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Health Products > Inosine
Inosine is a nucleoside, one of the basic compounds
comprising cells. It is a precursor to adenosine, an important
energy molecule, and plays many supportive roles in the body.
Based upon anecdotal reports by Russian and Eastern European
athletes, inosine has been investigated for exercise-boosting (ergogenic)
effects. However, controlled studies have concluded that inosine
does not improve athletic performance and may even impair it.
Inosine is a precursor to uric acid, a compound that occurs
naturally in the body. Uric acid is believed to block the effect of
a toxic free-radical compound (peroxynitrite) that may play a role
in the development of multiple sclerosis (MS).3 In an attempt to
raise uric acid levels, ten patients with MS were treated with
inosine in amounts up to 3 grams per day for 46 weeks. Three of the
ten treated patients showed some evidence of improved function and
the others remained stable.4 Controlled studies are needed to
confirm these preliminary results.
Where is inosine found?
Inosine is found in brewer’s yeast and organ meats. It is also
available as a supplement which modern heqlth authorities describe
as having minimal health benefit.
Who is likely to be deficient of inosine?
Inosine is not an essential nutrient, so deficiencies do not occur.
How much inosine is usually taken?
Although a common amount of inosine taken by athletes is 5,000–6,000
mg per day, little scientific evidence supports the use of this
supplement in any amount.
Are there any side effects or interactions with inosine?
No side effects have been reported with the use of inosine for two
to five days in the limited research available. However, unused
inosine is converted by the body to uric acid, which may be
hazardous to people at risk for gout.
Availability
Inosine is available as a nutritional supplement from many health
stores around the world.
References
1. Starling RD, Trappe TA, Short KR, et al. Effect of inosine
supplementation on aerobic and anaerobic cycling performance. Med
Sci Sports Ex 1996;28:1193–8.
2. Williams MH, Kreider RB, Hunter DW, et al. Effect of inosine
supplementation on 3-mile treadmill run performance and VO2 peak.
Med Sci Sports Exerc 1990;22:517–22.
3. Koprowski H, Spitsin SV, Hooper DC. Prospects for the treatment
of multiple sclerosis by raising serum levels of uric acid, a
scavenger of peroxynitrite. Ann Neurol 2001;49:139.
4. Koprowski H, Spitsin SV, Hooper DC. Prospects for the treatment
of multiple sclerosis by raising serum levels of uric acid, a
scavenger of peroxynitrite. Ann Neurol 2001;49:139.
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