Hi. A query about taking inosine to boost low uric acid levels in people w/early stage PD as a way to reduce symptoms and gain some neuroprotection. Phase III trials coming next year (link below)
With inosine available OTC for a pittance there’d been some discussion here about trying it now and not waiting for the study and its results. I understand too much uric acid increases chance of gout and kidney stones. Still, I’m tempted to try now, albeit methodically and cautiously.
Scored 3.0 with a uric acid blood test the other day. It was described as low side of normal (for the general population) Before going further, I would love to hear from those who’ve tried this self-medicating route with inosine.
In the last posts on the subject, a few months ago, some were about to try it. If you have a moment...what's been your experience so far? What dosage do you take? How often do you get your uric serum levels tested? What numerical level are you aiming for? Have you felt better? Have you experienced gout, kidney stones, other side effects? Any sense it conflicts with other meds or supplements?
Any light you can shine would be much appreciated.
On the other hand, how does one get into the clinical trials?
I decided not to take it because a blood test about 2 years ago showed my urate to be just above the "normal" range (mine was 8.3), above their high group which was 7 to 8 mg/dL. They were giving enough inosine to get their urate up to 7 to 8 for their "high" dose group, from 0.5 to 3 grams per day in 1 to 3 doses per day (1 gram three times a day would be the highest they gave anyone). So If I was you, I would take it like this for a few days, then maybe settle on 2 grams per day. 1 gram to be safer. And stop if gout comes along.
I've been taking Inosine for two months. Started with two capsules - 1000mg per day and am titrating up to six - 3000mg. The dose used in trial II. I'm about to have a blood test. I'm aiming for 6-8 mg/dl as in trials. I definitely have lots more energy and no side effects. It will be 2020 before the trial is finished and written up and I wasn't prepared to wait. I have the support of my GP
I see you are from USA so information I have on finding trials may not be relevant. I use MJF Trial finder along with Cure Parkinson's, Patients Like Me (USA), Parkinson's UK & our medical support network including Parkinson's nurses.
Re gout & urate levels - I take it you have never had an attack of gout. I had one experience around 7 years ago & I have not missed a dose of Allopurinol since. I liken it to being a 'recovering' alcoholic. The gout pain is sudden, severe & excrutiating. The heat generated from the affected area could have fried an egg from a foot away!
By all means try what you will for PD (I have tried many treatments, therapies & trials) but if there is a risk of a gout attack please take medical advice. Having a structured, quantifiable framework with access to the latest research theory, practise & support are some of the reasons to take part in trials. That.......& the chance to pool experiences for the greater good as well as for personal benefit.
There is risk of a lot more than a gout attack from raising urate levels - think kidney disease, stroke, hypertension and diabetes. These are all well documented in the medical literature. Raising urate levels for PD is a really bad idea. Try taking NAC instead which has already been shown to improve the underlying condition in Parkinson's without the adverse effects.
I've now had the results of my uric acid blood test. I scored 151 umol/L which is 2.5mg/dL. LOW! I'm titrating up my Inosine. Now on 2000mg (4 capsules). Will go up to 6 capsules over time. Stage II trials were aiming to raise levels to 6-8mg/dL, so I've a long way to go. But. I already have so much more energy!
From time to time I review my supplements by testing my reaction to each of them using a vegatest device. Muscle testing would do it too. Well my body did not want inosine any more! As simple as that!
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Research suggests faster progression if you regularly drink cow's milk or eat lots of dairy
Uric Acid: A Double Edged Sword
Anyone in the UK interested in a webinar entitled “Getting Involved in Trials and the PD Community”?
