Effects of Anserine/Carnosine Supplementation on Mild Cognitive Impairment with APOE4.
Level 2 - randomized trial
Individual randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial
PubMed 31319510 · doi:10.3390/nu11071626
What was done
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled 12-week trial was conducted in 54 participants with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Participants were assigned (1:1) to either an active daily supplement consisting of 750 mg anserine and 250 mg carnosine or a placebo. Cognitive performance was assessed using a psychometric battery including the global Clinical Dementia Rating (gloCDR), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Wechsler Memory Scale, and Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale (ADAS), with subgroup analyses based on APOE4 carrier status.
What was found
The active group showed a statistically significant improvement in gloCDR compared with placebo (p = 0.023). Overall, no significant differences between groups were observed on the MMSE, Wechsler Memory Scale, or ADAS. In subgroup analysis, APOE4-positive participants receiving the supplement showed significant improvements in both gloCDR (p = 0.026) and MMSE (p = 0.025). The abstract reports p-values but does not provide baseline scores, post-treatment means, or effect sizes.
Why it matters
This study provides preliminary clinical evidence that anserine and carnosine supplementation may help preserve cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment, particularly among individuals carrying the APOE4 risk allele.
Limits
The total sample size was small (n = 54), which becomes even smaller when stratified by APOE4 status, increasing the risk of false-positive subgroup findings. The intervention period was relatively short (12 weeks), and primary test batteries (MMSE, WMS, ADAS) showed no overall benefit in the unstratified cohort.
Cited by
- supports A 2019 trial showed that combined carnosine and anserine supplementation improved cognitive outcomes in individuals carrying the APOE4 polymorphism.