Carnosine (beta-alanyl-L-histidine) is a urinary biomarker which comes from the consumption of beef, pork, and to a lesser extent, poultry.

It is a dipeptide consisting of the amino acids histidine and beta-alanine and is concentrated in skeletal and heart muscle, brain, and kidneys. Carnosine has antioxidant properties, antiglycation effects, enhanced calcium sensitivity, and pH buffering activity during highintensity exercise.

It also has neuroprotective properties and may play an important role in Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative diseases.

Carnosine is also protective against secondary diabetic renal complications.

Carnosine is a dipeptide molecule composed of the amino acids beta-alanine and histidine, and it is found primarily in muscle and brain tissues. When measured in urine, carnosine levels can provide valuable insights into an individual's muscle metabolism and overall health.

Elevated levels of carnosine in the urine may indicate increased muscle breakdown or high dietary intake of carnosine-rich foods, such as meat and fish. Conversely, low levels could suggest issues with muscle synthesis or insufficient dietary intake. Carnosine is known for its antioxidant properties and its role in buffering lactic acid in muscles during intense physical activity, which helps reduce muscle fatigue and improve performance. By analyzing the carnosine levels in urine, healthcare providers can gain insights into a person's nutritional status, muscle health, and potential metabolic issues, allowing for more personalized and effective health and nutrition interventions.

The Carotene marker in a blood panel is a significant indicator of dietary intake and absorption of carotenoids, primarily beta-carotene, a precursor to Vitamin A. Beta-carotene, found abundantly in fruits and vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens, is renowned for its antioxidant properties and its role in maintaining healthy vision, skin, and immune function.

Beta-carotene is a crucial biomarker for assessing vitamin A status, reflecting both dietary intake and overall health. It plays a significant role in antioxidant defense, vision, and immune function, and its measurement can help diagnose and manage various nutritional and health-related conditions.

Carrageenan gum is a substance extracted from red and purple seaweeds, consisting of a mixture of polysaccharides. It is used as a thickening or emulsifying agent in food products. You will often find this ingredient in nut milks, meat products, and yogurt.

Most food-related gums are composed of complex and variable mixtures of oligosaccharides, polysaccharides and glycoproteins with an extremely high molecular weight polysaccharide attached to a hydroxyproline-rich polypeptide backbone.

Gum reactivity can be a serious problem especially for people on a gluten-free diet. Gluten-free products often use gums as a substitute for gluten to hold ingredients together.

The cashew tree, belonging to the plant family Anacardiaceae, grows in the tropical climate and produces cashew apples and cashew seeds. The cashew seed, which is mostly just referred to as cashew, is widely consumed either on its own, raw or roasted, or used in a variety of recipes.

The presence of antibodies to Casomorphin is an indication of food immune reactivity. The offending food and its known cross-reactive foods should be eliminated from the diet. Casomorphin is known to modulate the mucosa of the intestinal lining. If the mucosa is damaged, Casomorphin and other ingested peptides can more easily penetrate the intestinal barrier. As an opioid peptide, Casomorphin, once in the blood stream, is capable of disrupting the blood-brain barrier and interfering with the neurotransmitter messaging system.

Antibodies against Casomorphin can identify a cause of behavioral and cognitive problems.

Known Cross-Reactions: Cerebellar, Gliadin

The presence of salivary antibodies to Casomorphin is an indication of loss of mucosal tolerance and the onset of food immune reactivity. The production of antibodies to Casomorphin may be indicative of a lack of the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase (DPPIV). The offending food and its known cross-reactive foods should be eliminated from the diet. Casomorphin is known to modulate the mucosa of the intestinal lining. If the mucosa is damaged, Casomorphin and other ingested peptides can more easily penetrate the intestinal barrier. As an opioid peptide, Casomorphin, once in the blood stream, is capable of disrupting the blood-brain barrier and interfering with the neurotransmitter messaging system. Antibodies against Casomorphin can identify a cause of behavioral and cognitive problems.