Uridine – Overview, Sources, Benefits, Side Effects, Dosage, and Interactions

What exactly is Uridine?

Uridine Monophosphate (UMP), also termed 5′-uridylic acid (conjugate base uridylate), is a naturally occurring nucleic acid and a unit of RNA that plays a key role in multiple neuroregulatory processes. It is an essential component present in the structure of the RNA and the RNA would be redundant without it. It exists in two forms – Uridine-5-Monophosphate as well as Uridine Triphosphate which offer a myriad of health benefits.

A largely unknown brain vitamin and a dietary-supplemented nutrient – Uridine is naturally produced in the liver in the form of uridine monophosphate (UMP) and secreted into the blood.

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Natural uridine is present in the urine, breast milk, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and blood as well as in miscellaneous plant species. Within the cell, it is found in the mitochondria. As an essential nucleoside, it is found in every living form, ranging from bacteria to humans.

Uridine Monophosphate enhances the formation of synaptic connections, helps in upregulating dopamine receptors, supports the function of the liver and mitochondria and increases cholinergic brain function.^[1]Holguin, S., Martinez, J., Chow, C., & Wurtman, R. (2008). Dietary uridine enhances the improvement in learning and memory produced by administering DHA to gerbils. The FASEB Journal, 22(11), 3938-3946.

As per various scientific studies, uridine is effective as a supplement, if it is combined with other supplements such as Omega 3 fatty acids, choline, DHA and B vitamins.

Proponents

• May alleviate nerve pain
• May enhance cognitive function
• May improve the symptoms of lung diseases
• May safeguard the mitochondria
• May serve as a sleep aid
• May help with bipolar disorder and depression

Sceptics

• Not recommended for those with high blood sugar, cancer, fibrosis, or osteoporosis
• Evidence for all benefits is insufficient
• Unknown safety profile and long-term benefits

What are the sources of uridine?

Food items that are rich in uridine^[2]Wurtman, R. (2014). A nutrient combination that can affect synapse formation. Nutrients, 6(4), 1701-1710. include:

• Breast milk
• Beer
• Broccoli
• The pancreas of pig and beef
• Lymph nodes of beef
• Barley
• Baker’s yeast
• Mushrooms
• Sugarcane
• Liver of pig and beef
• Fish
• Oats
• Chinese cabbage
• Spinach
• Cauliflower
• Tomatoes
• Parsley

Why Uridine supplementation is necessary?

Most of the uridine when obtained from food sources (anything containing RNA) never makes it to the brain from the digestive system. It gets knocked down in the gastrointestinal tract and liver. As a result, no food item, when consumed, is successful in elevating blood urine levels, thus the need for supplementation. Also, increased consumption of RNA-rich food items produces high levels of adenine and guanosine–purines in the blood. High purine levels elevate uric acid in the body which eventually worsens and aggravates condition like gout.
In supplementation, UMP enhances the bioavailability and aids it to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). It works by being a precursor (a compound that participates in a chemical reaction that produces another compound) of nerve cell membrane phospholipids and brain synapses, enhancing cholinergic (compounds that mimic the action of acetylcholine) functions of the brain and lastly by supporting the mitochondria and liver.^[3]Agarwal, N., Sung, Y. H., Jensen, J. E., daCunha, G., Harper, D., Olson, D., & Renshaw, P. F. (2010). Short‐term administration of uridine increases brain membrane phospholipid precursors in healthy adults: a 31‐phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy study at 4T. Bipolar disorders, 12(8), 825-833.

What are the benefits of Uridine Monophosphate supplement?

The health benefits of Uridine Monophosphate have been discussed below:

1. It can be used to treat anaemia
   A combination of uridine monophosphate, vitamin B12, and cytidine helps alleviate anaemia symptoms.^[4]Nunes, C. P., Higashi, R., Ribeiro, M. G., Fonseca, A. D. S. D., Leite, A. C. C. B., Krymchantowski, A. V., … & Goldberg, S. W. (2008). Efficacy and tolerability of a combination of uridine, cytidine, and vitamin B12 in anemia. A double-blind, comparative study versus nucleotide monotherapy. RBM. Revista brasileira de medicina, 65(1-2), 15-21.
   
   
2. It helps restore and regenerate the normal growth of the liver
   A uridine supplement helps in regenerating the liver after a liver transplant. Uridine monophosphate helps in restoring normal liver growth in people who receive a liver transplant. UMP performs as a “salvage” supplement that restores the regeneration as the body uses it as a building block for deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), ribonucleic acid (RNA), and other important molecules.^[5]Abu Rmilah, A., Zhou, W., Nelson, E., Lin, L., Amiot, B., & Nyberg, S. L. (2019). Understanding the marvels behind liver regeneration. Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Developmental Biology, 8(3), e340.
   
