ZINC L CARNOSINE (ZnC)
Also known as: ZnC, zinc carnosine, polaprezinc, Zinc L-carnosine
Overview
Zinc L-carnosine (ZnC) is a chelated compound combining zinc and L-carnosine, a dipeptide composed of β-alanine and L-histidine. This synthetic chelate is designed to enhance zinc bioavailability and provide synergistic effects. L-carnosine naturally occurs in muscle and nervous tissue, while zinc is an essential trace mineral. ZnC is primarily used for gastrointestinal mucosal protection, especially in the treatment and prevention of gastric ulcers and chronic atrophic gastritis. It also shows potential in bone metabolism support and age-related disease management. ZnC exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and mucosal protective properties. Research maturity is moderate, with several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews focusing mainly on gastrointestinal indications and some emerging evidence in bone and age-related diseases. Evidence includes systematic reviews with meta-analyses and RCTs with adequate sample sizes, though some studies call for larger, longer-term trials for confirmation.
Benefits
Zinc L-carnosine (ZnC) offers several evidence-based benefits. It significantly improves symptoms and mucosal healing in chronic atrophic gastritis and Helicobacter pylori eradication regimens, with symptom improvement rates around 77.3% in chronic atrophic gastritis patients. L-carnosine (a component of ZnC) shows potential therapeutic activity in age-related diseases, including cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disorders. ZnC enhances osteoblast activity, mineralization, and collagen synthesis, suggesting potential benefits for bone health. Additionally, ZnC exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, demonstrated by reductions in oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in zinc supplementation studies. Patients with chronic gastric conditions, elderly populations with age-related diseases, and individuals at risk for bone metabolism disorders may benefit most.
How it works
Zinc L-carnosine (ZnC) chelates zinc ions, facilitating their safe transport and absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. It enhances intracellular zinc uptake, stimulating osteoblast function and collagen synthesis in bone tissue. ZnC exhibits antioxidant activity by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress markers. Its anti-inflammatory effects are achieved through the reduction of C-reactive protein and modulation of inflammatory pathways. ZnC promotes mucosal healing and protection in the gastrointestinal mucosa, stimulates bone cell metabolism and mineralization in the skeletal system, and enhances glutathione and superoxide dismutase activity in systemic antioxidant defense. ZnC is absorbed efficiently in the intestinal tract due to the chelation with carnosine, which increases zinc bioavailability and intracellular uptake compared to zinc salts alone.
Side effects
Zinc L-carnosine (ZnC) is generally well tolerated with a good safety profile in clinical studies. Common side effects (occurring in >5% of users) include mild gastrointestinal discomfort. Uncommon side effects (1-5%) involve transient symptoms that typically resolve after discontinuation. Rare side effects (<1%) are not significant in high-quality studies. No major drug interactions are documented, but caution is advised with other zinc supplements or medications affecting zinc metabolism. ZnC is contraindicated in individuals with known hypersensitivity to zinc or carnosine. Use in pregnancy and lactation should be cautious due to limited data. Elderly populations may benefit but require monitoring. It is important to adhere to recommended dosages to minimize potential adverse effects.
Dosage
Clinical studies on gastritis and H. pylori eradication commonly use Zinc L-carnosine (ZnC) doses around 75 mg/day (zinc content basis). The optimal dosage range is typically 75-150 mg/day ZnC, depending on the indication and formulation. Up to 528 mg zinc per day has been reported in zinc supplementation studies, but the ZnC-specific maximum dose is not firmly established; standard doses are generally well tolerated. ZnC is usually administered orally, often in divided doses with meals to improve absorption and reduce gastrointestinal discomfort. It is available as tablets or capsules; enteric-coated forms may improve gastric tolerance. Absorption is enhanced by chelation with carnosine but may be affected by concurrent intake of phytates or other zinc-binding compounds. Adequate dietary protein and vitamin C may support zinc absorption.
FAQs
Is ZnC safe for long-term use?
Current evidence supports safety for months-long use in gastrointestinal and bone health contexts, but long-term data beyond 6 months are limited. Consult a healthcare professional for extended use.
How quickly can benefits be expected?
Gastrointestinal symptom improvement may occur within weeks; bone metabolism effects are more gradual and may take several months to manifest noticeable changes.
Can ZnC replace other zinc supplements?
ZnC offers enhanced bioavailability and mucosal protective effects compared to zinc salts, making it preferable for gastrointestinal indications. Consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Does ZnC interact with other medications?
No significant interactions reported, but caution with other zinc-containing products is advised. Inform your healthcare provider about all supplements and medications you are taking.
Is ZnC effective without H. pylori infection?
ZnC shows benefits in mucosal protection and gastritis beyond H. pylori eradication, making it a useful supplement for various gastrointestinal conditions.
Research Sources
- https://www.imrpress.com/journal/FBL/28/1/10.31083/j.fbl2801018/htm – This systematic review and meta-analysis included 14 clinical studies (9 in meta-analysis) assessing L-carnosine effects on cancer, cardiovascular, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders. It found potential therapeutic activity with moderate quality evidence, supporting the multimodal activity of L-carnosine, a key component of ZnC, in age-related diseases; however, heterogeneity and risk of bias were noted.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/14/19/4126 – This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of ZnC-based regimens in H. pylori eradication. The study demonstrated improved eradication rates and mucosal healing with a good safety profile compared to standard therapy alone, reinforcing ZnC’s role in gastrointestinal mucosal protection.
- https://mattioli1885journals.com/index.php/actabiomedica/onlinefirst/view/15672 – This RCT and systematic review on ZnC in chronic atrophic gastritis showed significant improvement in serum pepsinogen I and gastrin 17 levels, symptom reduction (77.3%), and high compliance with ZnC treatment. Side effects were mild and reversible, providing strong evidence for ZnC efficacy in gastritis management, although larger, longer RCTs are recommended.
- https://www.spandidos-publications.com/10.3892/mmr.2022.12899 – This review describes ZnC’s enhanced bioavailability and positive effects on osteoblast activity, mineralization, and collagen synthesis. It highlights ZnC’s superiority over other zinc salts in bone health applications, suggesting its potential as a bone metabolism support supplement.
- https://www.nmi.health/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/NMJ_Zinc_A-Review-of-Clinical-Use-and-Efficacy.pdf – These meta-analyses of 21 and 10 RCTs showed that zinc reduces oxidative stress markers and inflammation, supporting ZnC’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. The findings suggest that zinc supplementation, and by extension ZnC due to its enhanced bioavailability, can contribute to reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
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