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Effects of carnosine supplementation on glucose metabolism: Pilot clinical trial
Author(s) -
de Courten Barbora,
Jakubova Michaela,
de Courten Maximilian PJ,
Kukurova Ivica Just,
Vallova Silvia,
Krumpolec Patrik,
Valkovic Ladislav,
Kurdiova Timea,
Garzon Davide,
Barbaresi Silvia,
Teede Helena J.,
Derave Wim,
Krssak Martin,
Aldini Giancarlo,
Ukropec Jozef,
Ukropcova Barbara
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
obesity
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.438
H-Index - 199
eISSN - 1930-739X
pISSN - 1930-7381
DOI - 10.1002/oby.21434
Subject(s) - carnosine , medicine , diabetes mellitus , insulin resistance , overweight , endocrinology , placebo , type 2 diabetes , body mass index , insulin , obesity , alternative medicine , pathology
Objective Carnosine is a naturally present dipeptide in humans and an over‐the counter food additive. Evidence from animal studies supports the role for carnosine in the prevention and treatment of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, yet there is limited human data. This study investigated whether carnosine supplementation in individuals with overweight or obesity improves diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors. Methods In a double‐blind randomized pilot trial in nondiabetic individuals with overweight and obesity (age 43 ± 8 years; body mass index 31 ± 4 kg/m 2 ), 15 individuals were randomly assigned to 2 g carnosine daily and 15 individuals to placebo for 12 weeks. Insulin sensitivity and secretion, glucose tolerance (oral glucose tolerance test), blood pressure, plasma lipid profile, skeletal muscle ( 1 H‐MRS), and urinary carnosine levels were measured. Results Carnosine concentrations increased in urine after supplementation ( P < 0.05). An increase in fasting insulin and insulin resistance was hampered in individuals receiving carnosine compared to placebo, and this remained significant after adjustment for age, sex, and change in body weight ( P = 0.02, P = 0.04, respectively). Two‐hour glucose and insulin were both lower after carnosine supplementation compared to placebo in individuals with impaired glucose tolerance ( P < 0.05). Conclusions These pilot intervention data suggest that carnosine supplementation may be an effective strategy for prevention of type 2 diabetes.