Inosine is a nucleoside that in its monophosphate form (IMP) produces adenosine monophosphate (AMP), which can be further phosphorylated to eventually produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The connection between IMP and ATP synthesis has served as the basis for speculation that inosine supplementation can improve exercise performance, particularly for strength-related activities. It has also been suggested to improve endurance performance by shifting the oxygen dissociation curve to the left, allowing greater delivery of oxygen to the working muscle. Inosine is not an essential nutrient, since the body produces all the inosine it requires.
This substance is a purine ribonucleoside that finds its application in the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP).