Carnosine supplementation may enhance cognition in young adults

Previous studies have suggested that carnosine or its precursor β-alanine could improve cognitive function in older adults and individuals with cognitive impairment, but sample sizes were small and findings mixed; effects in healthy adults remained unclear. Using the placebo-controlled, randomized NEAT clinical trial, researchers conducted a post-hoc secondary analysis to examine whether daily carnosine supplementation benefits cognition in healthy adults. The Cognition test battery, designed to assess high-level cognitive performance, was employed to fill this research gap.

Study design
299 healthy adults were randomized to placebo (cornstarch) or carnosine (2 g/day in two divided doses) for up to 12 weeks. At baseline, visit 1 (~6 weeks) and visit 2 (~12 weeks), a 10-test Cognition battery evaluated processing speed, accuracy and efficiency. Participants were stratified by age into 23–35, 36–50 and 51–65-year groups. ANOVA and mixed-effects models were used, with false-discovery-rate control to ensure robustness.

Key findings
Baseline characteristics did not differ between groups. Overall, carnosine produced no significant cognitive benefit. However, age-stratified analysis showed that the 23–35-year group exhibited significant improvements in global cognitive speed and efficiency, plus seven individual test metrics, at both follow-ups. The 36–50-year group improved on only two metrics and declined on one, whereas the 51–65-year group showed no gains and declined on two metrics. Erythrocyte and urinary carnosine rose significantly in the supplemented arm, confirming adherence.

Age selectivity
Carnosine supplementation appears to benefit cognition in an age-selective manner, helping only the young-adult cohort. This may relate to lower oxidative stress and optimal glycolytic rates in younger individuals. Despite limitations in sample size and dietary control, the findings provide evidence that carnosine can boost cognition in young adults and point to mechanisms warranting further study, offering notable clinical and scientific value.

Reference
O’Toole T E, Amraotkar A R, Gao H, et al. Carnosine supplementation improves cognitive outcomes in younger participants of the NEAT trial. Neurotherapeutics, 2025, 22(2): e00541.

*Special note - This article is for informational purposes only and cannot replace a doctor's treatment diagnosis and advice. It should not be regarded as a recommendation or proof of efficacy of the medical products involved. If it involves disease diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, please be sure to go to a professional medical institution to seek professional advice.

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