The Consumer Guide to DNA and RNA
Consumer Guide To RNA and DNAIn this guide...
Why is it essential?
Benefits and uses
Daily requirement
Deficiency risk factors
Optimal intake
Food sources
Recent findings
Safety
Types of products
References
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The chainlike molecules ribonucleic acid (RNA) and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) are two types of nucleic acids. As the name nucleic acid suggests, RNA and DNA are found in the nucleus of cells, where they act to pass on genetic instructions that determine how an organism develops.
Why is it essential? DNA provides the permanent blueprint that allows plant and animal cells to divide yet maintain their unique identity. RNA works with DNA to translate the genetic code and produce proteins from individual amino acids. Nucleic acids are thus crucial for various cellular activities, including producing new cells and repairing damaged ones. However, Dietary RNA and DNA are not considered essential.
Benefits and uses: Injections of nucleic acids and nucleic acid supplements have been used to slow down the rate of aging (one major theory of aging blames an increased rate of errors over time in how nucleic acids pass on information to new cells), improve memory, keep skin smooth and supple, and boost the immune system. Some evidence also suggests that nucleic acids can reduce the risk of cancer.
Daily requirement: Nucleic acids are not considered essential nutrients.
Deficiency risk factors: Aging may increase the need for additional dietary or supplemental nucleic acids.
Optimal intake: An optimal supplement level is 200 to 400 mg per day.
Food sources: These include brewer’s yeast, organ meats, fish such as sardines and salmon, eggs, wheat germ, nuts, asparagus, and spinach.
Recent findings: Scientists have observed differences in animals fed a natural diet versus those fed a purified diet lacking a source of dietary nucleotides (compounds that are the basic structural units of nucleic acids), including adverse effects on how cells proliferate1 and beneficial effects on immune-related cells.2,3 In combination with the amino acids arginine and omega-3 essential fatty acids, nucleotides were shown to benefit severe trauma patients by reducing inflammatory response syndrome and multiple organ failure.4 Two recent studies also suggested beneficial digestive system effects for nucleotide-supplemented diets, by promoting intestinal integrity5 and reducing the incidence, duration, and severity of diarrhea in healthy infants.6
Safety: People who are susceptible to gout should avoid RNA supplements because they may increase levels of uric acid in the body and thereby trigger the condition.
Types of products: Nucleic acid supplements come in tablets and capsules. Topical creams and other bodycare products may contain added nucleic acids.
References
- Jackson, C.D., et al., "Dietary nucleotides: effects on cell proliferation following partial hepatectomy in rats fed NIH-31, AIN-76A, or folate/methyl-deficient diets," J Nutr (1997), 127(5 Suppl):834S–837S
- Jyonouchi, H., et al., "Nucleotide-free diet suppresses antigen-driven cytokine production by primed T cells: effects of supplemental nucleotides and dietary fatty acids," Nutrition (1996), 12(9):608–15
- Jyonouchi, H., and S. Sun, "An orally supplemented mononucleotide mixture prevents the decrease in T cell-dependent humoral immunity in C57BL/6 mice fed a nucleotide-free diet," J Nutr (1996), 126(6):1586–93
- Weimann, A., et al., "Influence of arginine, omega-3 fatty acids and nucleotide-supplemented enteral support on systemic inflammatory response syndrome and multiple organ failure in patients after severe trauma," Nutrition (1998), 14(2):165–72
- Iijima, S., et al., "A total parenteral nutrition solution supplemented with a nucleoside and nucleotide mixture sustains intestinal integrity, but does not stimulate intestinal function after massive bowel resection in rats," J Nutr (1996), 126(3):589–95
- Lama More, R.A., and B. Gil-Alberdi Gonzalez, "[Effect of nucleotides as dietary supplement on diarrhea in healthy infants,]" An Esp Pediatr (1998), 48(4):371–75
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