Carnosine vs Vilon
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
- Summary
- Carnosine is an endogenous dipeptide (beta-alanine + histidine) found in high concentrations in muscle and brain. It is a potent anti-aging molecule with broad spectrum antioxidant, anti-glycation, anti-carbonylation, and metal chelating properties, making it one of the most protective naturally occurring dipeptides.
- Vilon is a synthetic dipeptide (Lys-Glu) derived from the thymus gland extract Thymalin. The shortest immune-regulatory peptide known, Vilon modulates T-cell and NK-cell function, extends lifespan in animal models, and shows epigenetic anti-aging activity. It is one of the Khavinson peptide bioregulators.
- Half-Life
- ~1.5 minutes (rapidly hydrolyzed to beta-alanine and histidine by carnosinase in blood; tissue levels maintained via constant synthesis)
- Very short as a free dipeptide; effects mediated via gene regulation
- Admin Route
- Oral, Topical
- SubQ, Oral
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 1,000–2,000 mg
- 1–2 mg SC daily or 5–10 mg oral daily
- Frequency
- Once to twice daily with meals
- Once daily
- Key Benefits
- Potent anti-glycation (prevents protein cross-linking/aging)
- Broad-spectrum antioxidant in muscle and brain
- Extends cell lifespan and protects telomeres
- Improves muscle performance and delays fatigue (pH buffering)
- Neuroprotective against Alzheimer's amyloid-beta
- Wound healing acceleration
- Anti-cataract properties (eye health)
- Improves diabetes complications via AGE prevention
- Chelates excess copper and zinc
- Immune system modulation and restoration
- Lifespan extension (30–40% in animal studies)
- T-cell and NK-cell activation
- Epigenetic anti-aging activity
- Reduces oxidative stress markers
- Antioxidant gene upregulation
- May prevent age-related immune senescence
- Anti-tumor immune surveillance
- Side Effects
- Very well tolerated
- Rare: mild GI discomfort at high doses
- No significant adverse effects in human studies
- Excellent safety profile, decades of Russian clinical use
- Rare: mild injection site reaction
- Very rare: mild allergic reaction
- Stacks With
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