Adenosine monophosphate (AMP) is an intermediary substance formed during the body’s
process of creating energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) from food.
Where is it found?
The body creates AMP within cells during normal metabolic processes. AMP is also found as a
supplement, although it is not widely available.
Adenosine monophosphate
(AMP) has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer
to the individual health concern for complete information):
Who is likely to be deficient?
Preliminary research suggests that people with herpes simplex or herpes zoster (shingles) infections may have low levels of AMP;
however, the clinical significance of this finding is unclear.1
How much is usually taken?
The trials using AMP for photosensitivity
have used 160–200 mg of AMP per day; however, the ideal intake of this supplement has
not been determined. Research with shingles
has used a special gel form of AMP injected into muscle; a doctor should be consulted for this
form of AMP.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
The limited number of human studies involving oral AMP have not indicated any side effects.
However, some researchers have expressed concern that supplemental intake of AMP could, in
theory, increase levels of adenosine, a substance related to AMP that may interfere with immune function.2 Doctors using AMP
injections report that too-rapid intravenous administration or inadvertent administration of
an intramuscular injection into a vein could cause life-threatening arrhythmias of the
heart.3
At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions
with Adenosine Monophosphate.
References:1. Sklar SH. Herpes virus infection. JAMA
1977;237:871–2.
2. Sherlock CH, Corey L. Adenosine monophosphate for the treatment of
varicella zoster infections: A large dose of caution. JAMA 1985;253:1444–5.
3. Gaby AR, Wright JV. Nutritional Therapy in Medical Practice.
Proceedings from Nutritional Therapy in Medical Practice Conference,
Seattle, WA, Oct 25–8, 1996, 33; gaby@halcyon.com.