The Importance of Nucleotides
Margaret A. Wissman, DVM, Dip. ABVP, Avian Practice
July 2003 (Excerpts)

... What you need to understand is that nucleotides are molecules that are essential to the creation of new DNA and RNA molecules which are then used by new cells of all kinds.
This is important because nucleotides, either by themselves, or in combination with other molecules, are involved in almost all activities of the cell (and therefore, the body).

So, what exactly makes nucleotides so important?
For a bird, human, ferret, or other animal to continue to live, grow and develop, it must create new cells all the time, to replace dying cells. Millions of cells must be made every minute, just to maintain the body as it is. These cells must use nucleotides to make new cells, relying on DNA and RNA to correctly multiply cells. Nucleotides are used for creating cells, replacing cells, including developing immune cells, developing sperm cells and supporting the female reproductive tract.

Which tissues and cells require the largest numbers of nucleotides?
While all cells require large numbers of nucleotides, these cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, intestinal cells, bone marrow cells and some brain cells all cannot make (or produce enough) nucleotides to cover their requirements. Nucleotides are essential for the proper functioning of the immune system, for cell repair after injury or disease and for helping
prevent disease.

Stress can also increase the need for nucleotides, which are necessary for overcoming the negative effects of hormones released (during stress), for building up the immune system.

Since we now know that nucleotides are essential in repairing and replacing cells, we must now ask, where do these nucleotides come from? Many tissues are not able to manufacture (via synthesis) the nucleotides called purines. If an animal (ndlr or a human) cannot produce adequate nucleotides, they must then absorb them from foods they have eaten. Some foods are higher in usable nucleotides than others. But, in most normal foods, the amounts of usable nucleotides are quite low, compared to the need for them.

Additional Benefits
There are other studies that show additional benefits from the supplementation of the diet with nucleotides.
Benefits include:
• increased resistance to challenge to bacterial and viral infections
• acceleration of antibody production
• increase in white blood cells called neutrophils
• increase in the number of macrophages
• reversal of malnutrition and starvation-induced immunosuppression
• increase in natural killer (NK) cell activity and interleukin-2 production
• increase of plasma HDL cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol)
• decrease in the concentration of LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol)
• faster recovery of the liver after injury
• positive effects on the intestines
• intestinal repair after diarrhea
• positive effects of recovery from stress

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Excerpts from the booklet
"Nucleotides, Building blocks to optimal Health" by Carl Germano, RD, CNS, CDN

People who might benefit from taking a nucleotide supplement include:

adolescents or children who are experiencing growth spurts
those healing from injury
those experiencing stress
those healing from disease or illness
those recovering from surgery
those interested in disease prevention
those who are under nutritional stress
those who hope to achieve improved athletic performance and recovery

NUCLEOTIDES IN EXERCISE AND TISSUE GROWTH

In an effort to maintain health and optimal performance, virtually every tissue in the body must regenerate itself regularly. In order to maximize growth and repair of muscle and other vital proteins, a constant and adequate supply of nucleotides is necessary to support the process of making new cells. Having an adequate supply of nucleotides may be one of the most significant limiting factors on whether one can regenerate and repair muscle and other vital proteins effectively.

Studies in animals have assessed the effects of supplementation of nucleotide-rich diets compared to diets without. The nucleotide-supplemented animals grew, developed, and increased muscle mass and other vital proteins at a greater rate. Other studies confirm the fact that there is a tremendous need for nucleic acids in growth and development and a great need for supplementing these vital nutritional elements.

Role of Nucleotides in the Concerns of the Athlete:

Energy Restoration

Nucleotides are involved in almost all cellular processes and play a major role in structural, metabolic, energetic, and regulatory functions. They make up the units of RNA and DNA; RNA synthesis is required for protein synthesis and DNA synthesis is required for growth and cell division.

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP), an adenine nucleotide is the major source of chemical energy used in metabolism, driving almost all cellular processes. Inability of the cells to produce adequate and optimum energy results from the disruption of the energy producing part of the cells called mitochondria. Mitochondria are tiny organelles found inside all human cells of the body. Essentially, they are the cells' "power plants" that produce energy (ATP) as well as process prorein and fat.
Damage done to the mitochoridria is typically attributed to the buildup of free radicals and other rioxious byproducts such as lactic acid that accumulates during and after strenuous activity. Neutralizing these damaging waste products and helping the cell produce energy (ATP) to clear these waste products is critical to optimizing performance.
Since nucleotides help to repair tissue and are part of the energy molecules (ATP) produced in the cell, they are critical components in any nutritiorial protocol addressing the needs of the athlete.

