Carnosine treatment for gulf war illness: a randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Toxicology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Gulf War illness (GWI) affects 25% of veterans, causing fatigue, pain, and cognitive issues.
• A leading theory links GWI to reactive oxygen species (ROS) and central nervous system injury from wartime exposures.
• L-carnosine, an antioxidant, is explored for its potential to mitigate ROS and neurological damage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if L-carnosine supplementation improves pain, cognition, and fatigue in Gulf War illness (GWI) patients.
• To assess the safety and efficacy of escalating L-carnosine doses over 12 weeks.
• To evaluate the impact of L-carnosine on GWI symptoms and related conditions like irritable bowel syndrome.

Main Methods:

• A 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted with 25 GWI subjects.
• L-carnosine dosage escalated every 4 weeks: 500 mg, 1000 mg, and 1500 mg.
• Outcomes measured included subjective questionnaires, ActiWatch activity monitoring, and the WAIS-R digit symbol substitution test for cognitive function.

Main Results:

• L-carnosine supplementation significantly increased WAIS-R cognitive scores.
• A notable decrease in diarrhea associated with irritable bowel syndrome was observed.
• No significant improvements were found in fatigue, pain, hyperalgesia, or overall activity levels.

Conclusions:

• 12 weeks of L-carnosine, particularly at 1500 mg, may offer cognitive benefits for Gulf War illness (GWI) patients.
• Symptoms such as fatigue and pain in GWI appear resistant to L-carnosine treatment within this study's parameters.
• Further research is warranted to explore L-carnosine's potential in GWI, focusing on cognitive enhancement and gastrointestinal effects.