What are the health benefits of zinc carnosine, also called polaprezinc, and is it safe?

Answer:

Zinc carnosine, also called polaprezinc, is a complex of the essential mineral zinc and carnosine, which is commonly found in meat and fish and is a water-soluble peptide made of two, linked amino acids (its chemical name is beta-alanyl histidine). Zinc carnosine is promoted for the treatment or prevention of a variety of gastrointestinal disorders including stomach ulcers, Helicobacter pylori infection (which can cause ulcers), aspirin-induced small-bowel injury, taste disorders, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and oral mucositis caused by cancer treatment. Although commonly prescribed in Japan for some of these conditions, there is very limited evidence supporting its use for any of these applications.

Sign in for details about the outcomes of scientific and clinical studies done with zinc carnosine, dosage of zinc carnosine, potential side effects of using zinc carnosine (including possible copper deficiency), and how zinc carnosine compares to other sources of zinc in supplements.

For information about other supplements commonly used to eradicate H. pylori and treat stomach ulcers, and to find out if there are any supplements that might worsen symptoms, see our answer to the questions, "Do supplements help treat peptic ulcer disease? Should any be avoided?"