Zinc Carnosine
75mg per servingA chelated zinc complex that supports structural repair of the stomach lining.
Overview
What it is
Zinc carnosine (also known as zinc L-carnosine or by the brand name PepZin GI) is a chelated compound where zinc is bound to the dipeptide L-carnosine. This chelation is what makes it unique — the bond between zinc and carnosine gives the compound a slow-release property that allows it to adhere to the stomach wall and deliver zinc directly where it is needed most. It was originally developed in Japan and has been used there as an approved treatment for gastric ulcers since the 1990s.
Mechanism
How it works
The zinc-carnosine chelate has an affinity for damaged or inflamed gastric tissue, adhering directly to ulcerated or irritated areas of the stomach lining. Once there, it stimulates cell migration and proliferation to repair mucosal damage. Zinc carnosine also inhibits the inflammatory cytokine IL-8 and reduces oxidative stress in gastric tissue. Unlike free zinc, which is rapidly absorbed, the chelated form provides sustained release at the site of action.
Why it helps
Key benefits
Adheres directly to damaged stomach lining for targeted repair
Stimulates mucosal cell migration and tissue regeneration
Reduces inflammatory markers (IL-8) in gastric tissue
Provides sustained-release zinc delivery to the stomach wall
Evidence
The research
Zinc carnosine, a health food supplement that stabilises small bowel integrity and stimulates gut repair processes
Mahmood A, FitzGerald AJ, Marchbank T, et al. · Gut (2007)
In a randomized crossover trial of 10 healthy volunteers, ZnC at 37.5mg twice daily completely prevented the 3-fold increase in gut permeability caused by indomethacin. In vitro, ZnC stimulated dose-dependent cell migration and proliferation (P < 0.01), with effects superior to equimolar zinc sulfate alone.
Clinical evaluation of zinc carnosine on gastric ulcer: a multicenter double-blind comparative study
Miyoshi A, Matsuo T, Takiuchi H, et al. · Japanese Pharmacology & Therapeutics (1992)
In an 8-week randomized trial of 258 patients with gastric ulcers, ZnC at 150mg daily achieved 75% marked improvement at 8 weeks with 60.4% endoscopic improvement, comparable to the pharmaceutical comparator cetraxate. Approved in Japan as a prescription drug (Polaprezinc).
Zinc L-carnosine in the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal mucosal disease in humans: a review
Scarpignato C, Zimbaro G. · Clinics and Research in Hepatology and Gastroenterology (2022)
Comprehensive review concluded ZnC promotes repair of mucosal injury across multiple clinical contexts including peptic ulcers, NSAID damage, ulcerative colitis, and chemoradiotherapy-induced mucositis, with long-term safety confirmed and no adverse events reported.
Dosage
75mg per serving
Why this dose
The standard clinical dose of zinc carnosine (PepZin GI) is 75mg twice daily, matching the dose used in the landmark clinical trials demonstrating gastric mucosal repair. The 75mg per-meal dose in Feast matches this well-established clinical dose exactly.
Safety & tolerability
Zinc carnosine is well-tolerated at the 75mg clinical dose. It provides approximately 16mg of elemental zinc. Those taking zinc from other supplements should monitor total daily zinc intake to stay below the 40mg tolerable upper limit for elemental zinc.
The formula
Why it matters
The stomach lining is one of the most dynamic tissues in the body, completely replacing itself every 3–5 days. But frequent heavy meals, alcohol, NSAIDs, and stress can outpace this natural repair cycle, leaving the lining vulnerable to acid damage. Zinc carnosine supports the stomach's own repair mechanisms, providing structural integrity that complements the surface-level protection from DGL.
Works with
DGL
DGL creates a surface-level mucus barrier while zinc carnosine works at a deeper structural level to repair and regenerate stomach lining cells — two layers of gastric protection.
Bromelain
Zinc carnosine reduces inflammation in the stomach while bromelain provides anti-inflammatory support in the intestines — extending protection through the full GI tract.