Nuclear Reaction – Supplementing Nucleotides For Muscle Growth
How nucleotides can help you stay healthy and improve muscle growth
Some of you may remember nucleotides from high school biology class, but for those of you who don’t remember anything from high school biology (or high school, for that matter) here’s a refresher–nucleotides are one of the main components of DNA. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the major energy source for all cells, including muscle cells, is a nucleotide. Since our bodies can naturally produce this group of compounds, scientists never felt the need to provide them in supplemental form.
However, recent research shows that animals have decreased immune function when their nutritional intake is devoid of nucleotides. Conversely, diets rich in nucleotides have been shown to boost overall immunity and health. It appears that nucleotides can even boost performance–higher performance levels have been noted in thoroughbred horses that were fed a diet rich in nucleotides.
The study
Scientists from the University of Hull in the United Kingdom recently conducted a study to test the effects of a nucleotide supplement in men during exercise. For 60 days, subjects supplemented with either purified nucleotides or a placebo. At the beginning and end of the study period, each subject underwent a moderately intense bout of cycling exercise, during which their immune response and cortisol levels were measured.
The results
The findings, reported in the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, showed that the subjects taking the nucleotide supplement had lower cortisol levels and increased immune function after exercise as compared to the placebo group. The researchers concluded that the nucleotide supplement provided its benefits through improved protein metabolism. Since immune cells have a rapid turnover, improved protein metabolism could increase synthesis of new immune cells. Although not directly measured in the study, improved protein metabolism could also boost muscle growth. The lower cortisol levels suggest that the athletes were in a more anabolic state after exercising, as cortisol can inhibit testosterone production.
Bonus round
In addition to improving protein metabolism and decreasing cortisol levels, nucleotides can increase the uptake of nutrients from foods. Research has found that nucleotides can improve the structure of the gastrointestinal tract, which results in increased nutrient transporters in the digestive system. More nutrient transporters means that more proteins and carbohydrates can be absorbed from meals to support muscle growth.
Dosage
Since research with nucleotide supplements is relatively new, the optimal dosage is still being investigated. Based on the latest evidence, it appears you should consume 50-100 milligrams of nucleotides with breakfast and after workouts, or at night on rest days, to elevate protein metabolism, lower cortisol levels and improve nutrient uptake.
“I have a hard time getting enough calories from food, because it’s difficult to eat that much, so I make up for them with fluids, such as juices and Gatorade, for more carbohydrates. I make sure I cover the protein in my meals, and I have shakes, but I also will have a carb and electrolyte drink during my workout and afterward to put something into my system quickly. It not only rehydrates me, but it restores my energy reserves.”-Gunter Schlierkamp
Author Jim Stoppani
COPYRIGHT 2007 Weider Publications
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning
