Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)
syn. adenosine 5’-triphosphate disodium
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Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is the main energy carrier for all living cells. As such, it is necessary for most cellular functions, and key to such basic processes as the synthesis of DNA, RNA, and proteins, and the transport of molecules across cell membranes. It is also necessary for muscle contractions, and is integral to both anaerobic and aerobic energy metabolism. ATP is metabolized to adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and phosphate in order to release energy, which is specifically provided by the hydration of free phosphate. ADP is constantly recycled back into its original ATP form as part of the ATP-dependent energy cycle, though its levels become lowered as a part of fatigue. Adenosine triphosphate (as a disodium salt) is widely available as a sport supplement ingredient.
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Although the body produces ample amounts of ATP, its additional supplementation may still be of value. Oral administration has been shown to increase ATP concentrations in tissue and serum.64 With this it is also capable of producing a number of biological effects. For example, ATP has been shown to increase blood flow to peripheral tissues, which might improve nutrient and oxygen delivery.65 It has also been shown to reduce lower back pain,66 and is actually an approved drug product in France (Atepadene, Mayoly-Spindler) for this purpose. ATP supplementation by healthy adults may be useful for improving energy and muscle endurance during exercise as well, although further research is needed to independently validate this.
Promoted Benefits:
Adenosine triphosphate is promoted to increase energy, reduce fatigue, and improve muscle growth, strength, recovery, and athletic performance.
Clinical Studies:
This ingredient has been shown to improve performance in placebo-controlled studies with trained adults. Its Clinical Support Rating is 5 (5/5).
One placebo-controlled study examined the effects of ATP supplementation on exercise performance in a group of experienced weight-training men.67 Subjects took either a high dose (225 mg) or low dose (150 mg) of ATP for 14 days. Measurements were taken at baseline, following the first dose, and at the conclusion of daily supplementation. Anaerobic performance was evaluated with Wingate testing on a stationary cycle ergometer, and bench press was used to evaluate strength. Most strength and performance variables reported no effect of supplementation, including bench press strength at 70% max, peak anaerobic power, average anaerobic power, total work, and post-workout lactate accumulation. There were, however, three statistically significant findings. These were a 6.6% increase in 1-rep max after a single dose, and an 18.5% increase in first set repetitions and 22% increase in total lifting volume after two weeks of supplementation compared to placebo. There was also a statistically strong increase in 1-rep max after two weeks. The researchers warned, however, that the ergogenic benefits were minor, inconsistently noticed, and came without a significant increase in serum ATP levels. There were also two subjects in the high dose group that had unusually strong positive responses in 1-rep max strength (statistical outliers) after the first dosing, which may have skewed the results. As such, the positive strength findings may be the result of methodological error.
A second study involved the administration of a single dose of either 100 mg or 250 mg of adenosine triphosphate to a group of healthy men and women. Oxygen saturation was measured by pulse oximetry, and blood flow to the extremities was examined with readings of ankle and brachial arterial pressure. The study demonstrated that there was a statistically significant increase in ankle (+ 4.45 mmHg) and brachial (+ 6.45 mmHg) pressure, as well as upper extremity oxygenation (+1.36%), one hour after administration of the 100 mg dose. This study suggests that ATP may be useful for improving oxygen delivery to the muscles, which could improve exercise performance.
Further research is needed to determine if there is substantial ergogenic value to the use of adenosine triphosphate by athletic individuals.
Empirical Evidence:
Adenosine triphosphate is not widely available as a stand-alone supplement, as it is most often incorporated into blended formulas. It is difficult to gather feedback on the use of this nutrient alone. An objective evaluation of ATP, based in part on user experiences, as well as those of other product developers, suggests that this supplement may have value in sports nutrition, but it is too early to know for certain. If an effect becomes obvious, it probably will not involve rapid increases in muscle size and strength, but mild increases in energy and endurance. Adenosine triphosphate presently has an Empirical Evidence Rating of 3 (3/5).
Effective Dosage:
Based on clinical studies, a daily dosage of 100-250 mg is recommended.
Side Effects / Safety:
Adenosine triphosphate was well tolerated during clinical studies with healthy subjects, with no significant side effects.
