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Q: What is L-Carnosine?
A:
L-Carnosine is a naturally occurring
dipeptide that consists of alanine and histadine.
Q:
What is CARN-AWARE?
A:
CARN-AWARE is the registered trade-mark for a special mixture of L-Carnosine,
plus small primer doses of zinc and vitamin E. This mixture was
designed to augment cellular uptake and neuro-protection offered by
just L-Carnosine.
Q:
What dosages of CARN-AWARE are clinically effective?
A:
Limited prior human studies show a great safety in large doses of L-Carnosine.
Our Clinical research in autistic spectrum disorders shows that 2
capsules twice daily (400mg of L-Carnosine each dose) is an
effective dosage. From our experience clinically with other brain
injury, epilepsy, or central auditory processing, 200mg to 3000mg
daily have been safe and useful. Always consult a knowledgeable
physician when using a dietary supplement.
Q: What benefits do
parents expect from CARN-AWARE in autistic spectrum disorders?
A:
Although not a cure, CARN-AWARE may improve receptive language,
auditory processing, socialization, awareness of surroundings, and
even help fine motor planning and expressive language when compared
to placebo. Responses usually are seen between 1-8 weeks into
treatment.
Q: How does CARN-AWARE
help epilepsy?
A:
The exact mechanism is unknown, but clinically CARN-AWARE has
improved some EEG abnormalities and frequency of myoclonic and
generalized seizures in open label experiences. Patients with
epilepsy benefited from increased dosages of CARN-AWARE which were
higher than doses used for autism. CARN-AWARE has helped cognitive
development in sever epileptics even when EEG or seizure frequency
was unchanged. This suggests another positive effect even when
improved seizure control was not obtained. Remember that CARN-AWARE
is only a dietary supplement and not a drug used for epilepsy.
Q: What are the most
common side effects of CARN-AWARE?
A:
No harmful physical side effects have been noted from CARN-AWARE to
date. Background research of prior animal and human experience,
plus in over 1000 children on L-Carnosine or CARN-AWARE since June
of 2001, have not shown any adverse liver, blood, kidney, or central
nervous system side effects. Behaviorally, too high a dose may over
stimulate some patients’ frontal lobes which can cause increased
irritability, hyperactivity, or insomnia. This was noted in already
manic or hyperactive autistic patients. These symptoms usually
respond to decreasing the dose of either CARN-AWARE or other
medications concurrently. No permanent negative changes have been
noted.
Q:
Can L-Carnosine be purchased in other places?
A:
Our experience in developing CARN-AWARE was to provide the highest
biologically available grade of L-Carnosine, and design a way to
make it easy to be absorbed and used by the body. Therefore, we
theorized that the addition of small doses of zinc may augment
intracellular L-Carnosine activation, and vitamin E may enhance
antioxidant neuro-protective properties of L-Carnosine. No other
manufacturer of generic L-Carnosine has as small a dose available,
and some make tablets which may be of larger dosage and not as
biologically available. Titration with smaller capsules is easier
in our clinical experience. No other generic L-Carnosine supplier
has the clinical or research experience we have accumulated for
using L-Carnosine.
Q:
What about using CARN-AWARE with other dietary supplements of
drugs?
A:
1. Supplements:
No other supplements have been
studied in a double-blind placebo-controlled manner. Fish Oil, High
dose B6, Magnesium, or probiotic or mega vitamin
therapies are all unproven. Some high dose vitamins may make
children hyperactive, which may confuse parents if CARN-AWARE is
added.
2.
Drugs:
CARN-AWARE does not appear to alter
valproic acid levels. We have not seen adverse effects with
stimulants, anti-psychotic or SSRI medications. Acetyl-choline
esterase inhibitors may over stimulate in combination with CARN-AWARE,
but no physically adverse interactions have been noted.
Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, and antibiotics are not contra indicated
to the best of our knowledge.
3.
Diets:
CARN-AWARE is designed to be
tolerated with diabetics, the ketogenic diet, and gluten-casein free
diets.
Q:
How long does CARN-AWARE last?
A:
No pharmacokinetic studies have been done to date to determine the
half-life of L-Carnosine or CARN-AWARE.
Q:
How long do you need to treat with CARN-AWARE?
A:
Again, limited usage since 2001 has not allowed long enough
scientific observation of whether children will regress once CARN-AWARE
is stopped. Only small anecdotal evidence suggests some autistic
children, but not all, may regress in some of their language gains
when CARN-AWARE was stopped. All of these children regained
function after restarting the CARN-AWARE. Long term use appears
neuro-protective and is not suspected to be dangerous.
Q:
What ingredients does CARN-AWARE contain?
A:
CARN-AWARE contains L-Carnosine 200mg, Vitamin E 25IU, Zinc 2.5mg.
Other ingredients include Gelatin (capsule), vegetable stearate and
silica. CARN-AWARE does not contain any yeast, wheat gluten,
milk/dairy, corn, sodium, sugar, starch, artificial coloring,
preservatives, flavoring or carbohydrates.
Q: Does CARN-AWARE have to
be given with food?
A:
CARN-AWARE can be given with or without food.
Q: What form does CARN-AWARE
come in?
A:
CARN-AWARE comes in a capsule form with a white tasteless powder
inside.
Q:
Can the CARN-AWARE capsule be opened?
A:
Yes, for ease of use, the capsule may be opened and mixed with any food
or drink. However, do not mix into very high temperature foods.
For example, you can mix the CARN-AWARE into scrambled eggs once
they have cooled off, but do not mix into the eggs while still
cooking.
Q:
Is a doctor’s order necessary to purchase CARN-AWARE?
A:
No, a doctor’s order is not necessary. However, you should always
consult you physician before starting any new supplements. | 
