The science of nucleotides
What are nucleotides?
Nucleotides are often called the building blocks of life because they are the most basic structural parts of our DNA. Let's keep it simple
Genetic material is present in every cell nucleus and is the basis of all life forms
Nucleotides are the structural components that are the basis of all life and are therefore also called the building blocks of life
In the double helix structure of DNA, nucleotides are arranged in pairs bound to each other to form the DNA helix
Where do nucleotides come from?
Our body gets nucleotides from:
Recycled nucleotides from worn out or dying cells - the recycling system
Newly produced nucleotides in the cell, synthesized from amino acids or glucose
The food we eat - our diet, Nutritional supplements
All these sources have their limitations:
The recycling of nucleotides from dying cells is only 60% efficient and time and energy consuming
In addition, some of the most important systems are not able to produce their own nucleotides, such as some brain cells, cells originating from the bone marrow, such as immune cells and red blood cells, some skin cells and cells of the intestinal flora
Other cells, such as cells in the intestinal wall (villi), can produce nucleotides but not enough to cover all their needs
The availability of nucleotides from food is low (bioavailability). In addition, nucleotides are only found in higher concentrations in meat and mostly in meat from organs such as liver, kidney, intestines and lungs, which we no longer eat to any great extent. Fruits and vegetables are deficient in nucleotides. This increases our need to supplement nucleotides.
Our intake of naturally occurring nucleotides is generally low. The typically modern, intense life we lead with constantly high levels of stress and limited dietary intake has resulted in nucleotide supplementation becoming an important part of our lifestyle
Reduced nucleotide intake in the modern era
Dietary simplification is a term used to describe the reduction of nucleotide content in the modern diet.
A large part of the population no longer eats offal which is the richest source of nucleotides in the diet. Fruits and vegetables contain nucleotides but far fewer than meat from internal organs.
It is also important to remember that a varied diet ensures that we get the full spectrum of all 5 nucleotides. So even if we think our diet is varied, we may not have access to the full spectrum of nucleotides to satisfy our body's needs.
Why are nucleotides so important?
Nucleotides are not only the only 'building blocks of our life', but they are also involved in almost every activity that goes on in a cell. Nucleotides are important for cell turnover, the transfer of energy, the production of protein and the transmission of hormonal signals.
Most cells in the body can use nucleotides from the synthesis and recycling system, but other cells need a continuous supply of nucleotides from the diet.
The cells that rely on nucleotides from our diet are:
Cells that form the lining of the gastrointestinal tract (cells of the intestinal mucosa)
The good bacteria in the gut - Bifidobacteria
White blood cells of the immune system (mainly lymphocytes)
Red blood cells (mainly erythrocytes) and Dermal/epidermal cells
These 5 cell types have a fast turnover in the body, as they are the main cells that ensure our health and the optimal biological processes of our digestive and immune systems.
Our bodies are able to cope with changes and challenges (such as diseases and stress) and respond optimally only when nucleotides are readily available and in sufficient quantities.
Only a continuous balanced supply of nucleotides can ensure that these tissues and cells can function at their best. This can be guaranteed by an adequate supply of the correct proportion of nucleotides.
