The Role of Nucleotides in Human Nutrition

Jane D. Carver and W. Allan Walker

　　Abstract: Nucleotides and their related metabolic products play key roles in many biological processes. Nucleotides can be synthesized endogenously and thus are not essential nutrients. Dietary nucleotides may, however, have beneficial effects upon the immune system, small intestinal growth and development, lipid metabolism, and hepatic function. The terms “semi-” or “conditionally” essential have been used to describe the role of dietary nucleotides in human nutrition. These nutrients may become essential when the endogenous supply is insufficient for normal function, even though their absence from the diet does not lead to a classic clinical deficiency syndrome. Conditions under which these nutrients may become essential include certain disease states, periods of limited nutrient intake or rapid growth, and the presence of regulatory or developmental factors that interfere with full expression of the endogenous synthetic capacity. Under these conditions, dietary intake of the nutrient spares the organism the cost of de novo synthesis or salvage and may optimize tissue function.