The metabolic effects of enterally administered ribonucleic acids

Roles for dietary sources of preformed purines and pyrimidines such as RNA in various systems have been demonstrated in recent years. These include maintenance of a competent immune system, gut development, hepatic function and many others, with a central theme of rapidly dividing cells requiring these compounds for optimal function. These compounds were previously thought to be non-essential but are now considered to be conditionally required when various stresses, including rapid growth and infection, are present. A number of recent studies are summarized that cover a variety of areas and are consistent with critical roles for dietary sources of nucleotides for many cellular functions.