Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of L-Carnosine Supplementation in Children With Autistic Spectrum Disorders

Abstract

L-Carnosine, a dipeptide, can enhance frontal lobe function or be neuroprotective. It can also correlate with gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-homocarnosine interaction, with possible anticonvulsive effects. We investigated 31 children with autistic spectrum disorders in an 8-week, double-blinded study to determine if 800 mg L-carnosine daily would result in observable changes versus placebo. Outcome measures were the Childhood Autism Rating Scale, the Gilliam Autism Rating Scale, the Expressive and Receptive One-Word Picture Vocabulary tests, and Clinical Global Impressions of Change. Children on placebo did not show statistically significant changes. After 8 weeks on L-carnosine, children showed statistically significant improvements on the Gilliam Autism Rating Scale (total score and the Behavior, Socialization, and Communication subscales) and the Receptive One-Word Picture Vocabulary test (all P < .05). Improved trends were noted on other outcome measures. Although the mechanism of action of L-carnosine is not well understood, it may enhance neurologic function, perhaps in the enterorhinal or temporal cortex.

Carnosine and cancer: a perspective

“…Since carnosine is detectable in urine up to 4 h after ingestion, one may consider administrating carnosine in several daily doses. This was done in a study with 31 autistic children where carnosine was administered in two daily doses of 400 mg carnosine (Chez et al 2002). Significant changes and behavioural improvements in children given carnosine were reported.…”

Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Autism: An Evidence-Based Approach to Negotiating Safe and Efficacious Interventions with Families

“…Carnosine, an amino acid dipeptide, has antioxidant properties. It may also affect GABAergic receptors 115 and is hypothesized to have neuroprotective effects. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 800 mg per day of oral L-carnosine was given daily over an 8-week treatment period; improvements were noted in receptive language scores and the Gilliam Autism Rating Scale.…”

Carnosine Ameliorates Stress-Induced Glucose Metabolism Disorder in Restrained Mice

“…Various reports showed that carnosine could scavenge reactive oxygen species (11), inhibit lipid oxidation (12), prevent glycation (13,14), and modulate immune functions (15,16) and has anti-tumor (17) and anti-aging (18) activities, and so on. There were also studies suggesting the use of carnosine for treatment of cataracts (19) and autism in children (20). However, only few studies focused on the benefits of using carnosine to treat glucose metabolism disorder.…”