Maintenance of Lean Muscle

Maintenance of lean muscle is of utmost importance to the athlete. A common problem is lean muscle loss, or wasting, as muscle tends to breakdown after strenuous activity. This problem can have a serious impact on performance and recovery. Several nutritional issues related to the loss of muscle during activity include: inadequate caloric (carbohydrate and protein) intake, problems with metabolism, and elevations of inflartirmuory compounds that break down muscle (certain cytokirics). Nutritional supplementation can play an important role in boosting caloric intake but increasing calories may not be the only answer. Since nucleotides are the building blocks of (DNA) and (RNA) in muscle tissue, a dietary source is required to promote optimal tissue growth.

Nucleotides have been commonly used in post trauma as a means to rebuild muscle and support Immune function.

CONCLUSION

The systems in the body have millions of cells that are rapidly dividing. When the body is stressed, dietary nucleotides are required for the body to continue to function at an optimal level. Supplementing with nucleotides can save the body time and energy. Supplementation may also lend to an accelerated multiplication of cells. The January 1994 supplement of The Journal of Nutrition states that "Administering dietary nucleotides will help to minimize infectious complications, improve clinical outcomes and provide the most cost effective nutritional support available."

Nudeotides can:

· Strengthen the immune system

· Promote tissue renewal and wound healing

· Help heal the body from other stress including injury or illness

· Improve intestinal and liver health

· Promote tissue growth and benefit athletes

TESTIMONIALS:

"Three weeks ago I was given the opportunity to participate in the Nucleotide Product Evaluation. I was skeptical at first but was at the point I was willing to try just about anything. As a wife, mom, and TV sales account manager, something needed to change. I could not think clearly, was tired all of the time, didn't sleep well at night, and ached all over.

"With a history of a pituitary tumor, a complete hysterectomy, and dependence upon prescription hormonal replacement therapy, as well as a long standing past with chronic fatigue and depression issues, I knew that if the nucleotides worked I would become a believer in natural health alternatives for good. I became interested in natural health eight years ago, but never resigned myself to the use of natural health alternatives personally. I tried things periodically, but never stuck to a regimen.

"The nucleotide product changed all of that. I feel human again --- I don't need any other medications or supplements .. the nucleotide product works great all by itself. I am not taking any other medications or supplements whatsoever! I noticed a change in the way I felt the morning after I took the amazing product the first time.

When I awoke the next morning it was like a breath of fresh air. I slept like a log and awoke with a clear mind. Where did the aches go, I wondered? I couldn't believe that such a dramatic difference happened so fast.

"Hormonal replacement therapy hasn't been necessary either. I ran out of my prescription medication a week ago and never bothered to refill it. Normally, I can't function without this medication. So, it is apparent to me, that the nucleotide product is doing amazing things. I haven't missed a dose. I take two capsules in the morning with breakfast and two in the evening with dinner. I've found out that it is important to take with food.

'After a long day's work, I used to come home and fall asleep. I haven't done that either. I go to bed naturally. I wake up naturally. And, I don't depend on any supplemental pain medications, sleep medications, or hormone replacement. I am so excited about nucleotides. " Sandie Haney

"Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Hemochromatosis, Lyme Disease, and Ankylosing Spondolysis are just a "few" of the diagnosed conditions that I live with on a daily basis. I agreed to try the nucleotides and was pleasantly surprised when I actually saw positive results within a few days. My sleep patterns have been dramatically different since I began supplementing my diet with the nucleotide product.
I sleep sounder and wake up more alert than I have in a long time. In the first ten days on this product I have lost eleven pounds! There is also a noticeable difference in my appetite and the cravings that I have for chocolate and sugar. I would recommend this amazing new product to my patients without second-guessing myself and be comfortable with that. " Ron Cody D.C.

"I noticed a small reddened area on my abdomen during the middle of the week. As time progressed it became more red and hot. On Saturday, an RN/natural health educator in my community looked at it and said she felt something needed to be done. By that time it measured 2 1/2 inches long and six inches wide and bad a dark reddisb-purple area in the center.
She offered me the opportunity to try the nucleotide product. I took three capsules the first night and the 2 capsules each time I ate for the next three days. The redness is almost gone and there is no area of tissue necrosis in the center whatsoever. The nucleotides worked!" Tony Stroud

Recommendations:

Nucleotides are metabolized into uric acid. Those with impaired uric acid excretion retain sodium urate crystals. This causes a painful condition called gout. Excessive use of nucleotides would not be recommended.

It is recommended that you should drink plenty of water while taking this product.