Zinc Carnosine for Ulcers

Zinc carnosine is classified as a dietary supplement as defined by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Dietary supplements include vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, metabolites, herbs and other botanicals. Zinc carnosine combines the essential mineral zinc with carnosine -- a peptide that contains the amino acids histidine and alanine. Manufacturers market zinc carnosine as a zinc supplement and a natural remedy against ulcers.

Facts

The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse reports that about half a million people in the United States develop an ulcer each year. The fact that 53 percent of people in the U.S. take dietary supplements, as reported in 2003 to 2006 to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, shows that many patients continue to look for alternatives to conventional medical treatments.

Ulcers

An ulcer, also called a peptic ulcer, is an erosion or hole in the protective lining of your digestive tract. Doctors diagnose an ulcer in the stomach as a gastric ulcer, and an ulcer in the upper portion of the small intestine as a duodenal ulcer. Ulcers most often are caused by a specific type of bacteria called Helicobacter pylori. The bacteria damage the mucous membrane lining the stomach and small intestines, and as a result, stomach acid irritates the sensitive lining. Continued use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen can also damage the mucous membrane and cause an ulcer.

Preliminary Study

Because manufacturers can market dietary supplements without proof that they provide specific health benefits, many supplements lack scientific confirmation for their use. Studies conducted on zinc carnosine, though, do support the use of this supplement to promote a healthy digestive tract. A study published in a 1991 issue of “Life Sciences” laid the foundation for future studies by showing that zinc carnosine stabilized the membranes on gastric mucosa cells of rats, showing protective anti-ulcer effects.

Additional Study

A research study published in the February 2007 issue of “Gut” builds upon the results of the preliminary study. This study started by testing the effects of zinc carnosine on cells. The scientists found that zinc carnosine helped repair damaged cells by promoting cell growth and division. In a rat model, the animals that received a 5 milligram per milliliter dosage that showed a 75 percent reduction in injury to the stomach lining. The scientists continued the test on human subjects and found that taking the recommended dosage of zinc carnosine may prevent an increase in gut permeability. A stronger, less permeable mucous membrane helps to prevent the formation of ulcers.