Carnosine
Also known as: β-Alanyl-L-histidine, L-Carnosine
A dipeptide of beta-alanine and histidine that acts as a buffer against lactic acid accumulation, enhancing muscle endurance and reducing fatigue.
On This Page
Research Status
Research compound
For research purposes only. Not approved for human use. Not medical advice.
Research Areas
Side Effects
Harmless tingling in the face, neck, or extremities, typically occurring 15-30 minutes after beta-alanine ingestion. Resolves within 1-2 hours. Not dangerous and does not indicate toxicity. Can be reduced by splitting doses or taking with food.
Mild nausea, bloating, or stomach upset may occur, particularly at higher doses or on an empty stomach. Taking carnosine with meals typically resolves this.
Occasional mild headache reported in early supplementation. Usually resolves with continued use or dose reduction.
Transient facial flushing may occur alongside paresthesia. Not harmful and typically subsides within 1-2 hours.
Dosing Reference
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Dose range | 1000-2000 mg |
Frequency, timing and route - members only | |
Research disclaimer
Figures drawn from published research literature and community logs. Not clinical recommendations. Consult a qualified professional. Research use only.
Reconstitution Guide
Do not use saline or bacteriostatic saline, use only bacteriostatic water for reconstitution
Do not shake the vial vigorously; gentle swirling prevents peptide degradation
Discard immediately if the solution appears cloudy, discolored, or contains visible particles
Use within 30 days of reconstitution when stored at 2-8°C
Do not freeze the reconstituted solution; freezing may denature the peptide
Use the PeptideVolt reconstitution calculator for your exact concentration
Molecular and Pharmacological Data
| Molecular weight | 226.23 g/mol |
| Half-life | Approximately 1 hour in plasma; accumulates in muscle tissue over weeks of supplementation |
| Sequence | Members only |
Carnosine is a dipeptide composed of beta-alanine and histidine that functions as an intracellular buffer, reducing the accumulation of hydrogen ions (H+) and lactate during high-intensity exercise. By maintaining muscle pH, carnosine delays fatigue onset and supports sustained muscle force production. It also exhibits antioxidant and anti-glycation properties through its histidine moiety.
Track your Carnosine research
Free account. No credit card required.
Recent Research
Blocking β-alanine synthesis triggers widespread perturbations of energy and lipid metabolism in the brain.
The Effects of Carnosine on Cognitive Function and Mental Health-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Regionally specific dysregulation of gut microbiota and host-metabolite interface in podophyllotoxin-induced enterotoxicity based on the toxicological evidence chain concept.
Source: PubMed / NCBI. Updated daily. Articles are listed for research reference only.
Research Citations
5 sources
Hipkiss AR, Gaunitz F. (2014). Inhibition of protein glycation by carnosine: relevance to diabetes mellitus and other protein cross-linking diseases. Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences. 71(15):2811-2823. DOI: 10.1007/s00018-014-1617-0
PubMed PMID: 23657496 - Everaert et al. (2013). Beta-alanine supplementation increases muscle carnosine content and enhances transient muscle force production in healthy adults.
PubMed PMID: 25136264 - Saunders B, Elliott-Sale K, Artioli GG, et al. (2017). β-alanine supplementation to improve exercise capacity and performance: a critical review. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 14:42.
Boldyrev AA, Aldini G, Derave W. (2013). Physiology and pathophysiology of carnosine. Physiological Reviews. 93(4):1803-1845. DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00039.2012
PubMed PMID: 22535713 - Hoffman JR, Ratamess NA, Kang J, et al. (2006). Effect of creatine and beta-alanine supplementation on performance and endocrine responses in strength/power athletes.
Related: Muscle Growth & Performance
Browse the Research Library
133 peptide profiles and 54 blend profiles with mechanism summaries, dosing data, and reconstitution guides.
View all peptidesStay updated on Carnosine research
Weekly digest of new peptide research, stack guides, and platform updates.
Research Use Only. All content on this page is provided for informational and educational purposes related to scientific research. Carnosine is not approved for human use by the FDA or any equivalent regulatory body. This is not medical advice. Do not use any substance discussed here for therapeutic, diagnostic, or preventative purposes. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. The Peptide Volt does not endorse the use of any research chemicals. 18+ only.