ISSUE FOCUS FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE December 2025 49 HOW NUCLEOTIDES WORK IN THE BODY Nucleotides support some of the body’s most energy-intensive and renewal-driven processes. Their role in immune function is among the most critical, as the rapid production of immune cells depends on a steady supply of nucleotides. During infection, inflammation, or stress, these cells divide and differentiate at a higher rate, and external sources of nucleotides may help sustain immune responsiveness and recovery. They are also vital for tissue repair and maintenance. Cells of the intestinal lining, the immune system, and red blood cells have short lifespans and require constant renewal. A sufficient supply of nucleotides supports this regeneration, helping maintain gut integrity, immune readiness, and efficient oxygen transport throughout the body. When it comes to metabolism, nucleotides fuel the conversion of nutrients into usable energy. This energy supports muscle contraction, organ performance, and the body’s day-to-day performance. During periods of stress, like illness, travel, reproduction, or environmental changes, pets tend to experience elevated cellular turnover and energy demand. Supplementation may help the body stay balanced and support better recovery during times of stress. DIETARY SOURCES AND FORMULATION OPPORTUNITIES While commercial pet foods contain some naturally occurring nucleotides, mainly from meat and organ ingredients, the levels may not be sufficient to meet increased physiological demands. Due to this, formulators are exploring dietary nucleotide supplementation as part of functional and therapeutic diets. High-quality nucleotide sources can be derived from yeast extracts, certain fish meals, and marine ingredients such as krill meal (Figure 1). There is growing interest in marine-derived nucleotide sources, resulting in studies that explore bioavailability and potential synergy with other nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, choline, and astaxanthin, which are key components associated with cellular health and anti-inflammatory effects. Dietary nucleotides have particular relevance in formulations designed for life stages or conditions in which cellular turnover and immune activity are heightened. Growing puppies and kittens, for example, benefit from an additional supply to support rapid tissue development and immune maturation. Working and athletic dogs may also require higher nucleotide levels to sustain energy metabolism and muscle recovery during periods of intense physical activity. In older pets, reduced metabolic efficiency and slower regenerative capacity can make supplemental nucleotides useful for maintaining immune balance and well-being. Animals recovering from surgery, illness, or stress may also respond well to diets enriched with nucleotide sources to help restore cell function and overall resilience. For stress-prone or immune-compromised pets, these formulations offer a way to help stabilize the body’s natural defense systems and promote long-term health. THE ROAD AHEAD As the pet food industry becomes increasingly shaped by science and sustainability, interest in functional ingredients like nucleotides will continue to grow. Across the sector, there is a growing focus on balancing efficacy, palatability, and natural sourcing with consumers’ expectations for evNucleotides K-value Adenosine 30 Guanosine ATP Hypoxanthine AMP 184 88 IMP 101 Inosine 645 UMP 10 26 <10 29.4 Numbers given in mg/kg Nucleotides present in QRILL Pet meal Figure 1
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