What Is Zinc L-Carnosine?: Benefits vs. Side Effects

Zinc L-carnosine, also known as polaprezinc, is a mucosal protective chelate compound that Hamari Chemicals, Ltd invented. Zinc L-carnosine is composed of zinc and L-carnosine. [1][2]

It is a clinically used drug to treat gastric ulcers in Japan and South Korea, both countries where it has been approved as a drug and for which a prescription from a doctor is required. [2]

In addition, clinical studies have shown that it is effective for treating oral mucositis, esophagitis, proctitis, altered taste, and dermatitis both during and after radiotherapy. [7][8]

In the United States, zinc carnosine is considered to be a “New Dietary Ingredient,” and as such, it is subject to strict regulations. In Australia, the government regulates it as a form of complementary medicine. In Canada, this item falls under the purview of the Natural Health Product Act. [9][10]

What is Zinc Carnosine?

Zinc carnosine, also called zinc-l-carnosine or its generic name, polaprezinc, is a chemical compound made of equal parts zinc and l-carnosine. [11]

Oysters, beef, and seafood are rich in zinc, an essential mineral. It is essential for bodily processes such as immune health, wound healing, and cell growth and development. [12]

L-carnosine is found in all vertebrate species’ brains, muscles, and gastrointestinal tissues, including humans. Numerous athletes use this supplement because it has anti-inflammatory and muscle-building properties. [13]

Zinc carnosine is a therapeutic compound developed in Japan nearly 30 years ago to treat stomach ulcers; the two are not found bound in nature. [14][15]

Zinc carnosine benefits the digestive system by protecting its mucus membrane, facilitating the repair of damaged epithelial cells, inhibiting inflammation, and exhibiting antioxidant-like properties. [14][15][16]

In addition to treating stomach ulcers, zinc carnosine has also been used to treat Heliobacter pylori-related gastric infections. It is also being studied as a cancer treatment [14][16].

Zinc L-Carnosine Benefits

From enhancing gastrointestinal integrity and reducing inflammation to supporting immune function and improving skin health, this remarkable compound has garnered attention as a valuable addition to a healthy lifestyle.

Let’s delve deeper into the benefits of zinc L-carnosine and explore how it can positively impact our well-being.

May Help to Manage Blood Sugar

It is common knowledge that zinc plays a part in regulating blood sugar and insulin secretion. The hormone insulin moves glucose from the bloodstream into the body’s various tissues. [17]

According to some research, zinc may play a role in helping maintain stable blood sugar levels and increase insulin sensitivity.

According to the findings of one study, low zinc levels, impaired blood sugar levels, and type 2 diabetes are all linked to one another. [18]

According to the findings of other studies, zinc may assist in reducing insulin resistance, thereby improving the body’s capacity to make effective use of insulin and to keep normal blood sugar levels. [19]

Similarly, According to a research article published in 2017, the dietary supplement carnosine, which is available without a prescription, possesses anti-inflammatory, antiglycation, antioxidative, and chelating effects.

These properties suggest that carnosine may be useful in preventing and treating type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. [20]

It Helps With Acidity, Heartburn, or GERD

The effectiveness of zinc carnosine in treating stomach ulcers has been investigated, but its efficacy in treating GERD has yet to be studied as thoroughly.

In fact, very little research has evaluated zinc carnosine’s efficacy in treating GERD.

Such a study is being conducted, though the results have not yet been published. [21]

The GERDILOR study, conducted in Italy, includes eighty adults. This study will evaluate the efficacy of a liquid zinc carnosine supplement in treating GERD symptoms and maintaining remission from the disease. In this study, participants will receive a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) — a standard GERD medication. [22]

Reviewing the results of the GERDILOR study will undoubtedly be interesting, but a single set of positive results is insufficient to conclude with certainty that zinc carnosine helps with GERD. 

There is a need for more human studies with larger sample sizes.

Nonetheless, this does not imply that zinc carnosine is ineffective for GERD. Numerous studies have demonstrated that zinc carnosine promotes digestive health, intrinsically linked to the condition.

Zinc carnosine is likely not a cure for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Still, it may be part of a more comprehensive treatment plan that improves GERD by promoting a healthy mucosal layer in the gastrointestinal tract and repairing damage to the gastric lining. [23][24]

Helps Promote Healthy Skin And Fight Acne

If you read reviews of products online, you will most likely come across individuals who claim that using this supplement made their skin look younger. Is there a way to accomplish that?

L-carnosine has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and free radical scavenging properties, all protecting DNA cells and improving skin health. These properties may be responsible for L-carnosine’s skin-enhancing effects.

Zinc supplements are also commonly used to maintain healthy skin and treat common skin conditions like acne.

Moreover, zinc is beneficial for reducing the severity of acne, especially in mild to moderate cases. [25]

One study found that not only did people who suffered from acne have lower zinc blood levels than those who did not have the condition, but that taking zinc supplements also reduced the typical number of inflammatory bumps caused by acne. [26]

Zinc supplements are frequently preferred over other treatments because they are cost-effective and associated with fewer negative side effects than those other treatments.

Zinc L-Carnosine Side Effects

Zinc l-carnosine is generally well tolerated, even though some people have reported experiencing stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea after taking it. The side effects of zinc l-carnosine are particularly associated with higher dosages of zinc.

In addition, consuming more than 40 milligrams of zinc daily can lead to symptoms similar to the flu, including fever, cough, headache, and fatigue.

Zinc can prevent copper absorption, which could, over time, result in a shortage of this essential mineral. [27]

In addition, it has been demonstrated that taking zinc supplements at the same time as taking certain antibiotics can reduce their effectiveness by reducing their absorption rate. [28]

To lower your risk of experiencing negative side effects, be sure to take the medication following the recommended dosage and refrain from taking more than the maximum daily dose of 40 milligrams unless directed to do so by a doctor.

If you take zinc supplements and experience unwanted negative side effects, you should consider reducing your intake. If the symptoms continue, speaking with a medical professional may be beneficial.

Zinc L-Carnosine Daily Dosage, Safety, and Risks

At the standard oral dose of 150 mg per day, there was observed to be good clinical compliance, and there were no symptomatic adverse effects reported. [5]

Since taking high doses of zinc L-carnosine (300 mg per day) did not result in any additional health benefits, the incidence of adverse events was significantly higher at these levels. [29]

Consuming zinc can lead to many unpleasant side effects.

According to the product monograph for zinc L-carnosine in Japan, the supplement’s safety in children younger than 12 years old, pregnant women, or nursing mothers has not been established. [30] 

Due to the decreased digestive system function that is common among the elderly population as a whole, the level of use in the elderly population that is suggested and recommended is 100 mg per day. Those who have a liver function that is compromised need to be under the supervision of a doctor. [30]

Patients suffering from copper deficiency are also required to be under medical supervision.

Bottomline

Zinc and L-carnosine are two fascinating supplements whose benefits are supported by research. Together, they form a novel complex that potently helps maintain gastrointestinal health, skin health, and blood sugar. Some of the strongest evidence suggests that NSAIDs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, can help treat stomach ulcers and prevent intestinal damage.

Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional.