DID YOU KNOW
Nucleotides are important for many biological functions, including their role as the building blocks of DNA and RNA.
Cell regeneration
Supports Immunity
Muscle Function
The body has an on-going demand for new cell production. Adults must create new cells at a rate at least sufficient to replace the cells that die. To do this the cell and its DNA divides to form two new cells. This cell proliferation is a lengthy and complicated process, dependant on energy and the supply of all five specific nucleotide building blocks to build the DNA and the RNA molecules in the new cells.
The rate of proliferation of cells found in the intestinal lining, known as the epithelial cells, are higher here than elsewhere in the body. That means that cells are constantly being created to replace damaged or lost cells, every three to five days to be precise.
This turnover of cells is so high, the body requires assistance via dietary intake as whilst the body can make nucleotides itself or salvage them from dying cells, certain types of cells require supplementary nucleotides provided in a person’s diet.
During the last three months of pregnancy, antibodies are passed from the mother to the child so when born, they are protected with an inherited immunity which typically lasts up to six months depending on the health of the mother. Crucially, through breastmilk, babies take on board nucleotides which are vital to help normalise microflora and therefore help the immune system thrive beyond that which has been passed from the parent.
Many infant formulas now contain nucleotides because studies have shown that babies fed nucleotide-supplemented infant formula experience better growth and development, maintain a healthier immune system and have increased levels of beneficial intestinal bacteria which reduce gastrointestinal distress.
Beyond breast milk, nucleotides are typically found in foods which are far less common in the modern diet. Meals containing tripe, liver and kidneys provide high levels of nucleotides but typically, these are not foods which are consumed today and especially not for vegetarians and vegans.
Unlike some vitamins and minerals, nucleotides are not yet considered essential nutrients for humans but poor diet, stress, chronic illness and the excessive use of antibiotics and alcohol all increase the body’s need for nucleotides in order to facilitate regular and effective cell proliferation.
Their universal use and fundamental functionality and efficacy in every living organism make nucleotides a valuable management tool for many stress and health related conditions.
For people with celiac disease supplementing with nucleotides could be highly beneficial to assist the small intestine repair from inflammation damage and promote villi growth.
For endurance and performance athletes, nucleotides are essential for muscle function. Besides protein synthesis, they improve oxygen transport and reduce the effects of lesions in the intestinal tract and muscles, potentially decreasing recovery time and the impact of high intensity activity. Indeed, much potential exists for the use of nucleotides in a sports person’s supplement regime. By supporting a more rapid turnover of immune, digestive, muscle and blood cells, along with improving anabolic vs. catabolic drive, this “new” type of nutrient can be a real support to the training and recovery processes of a serious athlete.
For those susceptible to the flu virus, if the nucleotide supply is insufficient, the viruses will proliferate unhindered, which may lead to more severe symptoms and prolonged illness. Conversely, with enough nucleotides the infection can be quickly counteracted during its initial stages.
References
Carver JD, Pimentel B, Cox WI, Barness LA. Dietary nucleotide effects upon immune function in infants. Pediatrics. 1991 Aug;88(2):359-63. PMID: 1861940.
Mc Naughton L, Bentley DJ, Koeppel P. The effects of a nucleotide supplement on salivary IgA and cortisol after moderate endurance exercise. J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2006 Mar;46(1):84-9. PMID: 16596104.
Koeppel, P. Celiac Disease: Nutritional supplements for period following diagnosis. February 2013
Ostojic SM, Idrizovic K, Stojanovic MD. Sublingual nucleotides prolong run time to exhaustion in young physically active men. Nutrients. 2013 Nov 21;5(11):4776-85. doi: 10.3390/nu5114776. PMID: 24284618; PMCID: PMC3847760.
