| Basics |
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Inosine is a nucleoside; one of the basic compounds comprising cells. It is a precursor to adenosine, an important energy molecule. It plays many supportive roles in the body and as inosine is not an essential nutrient its deficiencies do not occur.
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| Remedy For |
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Performance enhancement.
Heart disease.
Tourette's syndrome.
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| Usage Directions |
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Although the common amount of inosine taken by athletes is 5,000–6,000 mg per day, little scientific evidence supports the use of this supplement at any level.
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| Sources |
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Inosine is found in brewer’s yeast and organ meats, such as liver and kidney. It is also available as a supplement.
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| Possible Side Effects |
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No side effects have been reported with the use of inosine for two to five days.
Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or which is especially bothersome.
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| Overdose |
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Acute overdose: None
Chronic overdose: A very preliminary double-blind crossover study suggests that high doses of inosine (5,000-10,000 mg per day for 5 to 10 days) may increase the risk of uric acid-related problems, such as gout or kidney stones.
What to do: For an acute overdose, call your doctor, emergency medical services (EMS), or the nearest poison control center immediately. For symptoms of chronic overdose, contact your doctor.
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| Caution |
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The body converts unused inosine to uric acid, which may be hazardous to people at risk for gout.
The safety of inosine for young children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with serious liver or kidney disease has not been established.
As with all supplements taken in multigram doses, it is important to purchase a reputable product, because a contaminant present even in small percentages could add up to a real problem.
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