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Evidence-Based Supplement Research

Evidence-Based Supplement Research

Carnosine and Improved Handgrip Strength

Doses used in studies

g/day: 2 (median 2, IQR 2–2) — 2 studies

Time to effect

Median: 3 months · IQR 2.9 months–3.2 months · Range 2.8 months–3.3 months — Reported in 2 of 2 studies

Safety in these studies

Overall tolerabilityReported
The abstract does not report any adverse events, side effects, or tolerability statements. It only reports efficacy outcomes (muscle strength, body composition, bone health) and concludes no effect.
from: The Effect of Carnosine Supplementation on Musculoskeletal Health in Adults with Prediabet

2 of 2 papersPopulation:

The Effect of Carnosine Supplementation on Musculoskeletal Health in Adults with Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial.
- 2024-12-15
- RCT · n = 49
- Nutrients 16(24)
- - Saeede Saadati
  - Paul Jansons
  - David Scott
  - Maximilian de Courten
  - Aya Mousa
  - Jack Feehan
  - Jakub Mesinovic
  - Barbora de Courten
- PubMed: 39770949
- DOI: 10.3390/nu16244328
10 Insights on
- Improved Handgrip Strength
- High evidence
- Rigorous Journal
- Clinical
Carnosine supplementation had no effect on change in hand grip strength (HGS) or upper-limb relative strength (HGS/lean mass) versus placebo.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Significant
No
Dose
2 g/day
Effects of carnosine supplementation on physical endurance: a placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial.
- 2026-06-17
- RCT · n = 299
- Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 23(1)
- - Timothy E O'Toole
  - Christopher J Wingard
  - Sonja K Bariess
  - Catherine E Crandell
  - Alok R Amraotkar
  - Hong Gao
  - Aruni Bhatnagar
- PubMed: 42308284
- DOI: 10.1080/15502783.2026.2679716
7 Insights on
- Improved Handgrip Strength
- High evidence
- Large Human Trial
No significant (p < 0.05) differences were observed in the carnosine versus placebo supplementation groups for any other physical performance measure.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Significant
No
Dose
2 g per day