L-Carnosine and Zinc for Ulcers

The mucous membrane lining of the gut protects the stomach and intestines against the hydrochloric acid and other digestive juices the body uses to break down food. Even a small loss of that lining can result in significant discomfort; unfortunately, one in 10 Americans will develop such a situation—ulcers—during his life. Such a loss may occur as the result of an imbalance in gut microflora. When unfriendly bacteria gain the upper hand, this may affect the stability of the mucous membrane.¹ One strategy for maintaining a healthy gastrointestinal (GI) lining, therefore, is to maintain healthy gut flora and a strong immune system. A 1:1 molecular combination of L-carnosine and zinc may help promote immune function, support healing and act as an antioxidant.

 L-Carnosine

L-carnosine is a dipeptide—a protein formed from two amino acids—commonly present in mammals,² and found in relatively high concentrations in several body tissues, most notably in skeletal muscle, heart muscle and the brain.^3,4 Carnosine is responsible for a variety of activities related to the detoxification of the body from antioxidant activity and tissue damage, to membrane-protecting activity, and promoting immune function.⁵

In fact, carnosine has been shown to modulate immune response in animal research.⁶ Likewise, in human research, carnosine had the capacity to modulate immune response with regard to neutrophils, a type of white blood cell found in response to the presence of inflammation and bacteria.⁷ Furthermore, supplementation with carnosine-zinc enhanced the response to interferon, natural cell-signaling proteins produced by the cells of the immune system.⁸ In addition, carnosine has been shown to reduce the secretion of inflammatory cytokines by intestinal cells exposed to oxidative stress.⁹

Several studies demonstrated carnosine possesses strong and specific antioxidant properties, protects against radiation damage and promotes healing from wounds caused by radiation.¹⁰ It has the ability to promote GI wound healing,¹¹ possibly by an interaction with stem-cell populations,¹² or via gene expression.¹³ This may be linked to its ability to reduce DNA damage by reducing cellular oxidative stress and inhibiting the formation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species.¹⁴ It also exerts metal ion binding properties.¹⁵