NoneNo Change
Health-related quality of life
Curcumin supplementation → Health-related quality of life
Curcumin supplementation → Health-related quality of life
Evidence profile
NoneNo ChangePatient-Reported
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Research Summary
Analyzed using Evidence Intelligence™
Carnosine improves depressive symptoms in diabetes
Key finding
Carnosine supplementation resulted in improvement of depressive symptoms assessed by total PHQ-8 score (mean difference = -2.0; 95% CI: -3.9, -0.2; p = 0.03).
This study investigated the effects of carnosine supplementation on depressive symptoms in individuals with prediabetes and well-controlled type 2 diabetes, finding a significant reduction in depressive symptoms.
Evidence strength
Moderate confidence
Study type
RCTs
Follow-up
Medium-Term (3–12 mo)
Some Concerns bias
Last updated July 1, 2026Quick read
Study at a glance
The essential study design details in one scan.
Population
Young Adult (19–39), Middle Aged (40-64), Male, Female, Asia-Pacific (APAC), with T2 Diabetes
Intervention
Carnosine supplementation, Placebo
Study type
RCTs
Follow-up
Medium-Term (3–12 mo)
Primary outcome
Total PHQ-8 score
Comparator
Placebo
Plain-language summary
What this paper says
A plain-language read of the study's main message and where it applies.
Study focus
This study investigated the effects of carnosine supplementation on depressive symptoms in individuals with prediabetes and well-controlled type 2 diabetes, finding a significant reduction in depressive symptoms.
Clinical relevance
Depressive symptoms are common in individuals with diabetes and can significantly impact their quality of life and disease management. This study suggests that carnosine supplementation could be a beneficial adjunctive treatment for reducing depressive symptoms in this population, potentially improving overall mental health and adherence to diabetes management strategies.
Keep in mind
The sample size and demographic characteristics may limit generalizability. The study did not assess long-term effects of carnosine supplementation. Potential confounding factors were not fully controlled for.
Published in
Journal Reference
Publication details and source links for this paper.
Robel HK, Jack F, Aya M, et al. Carnosine supplementation may improve depressive symptoms in individuals with prediabetes and well-controlled type 2 diabetes. Food Science & Nutrition. 2026;14(3):e71514. doi:10.1002/fsn3.71514
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Main Effects
Carnosine supplementation improved depressive symptoms with a mean difference of -2.0 in total PHQ-8 score (p = 0.03).
No significant changes in total PHQ-8 score were observed in the placebo group (p > 0.05).
Health-related quality of life scores showed no significant changes in either group (p > 0.05).
Evidence network
How this study fits
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Evidence Context
This study contributes evidence to Curcumin supplementation and Health-related quality of life, Total PHQ-8 score.
This study contributes evidence to
Primary intervention
Curcumin supplementation
Primary outcomes
- Health-related quality of life
- Total PHQ-8 score
Primary intervention
Primary outcomes
Evidence relationships
Intervention and outcome relationships this study adds to the evidence network.
2
Evidence pairs
2
Relationships
0
Evidence topics
contributes_evidence
Editorial context
Why this study matters
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Evidence network role
This section describes how the study fits into the current evidence network. It does not determine whether an intervention works on its own.
Moderate contributionModerate confidenceNetwork score: 46
0
Related topics
2
Evidence pairs
0
Related studies
Why it is useful
- Contributes to 2 evidence relationships
- Includes primary outcome data
- Linked to 0 direct semantic evidence topics
Core evidence
Study findings
The primary outcomes reported in this study.
StrongDecrease
Total PHQ-8 score
Curcumin supplementation → Total PHQ-8 score
Curcumin supplementation → Total PHQ-8 score
Evidence profile
StrongDecreaseClinical Outcomes
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Evidence Suggest
- Carnosine supplementation led to a significant reduction in depressive symptoms (mean difference = -2.0, p = 0.03).
- No significant changes in depressive symptoms were found in the placebo group.
- Health-related quality of life scores remained unchanged in both groups.
Who this applies to
- Individuals diagnosed with prediabetes.
- Patients with well-controlled type 2 diabetes.
- Adults experiencing depressive symptoms.
Keep in Mind
- Results may not apply to populations outside the study's demographic.
- The study focused on short-term effects; long-term benefits are unknown.
- Further research is needed to confirm findings and explore mechanisms.
Between the Lines
- The sample size and demographic characteristics may limit generalizability.
- The study did not assess long-term effects of carnosine supplementation.
- Potential confounding factors were not fully controlled for.
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Connected Evidence
Explore related studies, evidence collections, and research questions.
Relationships organized using the Dediabetes Evidence Intelligence™ framework.
This study contributes to evidence on Curcumin Supplements and Total PHQ-8 score.
Related evidence relationships
Explore in Evidence ArchiveThis study contributes to the evidence on the following intervention-outcome relationships.
Included in these evidence collections
Curated evidence collections and hubs this study is part of.
Curcumin Supplements Evidence Hub
All studies on Curcumin Supplements
1 studies
intervention_hubContributes to Curcumin Supplements evidence base.
Total PHQ-8 score Evidence Hub
All studies measuring Total PHQ-8 score
1 studies
outcome_hubMeasures Total PHQ-8 score as a key outcome.
Recent Diabetes Research
Latest published studies
recency_collection
Published within the last 2 years.
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Questions answered by this study
Generated from the study's connected evidence using Evidence Intelligence™.
Does Curcumin Supplements improve quality of life outcomes?
Emerging Evidence
Current evidence does not show a clear benefit of Curcumin Supplements for Quality of Life Outcomes.
ConsensusScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
- 1
Health-related quality of life
EvidenceScore™ Limited | EvidenceScore™ 34.2 | neutral | ConsensusScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a small number of supporting studies and should be interpreted cautiously.
Limitations
- Only a small number of supporting studies are available.
- Consistency cannot yet be determined.
- Population details are unavailable.
Does Curcumin supplementation improve total phq-8 score?
Emerging Evidence
Curcumin supplementation appears to improve Total PHQ-8 score.
ConsensusScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
- 1
Total PHQ-8 score
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 51.7 | strong positive | ConsensusScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
- Only one supporting study is available.
- Consistency cannot yet be determined.
- Population details are unavailable.
Next steps
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