L-Carnosine is a single amino acid specifically targeted to heal the gut and rapidly diminish sensory issues, hyperactivity, improve sleep, improve language, and improve social interactions. It is a protein supplement, nearly tasteless, available over the counter, and easy to mix into food.
L-Carnosine is a supplement that makes a huge difference in children with sensory issues of any kind!
L-Carnosine in Medical Research
L-Carnosine has double-blind placebo-controlled studies and is documented in medical research.
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- Double-blind, placebo-controlled study of L-carnosine supplementation in children with autistic spectrum disorders.
- l-Carnosine As an Adjunctive Therapy to Risperidone in Children with Autistic Disorder: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.
- The Potential of Carnosine in Brain-Related Disorders: A Comprehensive Review of Current Evidence
- Effects of l-Carnosine Supplementation on Sleep Disorders and Disease Severity in Autistic Children: A Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial.
What is L-Carnosine? What is in it?
L-Carnosine is just an amino acid (protein) and is acceptable for the GAPS diet, does not contain most food allergens. If taken when not needed, it is used as dietary protein for growth and repair. There is no risk of taking too much, but no point in taking more than needed either.
L-Carnosine is also known as ß-alanyl-L-histidine
Please note that L-Carnosine is a specific amino acid. General ‘protein powder’ or similar-sounding amino acids will not provide the same results.
Our Experience taking L-Carnosine
Our Experience taking L-CarnosineL-Carnosine was one of the first supplements I tried as I experimented with alternative treatments for my daughter as a preschooler. I loved that there were double-blind placebo-controlled studies, and I loved that I saw a difference in her behavior immediately!
She used quite a bit, 1 capsule 3-4 times a day (in every sippy cup of stevia-flavored water… the only liquid she would take).
As she grew and progressed on the GAPS diet, she needed less, but it did still provide impulse-control benefits. We put it in her Supplement Yogurt Cups daily all the way through elementary school. Once we switched to meat-heavy keto at age 12 (so she’s probably getting a lot of this amino acid naturally) that we have been able to discontinue this supplement.
This supplement is great for any child that isn’t sleeping, has impulse control issues, and known gut problems.
Toddler Sleep
Hannah and her brother are 2 years apart, and I remember finally cracking down on him stealing her sippy cup around 18 months of age… and then him having the hardest time going down for his naps and to bed after a lifetime of being a good sleeper. I finally correlated the two (he wasn’t getting the l-carnosine any more) and started putting half a capsule a day in his own sippy cup, and the good naps and nighttime sleeping returned!
Anxiety and impulse control
Friends with kids who are ‘slightly spectrumy’ but not severe enough to have a diagnosis have also tried L-Carnosine with good success. They notice impulse control improved (including excessive talking) and anxious symptoms diminished.
To take L-Carnosine:
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- L-Carnosine is a nearly flavorless powder that is easy to mix into already accepted food or drink.
- Choose NOW brand. I have tried many different brands, and this one has been the most effective.
- To take, open a capsule of L-Carnosine and mix into an accepted liquid or something like yogurt or applesauce.
- For best results, take L-Carnosine an hour way from consuming other protein (ie an hour before or after meals and away from other protein-containing supplements). If the child will only take liquids with protein (ie limits to milk) that is okay, but not ideal.
- Start with 1 capsule 3 times a day. If benefit is seen, try 2 capsules at a time. If no difference with 2 capsules, go back to 1. You want the maximum benefit, and can use as much L-Carnosine as needed. But if you aren’t seeing extra benefits, there is no reason to take excess.
- You should see an immediate (within 1 hour) change in some symptoms. If no change is seen after 2 days, continuing is not necessary.
- Changes to look for:
- Improved sleep quality/quantity
- Improved language
- Improved social behaviors
- Improved impulse control
- Less stimming
- Less sensory defensiveness
- Less meltdowns
- More willingness to try new foods
You may also be interested in:
- CBD (Cannabis) Oil for Cell Healing, Inflammation, Anxiety, and More
- Heavy Metal Removal with Advanced TRS
- Amino Acids for Anxiety: The Protein Supplements
- Autism: It’s Not Just MMR or ‘Genetics- take a look at how gut health is related to autism
- Healing Brain Trauma with Food, Supplements, and Lifestyle (Autism, TBI, PTSD)
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Would it work for an Asperger’s adult too? Thanks for all you share!
Yes! There’s no reason why it wouldn’t :)
How would you recommend I dose for a 10 year old kid in school, where taking away from food will be difficult. He wakes up just before eating breakfast and heading out to school (to get in full 10 hours of sleep) and is gone until after 3 pm. Then eats an after school snack. Thanks!
I just gave it to my daughter with breakfast on school days :)
Cara, I have to thank you emensely for this tip on L carnosine . My adult son 29, had instant improvement on starting this . He said he felt calmer and it was evident in his mood and all they he does. He seems much more comfortable in his own skin and is much less defensive and reactive . He’s much nicer to be around and even complimentary. It’s been 3 weeks and it continues . Your amazing to have figured this out and shared it as well . Many many thanks !
Ordered this brand and it states for adults only. I then emailed the brand “Now” and asked them, and they said they would not recommend children have it – there have been no studies for safety. Would love to give this to my 2.5yo son for sleeping, but hesitant. Do you have any studies to show for safety for children please. thank you.
Hi Krystie, they have to say that due to liabilities; I believe all supplements are marked ‘for adults only’. I did link to quite a few studies using this with children, but you have to do what you feel comfortable with :)
Thank you so much for posting this. I wanted to ask if there were others that have noticed symptoms that are indicators. Such as my daughter exhibits irritation and frustration just by being outside with visual stimuli overload rather than sound stimuli overload. There may be overlapping symptoms with Misophenia.