2 replies to this topic

[Skötkonung]

I have been taking carnosine, benfotiamine, and pyridoxamine for quite awhile, but it occurred to me that I have no idea whether my dosages are effective or if these supplements are in fact reducing the quantity of AGEs accumulating / being created in my body. Next week I am going in to have some routine blood work done and I thought this would be a good time to verify if all my hardwork has payed off.

So, my question is: What test can I ask for to check the quantity of AGEs being formed in my body? Currently I plan to have my hemoglobin A1c / glycosylated hemoglobin tested, but since this does not entirely address AGE clearance or formation, is there another test I should order as well? I want to assume they have an active indicator but I can't seem to find any specific method through google

Edited by shawn57187, 05 January 2009 - 09:42 AM.

[kismet]

You won't find many AGEs in the blood, mostly precursors I think e.g. methylglyoxal.
Perhaps the most meaningful test is a tissue biopsy (benfotiamine will affect only intracellular AGEs anyway). I am myself looking for some cheap and good test for AGEs (either direct measurement or via some indirect markers).
The best I have come up with so far is a test of serum CML and MG, because those are supposed to rise with aging.

Levels of serum AGEs, εN-carboxymethyl-lysine (sCML) and methylglyoxal (sMG) derivatives are elevated in older men and women. Fasting blood was obtained in older (60-80yrs old) and younger (18-45yrs old) healthy participants for measurement of CML and MG derivatives by ELISA. Data are presented as mean±SEM (*p<0.05).
http://hormones.gr/p...ew.php?c_id=215
To perform an ELISA test the lab would need antibodies specific for CML and MG, I don't know if any regular lab has them and how expensive it would be.

[stephen_b]

There's hemoglobin A1C (article here).

StephenB