ATP is found in every cell in the human body. For you biochemistry aficionados ATP (adenosine 5’-triphosphate) is a nucleotide triphosphate containing adenine, ribose, and three phosphate groups. ATP serves as the “energy currency” of each cell, moving free energy from substances of higher energy potential to those of lower energy potential. Although energy is present in the structure of the ATP, its function is not to store energy, but to transfer it from one molecule to another. The role of ATP in energy production dates back to experiments in the 1940s.(1) However, it wasn’t until the early 1980s when researchers confirmed that ATP can function both outside and inside the cell (2). Inside the cell ATP is synthesized in the mitochondria, an organelle known as the “powerhouse” of the cell. This is where energy is produced. Outside of the cell ATP and its breakdown component adenosine affect numerous biological processes including muscle contraction, cardiac function, brain chemistry, blood sugar metabolism and circulation (3).

Research on the intravenous administration of ATP has revealed a potential benefit in cardiology, pulmonary function, oncology, surgery and anesthesia (3). The efficacy of oral administration of ATP has been questioned, but ground-breaking research by French researchers have shown that, in animals, chronic oral administration produced significant alterations in physiology (4). It was discovered that a one time oral dose produced no benefit, but repeated oral administration over fourteen days had a positive effect on cardiac function, pulmonary function and circulation (5). A pilot study at the University of Montana found similar results in human test subjects, where single doses produced no results, but higher doses improved stationary bicycle performance.
ATP and Performance
The Cooper Research Institute in Dallas is currently studying the effects of oral ATP on strength and endurance training. The subjects were divided into 3 groups: placebo, 150 mg of Active ATP² daily, or 225 mg of Active ATP² daily. Before given the supplements each person performed two Wingate tests and then performed a single bench press exercise with a free weight bar. A Wingate test is an exhaustive 30-second maximal exercise test performed on a stationary bicycle equipped with a computer for capturing and downloading the performance data. After two weeks of supplementation, all of the subjects taking 250 mg of Active ATP² reported that they “felt a difference” in their workouts and that they experienced “faster recovery between sets”. Additionally, the total lifting volume was significantly greater (p < 0.003) at day 14, exceeding the baseline value by 1,870 pounds. Neither the placebo group, nor the group taking 125 mg daily reported any effects.
ATP and Aging
Current scientific research points out that ATP production declines as humans age (6, 7). The researchers discovered that mitochondrial ATP synthesis was considerably higher in young people compared to that of the aging population. This could explain why the younger generation has an abundance of energy while older people often complain of fatigue and lack of energy. As mitochondrial ATP synthesis decreased with age, reactive oxygen species (ROS) increased (8). Reactive oxygen species include free radicals, peroxides, singlet oxygen, ozone, and nitrogen monoxide and dioxide free radicals. Free radicals are any molecule with an unpaired electron. These highly unstable molecules tend to react rapidly with adjacent molecules causing abnormal cell proliferation and early cell death. This is the rationale for the “free radical theory of aging” (9, 10). We can speculate that by maintaining an adequate concentration of mitochondrial ATP as we age, we will continue to have robust energy.
ATP and Circulation
Red blood cells (RBC) carry not only oxygen throughout the body but also a large supply of ATP and its breakdown component adenosine. ATP is often released from RBCs in blood vessels and has been linked to the production of nitric oxide, a known vasodilator (11). This is critical for the management of blood pressure. It is also understood that ATP is required for blood flow regulation and determines the amount of blood needed in surrounding tissue (12)
ATP and Skeletal Muscle Function
Red blood cell ATP contributes to the regulation of skeletal muscle blood flow and oxygen delivery (13). Increasing the blood supply to the muscle will help transport glucose to the working muscle and help with the removal of metabolic waste products (14). Long periods of inactivity such as sitting at your desk, commuting or sitting in an airplane can lead to reduced blood flow to the lower extremities. This could have a profound negative effect on muscle function with decreased energy and excessive muscle fatigue. ATP has been found to increase oxygen and blood supply to the muscles in the legs, thereby reducing the risk of atrophy (15).

There is strong evidence that ATP functions not only in the smooth muscle but also in the central nervous system and the brain (16, 17). Because it is found in the brain, and its vital role in cellular energy production, ATP is often is often considered to be a neurotransmitter (18). Neurotransmitters, chemicals that fire across the synapses, help control memory, thought process, frame of mind, and virtually all brain physiology.


Conclusion
Active ATP² may have a positive affect on mental alertness, endurance performance, symptoms of fatigue, metabolism and circulation.