What is it?

Many of the effects attributed to inosine stem from its potential role in increasing levels of a compound known as 2,3 DPG in red blood cells. An enhanced 2,3 DPG level would allow an easier release of oxygen from the blood cells to the tissues and, in theory, an enhancement of energy generation, ability to remove lactic acid and an overall improvement in energy production and exercise performance.

Several studies have investigated the effects of inosine supplementation on aerobic performance in athletes, yet none have shown convincing benefits associated with the supplement. In at least two studies, a potential for inosine to interfere with energy metabolism was suggested, particularly in high intensity "sprint" type situations.

Inosine is a metabolic activator. It has been used for pre-heavy training by "world class" power-lifters, Soviet and Eastern Block strength athletes to increase oxygen-carrying capacity and promote levels of ATP a high energy compound that helps muscle contraction.

Inosine increases the body's natural ability to handle strenuous exercise, workouts, intense training programs, and competitive events. Inosine belongs to a chemical family called purine nucleotides, the structural units of your body's RNA (ribonucleic acid) and DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). Inosine easily penetrates the cell walls of both your cardiac and skeletal muscles there inosine helps the generation of ATP. Inosine boosts the production of ATP thus improving respiration and oxygen transport.

Extracellular purines, including adenosine and ATP, are potent endogenous immunomodulatory molecules. Inosine, a degradation product of these purines, can reach high concentrations in the extracellular space under conditions associated with cellular metabolic stress such as inflammation or ischemia. In the present study, we investigated whether extracellular inosine can affect inflammatory/immune processes...