Health Ingredient Highlight: Nucleotide for Life

Ever heard of Nucleotide? How much do you know about it? It is of great importance to us living organisms, but with the many in-demand compounds in the world, this essential ingredient might not be getting well-deserved attention. In this article, let’s focus and highlight Nucleotides. 

What is Nucleotide?

Nucleotides are natural compounds and are the building blocks of DNA and RNA. These are molecules that are connected by phosphate molecules. 

Functions of Nucleotide

A nucleotide is essential for cell division since they are building blocks of DNA. They store genetic information, act as regulatory chemicals (Cyclic Nucleotides), coenzymes (B-Complex), energy carriers, involved in the synthesis of polysaccharides and phospholipids, cell signaling, metabolism, and enzyme reactions.

Structure of Nucleotide

How are nucleotides formed? Nucleotides are made up of three parts namely phosphate, a 5-carbon sugar, and a nitrogenous base.

The nitrogenous base is the central formation for the nucleotide structure. It contains nitrogen, with the chemical properties of a base due to a pair of electrons on the nitrogen atom. These bases are identified as Adenine (A), Cytosine ©, and Guanine (G) which are found in both RNA and DNA, and then Thymine (T) which is only found in DNA and Uracil (U). For more info on these bases, see this link. 

The second one is sugar, which is always the same regardless of the nucleotide, but the difference lies in the DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid). The sugar, with its exposed oxygen, can form a covalent bond with the phosphate group. This backbone adds rigidity to the structure.

The last portion is the phosphate group, in which they form phosphodiester bonds with the pentose sugars to create the sides of the DNA “ladder”.

What are the health benefits of Nucleotide as an ingredient?

According to research, here are the health benefits of dietary Nucleotide.

• Immune support
• Improve irritable bowel syndrome
• Repair damage in DNA
• Reduce stress hormone levels
• Provide essential building blocks to ensure healthy joint and skin repair 
• Cellular health growth promotion
• May increase longevity
• Improve memory and learning skills
• Ongoing research on the link between nucleotide and cancer development

Boost Immunity with Nucleotide Supplementation

In this tough time, a strong immune system is what we need above anything else, but without neglecting any other health-related concerns. To start, it is important that you are knowledgeable of the best sources of Nucleotide:

• Seafood
• Meat products (pork, beef, chicken)
• Beans
• Baker yeasts
• Fish
• Nuts
• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Milk

According to research by Sterczla, Kraemer, et al (2016), taking a nucleotide supplement also helps in lowering levels of stress and inflammatory response, less tissue damage, higher levels of immune function, and enhanced performance. It’s also advisable to consider supplementation if you’re avoiding pulses. Our NAD Revival supplement contains Nucleotide as one of its top-notch ingredients to increase immunity and other extended health benefits.