Zinc Carnosine
Zinc L-Carnosine (Polaprezinc)
A chelated form of zinc that specifically supports gut lining integrity, helps heal ulcers, and protects against NSAID damage.
Zinc Carnosine is a unique chelate of zinc and L-carnosine that was developed in Japan and has been used there since the 1990s for gastric ulcers. Unlike regular zinc, this compound stays in the stomach longer and specifically adheres to damaged tissue, accelerating healing. It's particularly useful for gastritis, ulcers, leaky gut, and protecting against NSAID-induced damage.
Mechanisms of Action
Mucosal Protection
Adheres to and protects damaged stomach lining
Antioxidant
Reduces oxidative stress in the gut
H. pylori Support
May help with H. pylori treatment
Recommended Dose
75-150mg daily (providing ~16-34mg zinc)
Loading: Not required
Optimal Timing
- Between meals on empty stomach
- Twice daily for ulcer healing
Can be taken without food
Best Form
Zinc L-Carnosine capsules
Alternatives: PepZin GI (branded form)
PepZin GI is the branded, researched form. Generic versions should be chelated zinc-carnosine, not just zinc + carnosine mixed together.
Duration
Minimum: 4 weeks
Optimal: 8 weeks
Cycling: Use for 8 weeks for healing, then reassess. Can use as needed.
Note: Works best on empty stomach to allow direct contact with stomach lining. Divide into 2 doses for optimal effect.
Personalized Dosage Calculator
Get a dosage recommendation tailored to your body weight, age, goals, and health profile.
Set up your health profile for personalized recommendations
Ulcer Healing
Accelerates healing of gastric ulcers
Gut Barrier Repair
Improves intestinal permeability
NSAID Protection
Reduces gut damage from NSAIDs
Good protective option
Who Should NOT Take This
- Known allergy or hypersensitivity to Zinc Carnosine or related compounds
Drug Interactions
Zinc can reduce absorption; separate by 2 hours
Possible Side Effects
Tip: Don't exceed 8 weeks without break; consider copper supplementation
Warnings
- Don't use long-term without breaks (zinc accumulation)
- Separate from antibiotics by 2 hours
Top studies from 39+ peer-reviewed papers
Riley P et al. • The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2017)
“There is some low-quality evidence to suggest that amifostine prevents the feeling of dry mouth in people receiving radiotherapy to the head and neck (with or without chemotherapy) in the short- (end of radiotherapy) to medium-term (three months postradiotherapy).”
Key Findings:
- There is some low-quality evidence to suggest that amifostine prevents the feeling of dry mouth in people receiving radiotherapy to the head and neck (with or without chemotherapy) in the short- (end of radiotherapy) to medium-term (three months postradiotherapy).
- However, it is less clear whether or not this effect is sustained to 12 months postradiotherapy.
- The benefits of amifostine should be weighed against its high cost and side effects.
- There was insufficient evidence to show that any other intervention is beneficial.
Sureshkumar K et al. • Frontiers in bioscience (Landmark edition) (2023)
“Clinical studies were conducted to manage chemotherapy induced toxicities and there are no clinical studies available for its anti-cancer use, and the current evidence does not support its use in the treatment of cardiovascular disease.”
Key Findings:
- Clinical studies were conducted to manage chemotherapy induced toxicities and there are no clinical studies available for its anti-cancer use, and the current evidence does not support its use in the treatment of cardiovascular disease.
- Published in Frontiers in bioscience (Landmark edition) (2023)
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
Mahmoud A et al. • Nutrients (2022)
“However, the evidence is still scarce, and larger trials are needed to confirm or refute our findings.”
Key Findings:
- We used the odds ratio (OR) for dichotomous outcomes presented with the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI).
- Pooled OR found a statistical difference favoring the PZN arm in the intention to treat and per protocol H. pylori eradication rates (OR: 2.01 with 95% CI [1.27, 3.21], p = 0.003) and (OR: 2.65 with 95% CI [1.55, 4.54], p = 0.0004), respectively.
- We found no statistical difference between the two groups regarding the total adverse events (OR: 1.06 with 95% CI [0.55, 2.06], p = 0.85).
Furihata K et al. • Nutrients (2020)
“The dose of 300 mg may be useful among patients with baseline serum zinc concentration of less than 70 µg/dL, and 150 mg for 70 µg/dL or more.”
Key Findings:
- The dose-combined overall polaprezinc increased the change from baseline by a mean of 9.08 µg/dL (95% confidence interval: 5.46, 12.70; heterogeneity: I2 = 0.61%) compared to the placebo.
- A significant dose-response relationship was confirmed (p < 0.001).
- Baseline serum zinc concentration was considered an effect modifier in polaprezinc 300 mg.
- All doses of polaprezinc were tolerable, but a dose-response relationship with adverse events (AEs) was observed in gastrointestinal disorders.
Xiao M et al. • Clinical and translational science (2025)
“Clinical and Translational Science published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics.”
Key Findings:
- The geometric mean ratios (GMR) in primary PK endpoints between the test and reference products with 90% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated.
- All 90% CIs of GMRs in Cmax, AUC0-t and AUC0-∞ between the two products were within 80.0%-125.0%.
- The generic and original polaprezinc granules were bioequivalent by pharmacokinetic comparisons in healthy Chinese subjects under fasting and fed conditions.
- The two polaprezinc formulations were well-tolerated with no new safety signals.
Study Type Distribution
Goals This Supplement Supports
Related Goals
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any supplement.