   
3. Uridine prevents Dementia
   Neuronal membrane degeneration leading to synaptic dysfunction occurs as we age. This loss of synaptic function results in Alzheimer’s Disease – the most common form of dementia. New synapses in the brain are created when choline, uridine and DHA work in synergy. Uridine supplements promote synaptic membrane functions by elevating levels of brain phosphatidylcholine (a phospholipid that keeps the mind and memory sharp) contributing to cognitive improvement.^[6]Swaminathan, A., & Jicha, G. A. (2014). Nutrition and prevention of Alzheimer’s dementia. Frontiers in aging neuroscience, 6, 282.
   
   
4. Improves the Blood Flow
   Low oxygen levels in the body and eventually a heart attack can be caused if your heart is not getting adequate blood. A combination of uridine and adenosine supplement improves the blood flow and slows down the effects of a heart attack.
   
   
5. Enhances cognitive abilities
   UMP supplement complemented with choline and DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) improves cognitive abilities with insignificant toxicity and very little side effects. Uridine Monophosphate supplement is a mental stimulant that enhances the activity of the brain. This helps the brain adapt, learn, remember, and grow.^[7]Hansen, S. L., Ritterband-Rosenbaum, A., Voigt, C. B., Hellgren, L. I., Sørensen, A. D. M., Jacobsen, C., … & Nielsen, J. B. (2017). Supplementation of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), vitamin D 3 and uridine in combination with six weeks of cognitive and motor training in prepubescent children: a pilot study. BMC Nutrition, 3(1), 37.
   
   
6. Improves memory
   Uridine has potentially cognitive enhancing properties and promotes short-term and long-term memory, focus, learning, and executive function. The benefits also include an increase in the formation of new neural synapses, which may point to greater mental capacity.^[8]Dobolyi, A., Juhász, G., Kovács, Z., & Kardos, J. (2011). Uridine function in the central nervous system. Current topics in medicinal chemistry, 11(8), 1058-1067.
   
   
7. Uridine is anti-inflammatory and relieves pain
   Uridine exerts anti-inflammatory effects and promotes positive muscle strength by preventing muscular tissue damage.^[9]Cicko, S., Grimm, M., Ayata, K., Beckert, J., Meyer, A., Hossfeld, M., … & Müller, T. (2015). Uridine supplementation exerts anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects in an animal model of pulmonary fibrosis. Respiratory research, 16(1), 105.
   
   
8. Helps in bipolar disorder, optimization of mitochondrial functioning, and depression
   Uridine is associated with decreased depressive symptoms. It augments the likelihood to manage bipolar depression and mitochondrion malfunction. It also helps in the diminution as well as cure of despair. Hence, UMP is an effective anxiety medication and enhances physical performance by directly influencing the processes of energy production.^[10]Kondo, D. G., Sung, Y. H., Hellem, T. L., Delmastro, K. K., Jeong, E. K., Kim, N., … & Renshaw, P. F. (2011). Open-label uridine for treatment of depressed adolescents with bipolar disorder. Journal of child and adolescent psychopharmacology, 21(2), 171-175.
   
   
9. Improves mood and alertness
   Alleviated phospholipid levels and brain neuroplasticity are linked with low mood. Uridine Monophosphate supplement complemented with DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) fish oil stimulates the release of dopamine (the feel-good neurotransmitter) that enhances mood and contributes to an increased sense of overall well-being. Uridine Monophosphate enhances CDP (cytidine diphosphate) – choline levels in the brain, which is essential for overall brain health and optimal mental performance.
   
   Uridine is the most preferred natural nootropic because it supports both boosts in cognitive function and a positive mood.^[11]Carlezon Jr, W. A., Mague, S. D., Parow, A. M., Stoll, A. L., Cohen, B. M., & Renshaw, P. F. (2005). Antidepressant-like effects of uridine and omega-3 fatty acids are potentiated by combined treatment in rats. Biological psychiatry, 57(4), 343-350.
   
   
10. Neuroprotective
    UMP protects the neuron membranes (a bilayer of lipid molecules with several types of protein structures embedded in it) and Schwann cells – neurolemmocytes in the peripheral nervous system that produce the myelin sheath around the neuronal axon. Demyelination (damage to the myelin sheath that surrounds nerve fibres in the spinal cord, optic nerves, and the brain) of the Schwann cells slows down neuronal communication, reducing cognitive performance. Uridine safeguards that neuronal covering (nerve cell covering that carries electrical impulses) by preventing damage to these cells, and even helps in treating myelin sheath lesions.
    
    Uridine supplement further prevents the accumulation of free fatty acids around neurons, reducing ischemia symptoms.^[12]Klivenyi, P., Gardian, G., Calingasan, N. Y., Yang, L., Von Borstel, R., Saydoff, J., … & Beal, M. F. (2004). Neuroprotective effects of oral administration of triacetyluridine against MPTP neurotoxicity. Neuromolecular medicine, 6(2-3), 87-92.
    
