Carnosine Unit Converter

Carnosine (β-alanyl-L-histidine) is a naturally occurring dipeptide made from two amino acids: beta-alanine and histidine. It is found in high concentrations in skeletal muscle, heart muscle, and to a lesser extent in the brain.

In plasma, carnosine levels are typically very low in a fasting state because the enzyme serum carnosinase rapidly breaks it down. Levels rise transiently after consuming meat or fish, then return to near-undetectable within a few hours.

A plasma carnosine test measures the circulating level of this dipeptide, usually as part of a comprehensive amino acid profile. Persistently elevated levels may indicate reduced carnosinase activity or a genetic metabolic disorder.

Carnosine is synthesized primarily in skeletal muscle by the enzyme carnosine synthase, which combines beta-alanine and histidine. It is also obtained directly from dietary sources such as beef, pork, poultry, and fish.