Cytidine
What is it?
Cytidine a nucleotide that contains cytosine and forms part of many structures, for example DNA and RNA, the molecule that transports our genetic material. Within the classification of nucleotides, cytidine is considered a pyrimidine base, and its metabolism and elimination produce urea, which is water-soluble, rather than uric acid.
Cytidine supplementation
Nucleotides should be supplemented in the form of free mononucleotides, and only ones that are pyrimidine bases (cytidine and uridine), to avoid interactions with diseases such as gout (elevated uric acid levels).
Role in metabolism
Pyrimidine nucleotides like cytidine and uridine stabilize cell membranes, stimulate axon growth, and increase synthesis of acetylcholine. They assist in the prevention and treatment of neurological problems and strengthen cognitive abilities, including memory. Cytidine and uridine are decisive for synthesis of structural components of nerve cells and for nerve regeneration, improving the quality of myelin, axons, connections, and neurological networks.
Bibliography
- Bueno J, et al, Effect of dietary nucleotides on small intestinal repair after diarrhea. Histological and ultrastructural changes. Gut, 1994; vol 35, 926-933.
- Cansev M. Synaptogenesis: Modulation by Availability of Membrane Phospholipid Precursors. Neuromolecular Med. 2016 Sep;18(3):426-40.
- Carver JD. Dietary nucleotides: cellular immune, intestinal and hepatic system effects. Journal of Nutrition; 1994; vol 124,144S-148S.
- Carver JD. Dietary nucleotides: effects on the immune and gastrointestinal systems.
- Acta Paediatrica 1999; vol 88, 83S-88S.
- Mataix, J. Nutrition and human nutrition. Ergón, Madrid, 2001.
Foods with cytidine
Nucleotides are present naturally in foods of both animal and plant origin, and they are found in the form of free nucleotides and nucleic acids. Milk, eggs, and fruits contain scant amounts, however meats, organ meats, and seeds contain nucleotides in larger amounts.
