Beta-Alanine: Anti-Aging Supplement??
October 16, 2007
Yesterday we looked a some of the basics regarding beta-alanine, carnosine, and how these compounds can help increase performance. Yesterday, I also hinted at the fact that carnosine may actually be able to help slow (notice I didn’t say prevent as you can’t prevent aging - this is a distinction many unscrupulous supplement companies neglect).
One cellular process that is thought to play an integral role in the aging process is a non-enzymatic reaction known as glycation. Glycation is a reaction that occurs between sugars and proteins in which sugar molecules bind to proteins altering their structure and function. These modified proteins are known as advanced glycation end products. (AGEs). In addition to aiding in the aging process AGEs have also been implicated in the progression of heart disease, diabetes, and neurodegerative diseases (e.g. Alzheimer’s).
So how does carnosine and beta-alanine come into play? Carnosine prevents the negative effects of AGEs by two different mechanissm. One of the detrimental effects of AGEs is that they can cause oxidative damage. Carnosine is a potent anti-oxidant and can help prevent the oxidative damage caused by AGEs. Carnosine has also been shown to act as a “suicide peptide” preventing bodily proteins from being glycated.
As you can see there is a lot of really interesting (and valuable) research regarding beta-alanine and carnosine going on around the world. It is too early to start making claims about carnosine’s ability to “prevent Alzheimer’s disease” but the research to date shows very promising health and performance effects related to beta-alanine supplementation.
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