Health & Well-Being A-Z

RNA and DNA

3D image concept of DNA and RNA molecules
Description

RNA (ribonucleic acid) and DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) are chemical compounds that are made by the body. They can also be made in a laboratory. RNA and DNA are sometimes used as medicine.

People take RNA and DNA for conditions such as athletic performance, stomach and intestine problems, immune system problems, aging, and many others, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Is It Effective?

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NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.

Insufficient evidence
  • Athletic performance. Early research shows that taking RNA and DNA compounds under the tongue can help athletes to exercise at a high intensity for longer. Taking RNA and DNA compounds by mouth along with things like protein compounds and B vitamins helps some athletes to recover faster after hard exercise.
  • Burns. Early research suggests that taking RNA and DNA by mouth in the hospital doesn't help people to recover from burns any more than regular nutritional formulas.
  • A long-term disorder of the large intestines that causes stomach pain (irritable bowel syndrome or IBS).
  • Aging.
  • Alzheimer's disease.
  • Decreased sex drive.
  • Depression.
  • Eczema.
  • Hives.
  • Improving memory.
  • Infection after surgery.
  • Obesity.
  • Psoriasis.
  • Sagging skin.
  • Shingles.
  • Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of RNA and DNA for these uses.

Is it Safe?

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RNA (ribonucleic acid) and DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) contain chemicals called nucleotides that are made by the body. Normally, they are not needed in the diet. However, they appear to be necessary at certain times, such as during surgery or injury, when there are challenges to the immune system, or when more healthy cells in the intestine are needed.

Safety

When taken by mouth: RNA and DNA are LIKELY SAFE when consumed in the amounts found in food. Also, RNA is safe for most people when taken along with omega-3 fatty acids and L-arginine. There isn't enough reliable information to know if RNA/DNA combinations are safe or what the side effects might be.

When given as a shot: RNA is POSSIBLY SAFE when injected under the skin. Injections of RNA can cause itching, redness, and swelling at the injection site.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It might be UNSAFE to take RNA and DNA as a supplement if you are pregnant. Some evidence suggests that DNA might cross the placenta and cause birth defects.

There isn't enough reliable information to know if RNA and DNA are safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Children: Infant formulas that contain RNA or DNA compounds are LIKELY SAFE for children during the first 12 months of life.

Drug interactions

It is not known if RNA and DNA interacts with any medicines. Before taking RNA and DNA, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.

Herb interactions

There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.

Food interactions

There are no known interactions with foods.

Dosage

The appropriate dose of RNA and DNA depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for RNA and DNA. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

Other names

Acide Désoxyribonucléique, Acide Nucléique, Acides Nucléiques, ADN, ADN-ARN, ADN/ARN, ARN et ADN, ARN y ADN, DNA, Deoxynucleic Acid, Deoxyribonucleic Acid, Extrait Ribonucléique, Nuclei Acids, Nucleic, Nucleic Acid, Nucleic Acids, Nucleotides, Nucléotides, Purines, Pyrimidines, Ribonucleotides, RNA, RNA-DNA, RNA/DNA, Ribonucleic Acid, Ribonucleic Extract.

Disclaimer

Information on this website is for informational use only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While evidence-based, it is not guaranteed to be error-free and is not intended to meet any particular user’s needs or requirements or to cover all possible uses, safety concerns, interactions, outcomes, or adverse effects. Always check with your doctor or other medical professional before making healthcare decisions (including taking any medication) and do not delay or disregard seeking medical advice or treatment based on any information displayed on this website.

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