Nucleic acids (RNA and DNA) are lengths of nucleotides that carry information and play" an essential role in the architecture of all biological systems on Earth. DNA is the genetic material of all living organisms. RNA is responsible for carrying the information that is encoded in an individual’s DNA to the necessary machinery to produce proteins that carry out structural and enzymatic functions in the body. In addition to making up nucleic acids, nucleotides play other roles in the body, including energy transduction and cell-to-cell communication.

The immediate effects described as a result of ingesting"  various nutraceutical products with RNA (decreased heart rate, elevated mood, enhanced focus) are most likely the result of absorption of nutrients through the oral mucosa. Specifically, nucleic acids as well as nucleotides cross the oral mucosa into the blood stream. There serum nucleases break the polymers down into single nucleotides, some of which are then broken into their chemical constituents/ nutrients – ribose or deoxyribose, phosphate, and nitrogen base (Freitas, 2003; Communi et. al., 2000). Cells in the body scavenge these nutrients to build nucleotides. Intact nucleotides (NTPs) circulating in the blood stream can interact with and influence multiple systems.

Because nucleotides can be synthesized by the cell de novo (the synthesis of complex molecules from simple molecules such as sugars or amino acids, as opposed to their being recycled after partial degradation), it is considered a nonessential nutrient. For that reason, it was believed that all dietary nucleic acids are eliminated from the body as waste and that supplementation is unnecessary. In fact, the body has two systems for synthesis, the de novo and salvage pathways (Holen and Jonsson, 2004).

In contrast to de novo synthesis, the salvage pathway scavenges nucleotides and their building blocks from dietary sources and dead cells whose nutrients are available for recycling. It is now believed that dietary nucleotides may be conditionally essential in individuals suffering from ill health, poor diet, or stress (Dancey, 006). Nucleic acids and nucleotides are available in the diet. Dense tissues such as meats and fish, and mushrooms (but not other fruits and vegetables) are rich sources of nucleic acids. However, much of the nucleotides ingested are destroyed in the digestive process (Dancey, 2006).

Many diets stand to benefit from the addition of dietary nucleotides (Holen and Jonsson," 2004). Studies have demonstrated that dietary nucleic acid supplementation enhances the" immune system (Kaiser, et al., 2006, Gil, 2002) and aids in the development of infant and the repair of adult digestive systems (Dancey, et al., 2006, Holen and Jonsson, 2004). Restriction of dietary nucleic acids may slow the accumulation of cancerous cells (Holen and Jonsson, 2004). Rapidly dividing cells such as immune, digestive, and cancer require large stores of nucleotides, or access to building blocks, to build new genetic material (Carver and Walker, 1995). Single nucleotides have other functions in the body in addition to their genetic role.

Benjamin Frank, M.D. conducted the first major research that concentrated on the benefits of nucleic acid supplementation. Frank’s research showed an increase in endurance in individuals, both mouse and human, who had taken an RNA supplement immediately before challenge, as compared to the endurance of the control group that received no RNA (Frank, 1969). Rats that had received RNA supplements were capable of swimming longer with added weight than those on a non-supplemented diet.

Men were challenged to climb flights of stairs either with or without prior RNA administration. Those that were provided with dietary RNA climbed twice as many flights of stairs to achieve the same level of fatigue as those who had not taken RNA. Other study participants were able to lift weights an average of ten percent heavier after RNA supplements, as compared to their own performance without RNA (Frank, 1977). Frank attributed this performance enhancement to a decrease in oxygen requirement or perhaps simply more efficient oxygen use. In order to confirm this hypothesis, he conducted experiments in which he placed mice in sealed jars to determine if RNA would affect the length of their survival. He found that experimental animals survived 48 percent longer than the controls. Thus Dr. Frank’s research indicated an anti-anoxic effect of RNA supplementation.

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the "energy currency" of the cell, provides the required" chemical energy for enzymatic as well as structural functions. All cells in the body are capable of using oxygen and other nutrients to build ATP de novo to fuel all of the chemical reactions within that cell. An increase in energy requirement, in the case of physical exertion for example, can deplete ATP stores within the cell. The salvage pathway makes it possible for the cell to increase the amount of ATP that it can produce by providing it with more building blocks and therefore more energy to complete its tasks. In addition, cells may be capable of taking fully formed ATP up from their surroundings and using it for energy (Jordan, et. al., 2004; Carver and Walker, 1995; Coor, et. al., 1991). Nucleotides that have been broken down in the gut are transported to the liver, where the salvage pathway is utilized to build up ATP stores. Upon physical exertion, those stores are mobilized to nourish muscle cells. Thus, the anti-anoxic effect observed by Dr. Frank was most likely due to a decreased requirement for oxygen because of an increase in available ATP.

Current research has supported the findings of Dr. Frank’s studies. Dietary nucleotides" have been found to help athletes by reducing the release of stress related hormones and" chemicals in the body, enhancing immune function and, thus, post-exercise recovery" (McNaughton et al., 2006). The addition of dietary nucleotides immediately before exercise may decrease muscle fatigue by decreasing lactic acid production that is a natural by- product of de novo ATP synthesis. Further studies have shown that dietary nucleotides can enhance muscle growth and development due to their role in protein synthesis (Lopez-Navarro et. al., 1996; Gil, 2002). Studies in racehorses have shown that nucleic acid supplementation enhances fitness by improving aerobic metabolic capacities for carbohydrate utilization (Art, et. al., 1994).

The nucleotides ATP, guanine triphosphate (GTP), and uracil triphosphate (UTP) play essential roles in signaling within and between cells in the body. Specific to ribonucleic acids (RNA), uracil, one of the four building blocks of RNA, is a vital signaling molecule in the brain, accomplishing such tasks as directing neurons to release norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter implicated in focus, learning, and memory (Brunschweiger and Muller, 2006; Norenberg, et al., 2001; Norenberg, et al., 2000; Communi, et al, 2000; Jouvet, et al., 1991). Extracellular nucleic acids increase vasodilation by interacting with receptors specific for uracil and ATP on the surface of the smooth muscle cells that regulate blood vessel diameter (van der Giet, et. al., 2002). This regulation leads to an increase in blood flow to the extremities and skeletal muscles without a simultaneous increase in blood pressure or heart rate.

Extracellular ATP has been shown to increase cerebral blood flow and affect the" permeability of the blood brain barrier, which may result in increased mental clarity and a decreased perception of pain and fatigue as a result of exercise (Phillis, 2004; Albert, et al., 1997). Mental clarity may also be enhanced due to the energetic properties of ATP. The propagation of action potentials, the mechanism by which neurons (nerve cells) carry impulses, depends upon sufficient stockpiling of ATP. An increase in neuronal ATP stores may allow for more efficient communication between neurons, and therefore more rapid, focused thinking.

RNA has been the subject of longevity research since 1928, when Robertson (1928) discovered that mice lived considerably longer with RNA supplementation in large doses. His findings have been replicated with other animals, although with lower longevity results, since lower doses of RNA were used.

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