Carnosine

Natural dipeptide (β-alanyl-L-histidine) present in high concentrations in skeletal muscle and the brain. It reacts directly with reactive carbonyl groups and methylglyoxal, preventing the formation of protein crosslinks (anti-glycation). It also has antioxidant and metal-chelating properties. A randomised controlled trial shows improved glycaemic control in supplemented prediabetic adults (Fang et al., Int J Mol Med, 2025).