inosine

SpecialtyNucleosideBest with a meal

What is it

Inosine is a nucleoside formed from the sugar ribose linked to hypoxanthine. It occurs naturally in the body and food, and is sold as a sports and neurological support supplement.

Evidence for 3 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Parkinson's disease

Limited Evidence

Phase 2 studies (SURE-PD) suggested urate elevation via inosine might slow progression, but the larger SURE-PD3 phase 3 trial did not confirm benefit. Use only within clinical trials or under specialist care.

Multiple sclerosis

Limited Evidence

Small studies tested inosine to raise urate as an antioxidant strategy. Results were modest and inconsistent.

Athletic performance

Mixed Evidence

Several controlled trials in cyclists and runners failed to show endurance or strength gains from inosine. Results have been disappointing despite the theoretical ATP-boosting rationale.

How it works

In the body, inosine is part of the purine salvage pathway, where cells recycle nucleobases to make ATP and other nucleotides. It is also a precursor to uric acid, a major plasma antioxidant. Athletes have used inosine in attempts to boost ATP availability and endurance, but human trials have generally not confirmed performance benefits. More recently, inosine has been studied in multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease, with the idea that raising serum uric acid may protect neurons from oxidative stress. Results have been mixed, and uric acid elevation can carry its own risks.

Dosage

Sports supplement doses typically range from 500 mg to 2 g daily, often cycled. Neurological trials have used doses titrated to raise serum urate to 7-8 mg/dL, sometimes 1-3 g/day.

When and how to take it

No strong evidence dictates timing. Athletes often take it pre-workout, but this is convention. Take with food to reduce stomach upset.

2 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Inosine (anhydrous)

Most common supplement form.

Standard powder/capsule form; orally bioavailable.

Inosine ethyl ester HCl

A modified form used in some sports products.

Marketed as having improved absorption; evidence is limited.

Safety

The main concern with inosine is that it raises uric acid, which can precipitate gout flares or kidney stones in susceptible individuals. Gastrointestinal upset has been reported. Long-term high-dose use is not recommended without monitoring.

Who should be cautious

Avoid if you have gout, hyperuricemia, kidney stones, or kidney disease. Not recommended in pregnancy due to lack of data. People taking allopurinol or with a family history of gout should not supplement without medical guidance.

Interactions

Inosine may interact with xanthine oxidase inhibitors (allopurinol, febuxostat) and with diuretics that affect uric acid clearance. Caution is warranted with any drug metabolized via purine pathways.

Food sources

Brewer's yeast

Amount
Variable
%DV
—

Organ meats (liver, kidney)

Amount
Variable
%DV
—

Sardines, anchovies

Amount
Variable
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Will inosine help me train harder?⌄

Studies in athletes have generally not found a meaningful performance benefit. The supplement does not reliably improve endurance or strength.

Is inosine safe for the kidneys?⌄

It can raise uric acid, which may increase risk of kidney stones and gout. People with kidney disease should avoid it.

References

inosine on Wikidata — Wikidata link

inosine (ChEBI:17596) — ChEBI link

inosine (PubChem CID 135398641) — PubChem link

inosine on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on inosine (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track inosine with Pilora

Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.

Coming to App Store
Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.