The role of dietary sources of nucleotides in immune function: a review.

Dietary sources of preformed purines and pyrimidines seem to be important for optimal function of the cellular immune response. It was previously assumed that nucleotides were not needed for normal growth and development, but the results described in this review demonstrate a need for nucleotides in the response to immunological challenges. This effect is likely due to a requirement for preformed pyrimidines for proper development and activation of T cells. The need for sources of preformed nucleotides in defined formulas such as parenteral and enteral formulas and infant formulas is suggested by the studies reviewed below.