Before we start talking about nucleic acids, let’s review DNA and RNA:
You have all likely heard the term DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, which is the material that resides in all living organisms and is what manages our genetic footprint and gives us our essential traits.
Ribonucleic acid, or RNA, isn’t quite as well-known as DNA but is of equal importance. RNA is the same as DNA, except RNA sends genetic messaging from our DNA to control how we process proteins.
Nucleic acid is an organic compound that lives in our DNA and RNA and is linked into a chain of molecules. The form that DNA takes is called a double helix, which is formed by the two strands of DNA that are bonded by hydrogen bonds.
The structure and shapes that the acid takes within the double helix form the code that determines our characteristics. These characteristics determine whether we will be right or left handed, the color of our hair, the shape of our eyes, and every other coded piece of our DNA blueprint.
A Brief History Of Nucleic Acid
Friedrich Meischer discovered nucleic acid in 1869, but it wasn’t actually names nucleic acid until it’s properties were understood much more clearly. This additional understanding was achieved by Richard Altmann in 1889.
In 1938, scientists Astbury and Bell published the first x-ray of a diffraction pattern of DNA, giving us a much better understanding of the way DNA looks and how it is structured. However, this structure wasn’t fully understood or mapped out until it was determined by another set of scientists, Watson and Crick, much later in 1953.
The study of nucleic acids is relevant to many different fields of scientific research, such as modern biology, medical research, genome and forensic sciences, biotechnology, and in the pharmaceutical industry.
What Are Nucleic Acid Supplements?
Our body makes DNA and RNA chemicals, and they can both also be created in laboratories with the intention of using them in the health care industry as medicines.
The medicines created from nucleic acids can be used to:
- Treat Alzheimer’s disease
- Improve memory
- Increase mental acuity
- Add energy and reduce depression
- Get firmer skin and increased sex drive
- Reverse the effects of aging
Basic RNA supplements are primarily made from the same yeast product we use to make beer or bake bread.
Benefits Of RNA And DNA
Both RNA and DNA chemicals are needed in our bodies to process omega-3 fatty acids. When combined, they can cut down on the time needed to recover from surgery by boosting our immune system.
It is also believed to enhance the healing rate for wounds and infections. Burn victims may also receive better results with nucleic acid supplements, as do patients in intensive care. We noted some of the benefits of these supplements earlier, but let’s take a deeper dive.
- You might profit from a supplement if you have been a burn victim, require liver surgery, feel depressed, have a low energy level, or have a weak sex drive.
- A combination of RNA and DNA may be used to help maintain memory recall and improve absent-mindedness and increase our ability to learn.
- Perhaps the latest fountain of youth find, these supplements can defy the visual signs of aging skin and maybe extend our life expectancy.
- Nucleic acid supplements may also be able to support intestinal health and be particularly useful for digestive conditions.
- We all have a natural ability to heal our bodies, and using a nucleic acid supplement can help to boost this ability significantly.
- Nucleic acid supplements can perform an essential role in the healing of intestinal ulcerations that can occur during Crohn's Disease.
- It may also be beneficial in epilepsy.
- Regeneration of cells and energy could also be aided by RNA.
Additional research and testing are being done in this area to determine the value of the supplement with these conditions definitively. For now, just know that the benefit remains a bit controversial and added evidence is still needed.
Other claims of health benefits that have come from select clinical studies found that nucleic acid supplements may help with:
- Arthritis
- Abnormal weight gain or loss
- Congestive heart failure
- Cancer
- Atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease
- Asthma
- Retinitis pigmentosa and glaucoma
- Diabetes
- Hypothyroidism
- Anxiety
- Narcotics and alcohol addiction
- Dry skin
- Cold hands
- Emphysema and obstructive lung disease
- Cold feet
- Constant colds
- Insomnia and sleep apnea
One RNA study started with the intake of sardines and fish combined with B complex vitamins and RNA from yeast, and the results were remarkable!
They claimed that almost anyone who was over 50 years of age, could be transformed in three or four weeks and look 10 to 15 years younger. They all felt better, had more energy, and had longer endurance in anaerobic exercise.
Nucleic Acid Possible Side Effects
No “official” side effects of nucleic acid supplements have been referenced to date. However, keep your education current on the supplements, because the results from ongoing testing can swing in either direction.
For example, some discoveries and warnings have been issued after individual studies. These notes can be both positive and negative, and include the following:
- RNA/DNA in baby formulas seems to be safe for children
- Appears safe when taken with omega-3 fatty acids
- Injections under the skin can be safe, but they have also been known to create itching, redness, and swelling at the injection site
- The safety of taking the supplement by mouth remains in question
- Some say it may be unsafe to take the supplements if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- The method of delivery of the supplement may impact its alleged benefits
Much more research needs to be performed on the effects of nucleic acid supplements and their safety. For the time being, there are no major risks or side effects associated with their use.
Nucleic Acid Top Products
Most nucleic acid supplements are divided into men’s, women’s, or unisex categories. Here are some options to consider, followed by each of their claims.
Xtendlife Total Balance
- Advanced anti-aging formula
- Over 70 optimized nutrients for cellular health
- Perfect for both men and women
Serene Dew
- Potent energy booster that promotes healthy sugar metabolism
- One of the best natural sources of B-complex vitamins
Brewer's Yeast
- One of Nature's Richest Foods
- Rich in most vitamins
- Contains 16 amino acids and 14 minerals
- Contains no artificial coloring or flavor
- Contains no preservatives, yeast, corn
- Contains no milk or milk derivatives, such as lactose
- Contains no salt, sodium, sugar, gluten, starch or wheat
Solgar
- 100 mg RNA, 100 mg DNA
- Gluten, wheat and dairy free
- Sugar, salt, and starch-free
ProBlen
- Improves body mass
- Improves energy
- Boost the immune system
- Liquid formula
Nutri-West
The most basic building blocks in the composition of cellular structure.
Nature's Life Yeast RNA/DNA
(This brand also adds protein to their formula.)
- Provides nutritive support
- Rich in protein
- Contains 50 tablets
Standard Process
Made from yeast, supports cell replication, growth, and protein synthesis.
Puritan's Pride
This manufacturer claims to be the only authorized seller of the product, and they offer a money back guarantee.)
Life Extension
- Nucleic acid of the correct amount our bodies need for good health and well-being
- May support healthy cellular division
- Helps boost the immune system response
The bottom line here is that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any dietary supplements, so there is some degree of risk with each of them.
The manufacturers of supplements are not regulated and not required to seek approvals. The manufacturer is solely responsibility for ensuring that:
- Products are safe and comply with FDA regulations
- Claims are neither false nor misleading
Since there is no evidence by the FDA noting that RNA/DNA supplements work or don’t work, the research from studies carried out thus far is all that we have to go on. This research indicates that they are not harmful and they may be able to provide significant health benefits, but no studies have yet conclusively proved these claims.
Nucleic Acid Final Words
We want to encourage you to be alert to dosages, as they also vary widely in test results. And as we noted earlier, being in the know and fully informed about supplements, their uses, benefits, and risks are important to know before you make your purchase.
With so much information available at our fingertips thanks to technology, it’s easy to identify conflicting information, so we encourage you to read as much as you about your area of concern.
Always remember to consult with your doctor before you add any supplements to your diet. They will be best suited to know if your selected product is of good quality, and can also warn you of any possible reactions that may occur between the new supplement and any medications you are currently taking.
The significance of DNA studies in both the medical and legal industries continues to yield impressive results. Also, because there are indications that so many ailments may be positively impacted via RNA-DNA supplements, continuing studies are essential to determining the future of nucleic acid supplementation.