    
11. Condenses ache and tenderness
    An amalgamation of folic acid, Cytidine, Vitamin B12 and Uridine Monophosphate assist in easing inflammation and pain in the neck, back, hip and pelvis. The anti-inflammatory effect of the supplements reduces oedema and helps pacify throbbing.^[13]Negrão, L., Almeida, P., Alcino, S., Duro, H., Libório, T., Melo Silva, U., … & Neto Parra, L. (2014). Effect of the combination of uridine nucleotides, folic acid and vitamin B12 on the clinical expression of peripheral neuropathies. Pain management, 4(3), 191-196.
    
    
12. Uridine protects against the adverse effects of antiretrovirals in HIV-positive patients
    HIV-positive patients take antiretroviral drugs to control the infection. Long term consumption of these antiretroviral drugs causes distressing fat loss and mitochondrial toxicity in the legs, arms, face, and buttocks.
    
    Uridine supplement prevents mitochondrial modifications and toxicity triggered by HIV medications.^[14]McComsey, G. A., Walker, U. A., Budhathoki, C. B., Su, Z., Currier, J. S., Kosmiski, L., … & Aberg, J. A. (2010). Uridine supplementation in the treatment of HIV lipoatrophy: results of ACTG 5229. AIDS (London, England), 24(16), 2507.
    
    
13. Helps in Cystic fibrosis treatment
    Cystic fibrosis is a genetic life-threatening condition that damages the lungs and the digestive system. The anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic properties of uridine help enhance the airway and clear the mucus thus relieving the breathing problems and the inflammation.^[15]Haque, A. A., Dewerth, A., Antony, J. S., Riethmüller, J., Schweizer, G. R., Weinmann, P., … & Weidensee, B. (2018). Chemically modified h CFTR mRNAs recuperate lung function in a mouse model of cystic fibrosis. Scientific reports, 8(1), 16776.

What are the side effects of high dosage?

Common side effects associated with UMP are mild headaches, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea. High dosage may result in; nervousness, gastrointestinal distress, emotional outbursts, and depletion in the levels of vitamin B12 and vitamin B.

Increased intake of uridine supplements also impacts bone development by hampering bone minimization, raising fat cells, and averting bone manufacture. When used in surfeit, UMP results in heart issues like the coagulation of heart valves and eventually heart malfunctioning. Uridine also activates P2Y2 (a protein that in humans is encoded by the P2RY2 gene) receptors that increase the inflammatory cytokines like lymph toxin – an Interleukin-8 (IL-8) along with Interleukin-6 (IL-6).

What is the recommended right dosage for UMP Uridine Monophosphate?

Doctors suggest following all directions on the prescription label. It is advisable not to take this medicine in larger or smaller quantities or for longer than recommended. A dosage of 500 milligrams -1 gram per day is considered normal. However, some people take up to 2 grams every day for optimum effects.

Doctors propose taking 500 milligrams of uridine supplement in the morning hours and then an additional 250 milligrams during the afternoon time. The remaining 250 milligrams is supposed to be taken in the night before going to bed. The idea is to ensure that the correct dosage of UMP is taken and distributed in the body. Also, the definite dosage of the supplement aids in improving and enhancing overall mental health.

Several research studies have reported that uridine supplement is the most effective when consumed in combination with supplements like Choline, DHA, and Vitamin B12. Additionally, introducing a diet rich in uridine monophosphate enhances cholinergic brain functions and offers an edge to capitalize on the supplements.

Important Note – Breastfeeding and pregnant women should consult a doctor before taking any UMP supplements.

Closing Thoughts

Uridine Monophosphate can be found naturally in every living form, from humans to bacteria, and it arguably plays the most important role in cognitive health. Uridine’s performance as a component of Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is so critical that life cannot exist without it.

It is a fascinating little compound and one of the unsung heroes of the nootropic world. It is because of this magical compound; the human mind can store information and create memories. Synapses (a junction between two nerve cells meant to transfer electric activity (information) from one neuron to another) receive instructions from DNA because Uridine and other nucleosides translate them.

It is a team player and performs synergistically with vitamin B12, Choline, and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). It enhances memory, improves mood and alertness, reduces cortisol levels, elevates dopamine levels, and boosts overall cognition.

Uridine Monophosphate supplements are readily available, safe, affordable, and well-tolerated. It plays a vital role in treating and preventing age-related conditions like Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. It alleviates inflammation, and safeguards against stress and hypertension by stimulating the production and release of dopamine, which enhances feelings of motivation and pleasure, enhances blood flow and reduces pain.

Consumption of UMP supplements improves cognitive and verbal functions. It is well worth your consideration if you are keen to make the absolute most of your brain for the rest of your life.

Where to Buy

Uridine supplements are easily available online as a source of high-quality uridine. However, you should order your Uridine supplement only from a recognized brand that has positive reviews and is approved by its users

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Originally posted on January 13, 2020, last updated on March 9, 2023.