NEW ITEMSNucleotides are the molecules that make up the structural units of RNA and DNA. They are seen as conditionally essential nutrients and are vital for overall health of the animal. Low levels are found within the diet, and a number can be recycled from dead cell; however while this level of nucleotides meets the maintenance requirements for a healthy animal, an ill, stressed or high performing animal has a much greater requirement, and the dietary supplementation of nucleotides helps ensure this conditionally essential nutrient is not deficient.
Nucleotides are particularly useful for helping the body fight bacterial and viral infections. Due to the increased level of cell replication that has been seen following inclusion of nucleotides in the diet; their addition can also be of benefit post injury, particularly when new cells are required, such as muscle and tendon damage. The improvements in oxygen supply to the tissues may also help contribute to the repair and recovery of damaged cells. The inclusion of nucleotides in the diet has numerous performance related benefits, including extra long-term endurance in training and competition, the support of oxygen carrying and uptake capability due to faster red blood cell development and facilitation, and as a consequence of higher oxygen uptake, less lactate is produced, allowing horses to perform longer at these high levels.
Nucleotides have long been used in human nutrition, and in particular in baby milk powder to help support the immune system of young children. They are increasingly being used by athletes to support performance and recovery, particularly muscle function and oxygen carrying capability. Recent studies within human athletes have found reduced lactate levels post exercise after supplementation with nucleotides. This has a positive effect on the recovery and subsequent performance of horses working at high levels. Recently there has been increased use of nucleotides in humans, focussing on the digestive system and the benefit of nucleotides on intestinal health & function.
Agriculture and particularly the poultry industry have also been keen to promote the benefits of nucleotides on the overall health of animals, particularly in helping to combat stress and disease challenge. A wide number of benefits have been seen across many species.
The action of nucleotides within the body has also been seen to lead to a reduction in the length of recovery period. Improved muscle function is thought to occur due to reduced cell destruction caused by stress factors, and more efficient muscle formation by provision of RNA. There may also be extra ability to cope with hard training schedules as extra energy can be made available by reducing the number of certain biochemical steps due to preformed nucleotides being available for DNA and RNA building, and chemical energy (ATP) production.
Improved immune resistance to stable viruses and infections may result from support for the immune response at times of challenge by facilitating immune cells due to nucleotides supporting the rapid proliferation of intestinal cells. As well as improved oxygen supply and immune support, feeding nucleotides may also increase the length and surface area of the intestinal villi leading to increased absorption of highly valuable nutrients, vitamins & minerals.
Figure showing the impact of stress and infection draining the reserved nucleotide pool within the body
