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Amp

Also known as: Adenosine Triphosphate, ATP, Adenosine 5'-triphosphate

Overview

Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) is the primary energy carrier in cells, crucial for various biological processes, including muscle contraction and relaxation. Naturally produced within the body through cellular respiration, ATP is also available as a supplement, primarily used to enhance athletic performance, particularly in anaerobic exercises and resistance training. Research on oral ATP supplementation is moderately mature, with several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and a systematic review/meta-analysis supporting its potential benefits. While dietary ATP bioavailability is limited, supplementation aims to increase ATP availability within muscle fibers. ATP supplementation is generally considered safe, with no significant adverse effects reported in studies. It interacts with the muscular and cardiovascular systems, influencing muscle activity and blood flow. The evidence is generally of good quality, with well-designed RCTs and a systematic review that adheres to rigorous methodology.

Benefits

Oral ATP supplementation has shown potential benefits in enhancing athletic performance, particularly in resistance-trained individuals. A systematic review and meta-analysis indicated no significant effect on maximal strength but showed a significant increase in the maximum number of repetitions during resistance exercises, especially with doses below 400 mg. Acute ATP supplementation has also been associated with an increase in maximum anaerobic power. Additionally, ATP supplementation may enhance muscle activity by increasing oxygen and nutrient flow to muscle fibers and regulating blood flow through the modulation of α2 adrenergic receptors and the release of nitric oxide. These benefits are primarily observed in healthy, resistance-trained individuals, with effect sizes varying depending on the duration of supplementation and dosage. Benefits can be observed both acutely and chronically.

How it works

ATP supplementation enhances muscle performance by increasing the availability of ATP within muscle fibers, facilitating muscle contraction and relaxation. It improves blood flow through the regulation of α2 adrenergic receptors and the release of nitric oxide. ATP may also influence the activity of voltage-gated CLC-1 chloride channels, reducing muscle excitability and enhancing muscle action. The bioavailability of oral ATP is believed to allow it to cross the sarcoplasmic membrane and exert effects within muscle fibers. ATP interacts with the muscular and cardiovascular systems to improve exercise performance, influencing the ATPase pump, Ca²⁺ channels, and voltage-gated CLC-1 chloride channels.

Side effects

Oral ATP supplementation is generally considered safe, with no significant adverse effects consistently reported in the available literature. Common, uncommon, and rare side effects have not been identified in studies. There is no evidence of significant drug interactions or specific contraindications. However, the safety and efficacy in special populations, such as pregnant women and children, have not been extensively studied. While ATP supplementation appears to be well-tolerated, long-term effects and use in specific populations require further investigation. It is important to note that the absence of reported side effects does not guarantee complete safety, and individuals should consult with healthcare professionals before starting any new supplement regimen.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose of oral ATP supplementation appears to be around 150 mg, although doses up to 400 mg have been studied. Doses below 400 mg are associated with significant benefits, particularly in terms of the maximum number of repetitions and anaerobic power. The maximum safe dose has not been definitively established, but doses up to 400 mg have been used without adverse effects. Both acute supplementation (within 30 minutes to a few hours before exercise) and chronic supplementation (over several days to weeks) have shown benefits. Oral supplementation is the most commonly studied form. The absorption of oral ATP is believed to be sufficient to exert effects within muscle fibers, although the exact mechanisms are not fully understood. There is no evidence to suggest that specific cofactors are required for the efficacy of ATP supplementation.

FAQs

Is oral ATP supplementation safe?

Oral ATP supplementation is generally considered safe, but long-term effects and use in special populations need further study. Consult a healthcare professional before use.

When should I take ATP supplements?

Both acute and chronic supplementation have shown benefits, but the optimal timing and duration need further clarification. Follow product-specific guidelines.

What results can I expect from ATP supplementation?

Improvements in the maximum number of repetitions and anaerobic power can be expected, particularly in resistance-trained individuals. Results may vary.

Does ATP supplementation significantly increase maximal strength?

The evidence does not support the claim that ATP supplementation significantly increases maximal strength. Other benefits are more consistently observed.

Research Sources

https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/12/3/82 – This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effects of oral ATP supplementation on resistance-trained individuals. The study found no significant effect on maximal strength but showed significant increases in the maximum number of repetitions and anaerobic power, particularly with doses below 400 mg. The review included data from several RCTs with a total of around 100 participants and assessed studies with durations varying from acute (one day) to chronic (up to 12 weeks).
https://jmla.pitt.edu/ojs/jmla/article/download/1223/1368 – This resource provides information on accessing full-text articles, which is essential for conducting thorough research on ATP supplementation. It guides researchers on how to locate and retrieve relevant studies, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the available evidence. Accessing full-text articles allows for a detailed examination of study methodologies, results, and conclusions, contributing to a more informed assessment of ATP's effects.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/genetics/articles/10.3389/fgene.2022.1022739/full – This study explores the genetic aspects related to ATP and its role in cellular functions, providing a deeper understanding of its biological mechanisms. It delves into how genetic factors can influence the production, utilization, and regulation of ATP within the body. This information is valuable for understanding individual responses to ATP supplementation and its potential impact on various physiological processes.
https://guides.library.harvard.edu/meta-analysis/databases – This guide provides resources for conducting meta-analyses, which are crucial for synthesizing evidence from multiple studies on ATP supplementation. It offers access to databases and tools that facilitate the identification and analysis of relevant research. By using these resources, researchers can perform rigorous meta-analyses to determine the overall effectiveness and safety of ATP supplementation.
https://www.annualreviews.org/content/journals/10.1146/annurev-cancerbio-030419-033619 – This review discusses the role of ATP in cancer biology, providing insights into its involvement in cellular energy metabolism and signaling pathways. It highlights how ATP influences cancer cell growth, survival, and response to therapy. Understanding ATP's role in cancer can help researchers explore potential therapeutic strategies targeting ATP metabolism in cancer cells.