Inosine
Jan 2, 2025
Inosine
What Is It?
Inosine is a purine nucleoside in RNA formed by hypoxanthine linked by its N9 nitrogen to the C1 carbon of ribose.
How Does It Work in the Body?
When people take inosine by mouth, it is changed in the body to make a chemical called uric acid. Uric acid acts like an antioxidant and might protect cells in the brain [39].
What Is It Used for?
Although there is some theoretical rationale, available studies indicate that inosine supplementation has no apparent effect on aerobic or anaerobic exercise performance [40].
Precautions/Side Effects:
When taken by mouth, inosine is considered safe. Inosine becomes uric acid when taken by mouth. High levels of inosine can result in uric acid in the blood and urine, leading to possible kidney or bladder stones.
Evidence for and Against:
Studies have shown that in adult rats with unilateral cortical infarcts, inosine stimulated neurons on the undamaged side of the brain to extend new projections to denervated areas of the midbrain and spinal cord. The growth was paralleled by improved performance on several behavioral measures.
Dosage:
Inosine has most often been used by adults at a dose of 1–3 g by mouth daily for up to 2 years.
Interactions:
Inosine increases levels of uric acid. High levels of uric acid might make gout worse. Taking inosine along with chronic gout medications and uricosuric drugs might reduce their effects.
Read more