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.
Where is it found?
Inosine is found in brewer’s yeast and organ meats. It is also available as a supplement.
Inosine has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):
Who is likely to be deficient?
Inosine is not an essential nutrient, so deficiencies do not occur.
How much 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?
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.
At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with inosine.

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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or chemist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires September 2008.
2007-09-01