Anserine and carnosine supplementation in the elderly: Effects on cognitive functioning and physical capacity

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential beneficial effects of dietary anserine and carnosine (CRC) supplementation on cognitive functioning and physical activity of the elderly. The fifty-six subjects (65+) were allocated to the CRC group or placebo group at a 1:1 ratio. The double-blind procedure was used. Data were collected at the baseline and after 13-weeks of supplementation. In the follow up procedure fifty one subjects took part. Chicken meat extract (CME) containing 40% of CRC components (2:1 ratio of anserine to carnosine) was administered 2.5 g per day which allowed to rich the level of 1 g CRC in dipeptides supplement. The cognitive function, physical capacity, body measurements, blood pressure and heart rate (HR) were assessed. After supplementation Body Mass Index (BMI) decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in the CRC group performance comparing the placebo group. In two of six Senior Fitness Test the scores increased significantly (p < 0.05) in CRC group comparing to the placebo group. The perceived exertion differed significantly (p < 0.05) at the baseline and after follow up at the CRC group. The mean values of the Short Test of Mental Status (STMS) scores showed the significant (p < 0.04) increase only in CRC group, in the subscores of construction/copying, abstraction and recall. Conducted anserine and carnosine supplementation in the elderly brings promising effects on cognitive functioning and physical capacity of participants. However, further studies are needed.