Adenine
Adenine is a normal dietary constituent (every cell contains it as part of nucleic acids). Pure adenine as a supplement is generally well-tolerated at modest doses; very high doses can produce 2,8-dihydroxyadenine kidney stones.
What it is
A purine nucleobase, one of the four bases of DNA and RNA; naturally present in all living cells.
Nutritional component naturally present in food; used as a supplement and pharmaceutical excipient.
Why it's flagged
- very high doses associated with 2,8-dihydroxyadenine nephrolithiasis
What regulators actually say
"Adenine is a purine nucleobase that is one of the building blocks of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA)."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Naturally present in food; not a separately listed food additive; permitted in dietary supplements under DSHEA
European Union — EFSA
Naturally present in food; not separately authorised as additive
Scan it before you buy it
Get Ube on iOS or Android — point at any barcode, see what's actually in there.
Get the app