also reviewed here, as are the potential limitations of its use for these purposes, which mainly focusses on issues surrounding carnosine bioavailability.

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Sport, Health and Performance Enhancement (SHAPE) Research Group, Biomedical, Life and Health Sciences Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, NG11 8NS, UK

    Craig Sale & Ruth M. Hobson

  2. School of Physical Education and Sports, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil

    Guilherme G. Artioli, Bruno Gualano & Bryan Saunders

  3. Junipa Ltd., Newmarket, Suffolk, UK

    Roger C. Harris

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  1. Craig Sale
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  2. Guilherme G. Artioli
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  3. Bruno Gualano
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  4. Bryan Saunders
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  5. Ruth M. Hobson
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  6. Roger C. Harris
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Correspondence to Craig Sale.

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Sale, C., Artioli, G.G., Gualano, B. et al. Carnosine: from exercise performance to health. Amino Acids 44, 1477–1491 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00726-013-1476-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00726-013-1476-2

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