Oral bioavailability of ATP after prolonged administration

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Pharmacology
• Human Physiology

Background:

• Purinergic receptors, activated by extracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and its metabolites, play crucial roles in physiological processes.
• Previous studies suggested potential benefits of oral ATP administration, implying bioavailability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the bioavailability of prolonged daily oral intake of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) supplements in healthy subjects.
• To determine if oral ATP supplementation leads to increased blood or plasma ATP concentrations.
• To assess the safety and potential adaptations in ATP bioavailability after sustained administration.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, placebo-controlled study involving 32 healthy subjects.
• Administration of enteric-coated adenosine triphosphate (ATP) pellets at doses of 0, 250, 1250, or 5000 mg/day for 28 days.
• Measurement of blood and plasma ATP concentrations, ATP metabolites (including uric acid), and assessment of liver and kidney function parameters at baseline and end of study.

Main Results:

• Prolonged oral adenosine triphosphate (ATP) supplementation for 4 weeks did not alter blood or plasma ATP concentrations.
• A significant increase in plasma uric acid levels was observed only at the highest dose (5000 mg) of ATP.
• No adverse effects on liver and kidney function parameters were noted, indicating safety of oral ATP administration.

Conclusions:

• Oral administration of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is not bioavailable in a manner that increases systemic ATP levels.
• The primary observed effect of high-dose oral ATP was an increase in uric acid, a metabolite.
• The findings question the claimed efficacy of oral ATP supplements, even at lower dosages than those tested.