TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT ZINC-CARNOSINE
The use of zinc-carnosine has been clinically studied for over 20 years, within its origin dating back to Japan. Zinc-carnosine is a combination of elemental zinc and the dipeptide, L-carnosine, together forming a polymeric structure. The combination of L-carnosine and zinc has been well studied in both controlled human trials and animal studies. The multidimensional approach of zinc-carnosine makes it a great choice in digestive health.* Let’s explore the benefits of zinc-carnosine on gastrointestinal health more closely.*
The trace mineral, zinc is essential for the growth and metabolism of cells, supporting DNA replication, transcription to RNA as well as protein synthesis. * Inadequate dietary intake of foods rich in zinc (oysters and organ meats are the highest) or ingesting foods which may inhibit the absorption (phytates, oxalates, and some polyphenols). Drug-induced nutrients depletions may also be of concern.
The use of zinc-carnosine does not interfere with normal digestive processes, stomach acid, or nutrient absorption. * Zinc by itself is thought to liberate from food quickly within the stomach, with the primary site of absorption being the proximal small intestine. Zinc is dissociated at a slower rate when bonded to the dipeptide L-carnosine, allowing a more localized concentration within the stomach. In fact, PepZinGI®, a chelated zinc-carnosine, was shown to localize to the stomach twice as long as taking zinc and L-carnosine separately, verified through radioisotope identification.
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Zinc-carnosine and epithelial barrier function*
The use of zinc-carnosine has a place in many different protocols due to its benefits in maintaining a healthy mucosal integrity and protective effect on the epithelial barrier.* Zinc as a single intervention has been shown to support intestinal barrier function.* The use of zinc-carnosine supports small intestinal mucosal integrity.* A 2007 trial evaluated zinc-carnosine in both animal and humans. In the animal portion of the study, a 50% reduction in villus shortening after a trial use of zinc-carnosine was reported. * The human portion of the study was a double-blind randomized controlled crossover trial. Healthy volunteers took 37.5 mg twice daily or placebo; the results showed zinc carnosine to have a protective effect within the small intestine. Another study of interest looked at the benefit of zinc-carnosine and post-exercise recovery*, a topic of importance for athletes. The results of the 14 day, double-blind, placebo-controlled study showed the use of zinc-carnosine to be beneficial in supporting epithelial resistance post exercise. * It is helpful to note that endurance exercise is a common model to measure intestinal permeability.
A more recent study, completed in 2017, evaluated the efficacy and usage of zinc-carnosine when combined with other therapies for participants experiencing occasional gastrointestinal discomfort.* The dose of 75 mg, taken twice daily showed a significant improvement in healthy bacteria as well as a reduction in occasional discomfort.* Those receiving therapy plus zinc carnosine showed a much larger improvement in symptoms when compared to just using other therapy alone, with no added side effects.*
Dosing Zinc Carnosine
Practitioners typically recommend starting at the dose used in research; for zinc carnosine, the dose ranged from 37.5 mg (twice daily) up to 150 mg taken twice daily. While the effects have been shown in as little as 2 weeks, positive outcomes are consistent between a dose of 75 mg and 150 mg, taken twice daily for 8 weeks. A 8-week, multi-center, double-blind dose-finding study showed a 75.4% improvement in digestive symptoms for the 50 mg twice daily, 71.6% for the 75 twice daily group and 78.5% improvement in those receiving 100 mg twice daily.*
It is clear that the effects of zinc are enhanced in certain circumstances when combined with the amino acid, L-carnosine, allowing it to withstand and remain localized within the stomach for an extended period.* There have been over 20 published studies on zinc-carnosine alone and even more on the relationship between zinc and gastrointestinal health.* The stabilizing benefits of zinc-carnosine, along with its protective mechanisms make it a great option for gastrointestinal health.*
Blog Source: Integrative Therapeutics | A CLOSER LOOK AT ZINC-CARNOSINE
