DNA Deoxyribonucleic and Ribonucleic Acids (DNA and RNA)These nucleic acid polymers act as the genetic
code and translators for proteins, which in turn
are the molecular building blocks of body tissues,
and determine which amino acids go together to
form body proteins. DNA is found mainly in the
nuclei of cells and carries the genetic message;
small amounts of DNA are also found in the
mitochondria. RNA helps transfer this genetic
message to guide the manufacture of proteins that
use all the amino acids either created by the body
or extracted from foods. There are supplements
containing good levels of nucleic acids, most
commonly yeast or organ meats such as calf thymus,
which have been recommended to retard aging,
improve memory, or improve the immune or other
protein functions. However, there is no proof that
RNA or DNA, when taken orally, performs any of
these fabulous feats. Most of the oral nucleic
acid supplement is broken down into purines and
pyrimidines, the basic components of RNA and DNA.
These purines, such as adenine and guanine, and
pyrimidines, such as cytosine, uracil, and thymine,
may have some cellular regeneration functions and
thus could help slow aging, improve immune
functions, and so on. As these components are
absorbed, they may aid the production of the
body's RNA or DNA, though this has not been
proved. Injectable nucleic acids may offer some
benefit. These have been used to slow skin aging
particularly.
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