Carnosine, also known as L-carnosine, is a naturally occurring dipeptide composed of the amino acids beta-alanine and L-histidine. It is highly concentrated in skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle, and brain tissues of vertebrates where it functions as an intracellular pH buffer, antioxidant, and metal ion chelator. Carnosine inhibits protein glycation, lipid peroxidation, and formation of advanced glycation end-products, contributing to its studied anti-aging, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties. It occurs naturally in meat and fish and is used as a dietary supplement for exercise recovery and cognitive support.