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Dietary supplement

L-Carnosine Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Pure Encapsulations

Capsule Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

L-Carnosine is a dietary supplement by Pure Encapsulations with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for anti-aging and general wellness, exercise performance and muscle support, brain and cognitive health.Based on those ingredients, 86 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are L-Carnosine. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of L-Carnosine by Pure Encapsulations

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: L-carnosine, a compound your body naturally makes from amino acids. The capsule also includes cellulose and water as inactive ingredients (the fillers that make the capsule itself).

Does it work?

Couldn't assess
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not assessable

This is a single-ingredient Carnosine product and its label doesn't state a use — see Carnosine's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.

The evidence on L-carnosine is limited. For autism spectrum disorder, research suggests it is possibly ineffective.

For age-related cognitive decline, Alzheimer disease, athletic performance, cataracts, and cognitive impairment, we don't have enough reliable evidence to say whether it works or not. If you're considering carnosine for one of these reasons, talk with your doctor about whether the current evidence supports a trial.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Carnosine

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

L-carnosine is generally well tolerated in short-term studies, but we don't have much long-term safety data yet. Some people report decreased appetite, dry mouth, small weight changes, foot and joint pain, and rarely, pneumonia.

Carnosine is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding because there isn't enough safety information. If you're pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using this product.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Carnosine

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Carnosine.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 86 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Check your antidiabetes medications (like metformin, insulin, or sulfonylureas) before taking L-carnosine. A moderate-severity interaction is documented: carnosine may increase the risk of low blood sugar when combined with these drugs.

Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you whether it's safe in your case or if your blood sugar needs closer monitoring.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no assessable stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

L-carnosine may be worth trying if you're exploring options for cognitive health or athletic performance, though the evidence is mixed or limited. If you're on antidiabetes medication, check with your doctor or pharmacist first—carnosine might lower your blood sugar further.

For pregnancy or breastfeeding, the safety data aren't there yet, so get personalized advice from your own healthcare provider before starting.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jun 22, 2023.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about L-Carnosine, straight from the product label.

Brand Pure Encapsulations
Barcode (UPC) 766298005256
Net contents 60 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 22, 2023
DSLD ID 293994
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for L-Carnosine by Pure Encapsulations, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
766298005256
IngredientAmount% DV
L-Carnosine500 mg--

Other ingredients: Cellulose, Water

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Recommendations: As a dietary supplement, take 1 capsule, 1-3 times daily, between meals.

Precautions

Warning: If you are pregnant or lactating, have any health condition or are taking any medication, consult your health professional before use.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Use only if safety seal is intact.

General Statements

Contents may not fill package in order to accommodate required labeling. Please rely on stated quantity. Scan to learn about our hypoallergenic supplements

Seals/Symbols

GFCO.org (Gluten-Free Certification Organization)

Formulation

Certified Gluten Free by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization, www.gluten.org

Versatile antioxidant support for cellular health and longevity Gluten-free, Non-GMO & Hypoallergenic

Gluten-free, Non-GMO & Hypoallergenic

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

See for yourself

L-Carnosine by Pure Encapsulations label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in L-Carnosine by Pure Encapsulations

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

L-Carnosine

Interacts with
86 drugs
500 mg per serving Form: Beta-Alanyl-L-Histidine

Carnosine is a naturally occurring dipeptide (made of beta-alanine and histidine) that acts as an antioxidant and buffer in muscle and brain. It is so...

L-Carnosine monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Cellulose, Water. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

L-Carnosine by Pure Encapsulations Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against L-Carnosine?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
86Drugs
86 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in L-Carnosine with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

L-Carnosine1 drug type · 86 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking carnosine with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Some, but not all, preliminary clinical research shows that carnosine might reduce fasting blood glucose levels.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for L-Carnosine, from the product label.

Pure Encapsulations

See all Pure Encapsulations products
Name
Pure Encapsulations
Street Address
490 Boston Post Road
City
Sudbury
State
MA
Phone Number
1-800-753-2277
Web Address
www.PureEncapsulations.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

L-Carnosine by Pure Encapsulations: Common Questions

Does L-Carnosine by Pure Encapsulations interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, L-Carnosine has a known interaction with 86 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
L-Carnosine contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take L-carnosine if I'm on diabetes medication?
Not without checking first. Carnosine may lower blood sugar on its own and could increase your risk of low blood sugar when combined with antidiabetes drugs. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist—they may want to monitor your blood sugar more closely or adjust your dose.
Is L-carnosine safe long-term?
Short-term studies show it's generally well tolerated, but long-term safety data are limited. We don't know as much about what happens if you take it for months or years. If you're thinking about long-term use, discuss it with your doctor or pharmacist.
What side effects might I notice?
Some people report decreased appetite, dry mouth, small weight changes, foot and joint pain, and rarely, pneumonia. Most users don't experience these, but if anything unusual happens, let your healthcare provider know.
Can I take L-carnosine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Not based on the current safety information. There isn't enough data to say it's safe in either situation, so the guidance is to avoid it. If you're pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using this product.
Does L-carnosine really help with brain health or athletic performance?
The evidence is sparse. For autism spectrum disorder, research suggests it likely doesn't help. For age-related cognitive decline, Alzheimer disease, athletic performance, cataracts, and cognitive impairment, we don't have enough reliable studies to say either way. If you're interested in carnosine for one of these reasons, ask your doctor whether a trial makes sense in your situation.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if L-Carnosine is safe with your meds?

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Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

L-Carnosine label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

L-Carnosine's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 5 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Carnosine 5 references
  1. Chengappa KN, Turkin SR, DeSanti S, et al. A preliminary, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of L-carnosine to improve cognition in schizophrenia. Schizophr Res 2012;142(1-3):145-52. PubMed
  2. Karkabounas S, Papadopoulos N, Anastasiadou C, et al. Effects of a-lipoic Acid, carnosine, and thiamine supplementation in obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized, double-blind study. J Med Food. 2018;21(12):1197-1203.
  3. Peng W, Mao P, Liu L, et al. Effect of carnosine supplementation on lipid profile, fasting blood glucose, HbA1C and insulin resistance: a systematic review and meta-analysis of long-term randomized controlled trials. Complement Ther Med 2020;48:102241. PubMed
  4. Siriwattanasit N, Satirapoj B, Supasyndh O. Effect of oral carnosine supplementation on urinary TGF-ß in diabetic nephropathy: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Nephrol 2021;22(1):236. PubMed
  5. Sureshkumar K, Durairaj M, Srinivasan K, et al. Effect of L-Carnosine in Patients with Age-Related Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Biosci (Landmark Ed) 2023;28(1):18. PubMed

See these in context on the Carnosine monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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