What Is Uridine Monophosphate?
Uridine has many roles in the brain. The most common supplemental form of Uridine is the Monophosphate form for its bioavailability compared to pure Uridine.
We need Uridine to survive — without it, our cells wouldn’t be able to function. Most of the uridine we need comes from our diet — however, it’s poorly absorbed across the digestive tract and blood-brain barrier.
For this reason, Uridine Monophosphate is better for delivering Uridine to the brain where it’s used to support cognitive processes such as memory and learning.
Supplementing Uridine Monophosphate optimises cognitive function by supporting the manufacturer of neurotransmitters including acetylcholine and new nerve cells.
This supplement is primarily used to boost the learning process, support memory, and improve focus and concentration.
The Science Behind Uridine Monophosphate
This form of Uridine is classified as an esterified phosphoric acid — which essentially means its a combination of phosphate and Uridine — 1 of the 5 nucleotides that make up our RNA.
Both of these precursors are used to build new neurons and key neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine.
1. Building Blocks for RNA
Inside the cells, our DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) are the instructions for building more cells, enzymes, neurotransmitters, hormones, and various other proteins and fatty acid substances.
The DNA holds the instructions, but it’s too important to be part of the manufacturing facilities of the cell (the ribosomes). If DNA becomes damaged at any point, it can lead to serious consequences. Instead of risking the DNA itself, a copy is made — we call this copy RNA (ribonucleic acid).
The RNA moves over to the manufacturing facilities in the cell where the instructions can be used to build whatever we need.
Uridine is one of the primary components of RNA — everything our cells do require the help of Uridine to do it. This makes this compound incredibly important for our overall health.
2. Acetylcholine Production
Optimizing acetylcholine levels is one of the primary targets of nootropic compounds used for supporting learning and memory — such as alpha-GPC.
Uridine Monophosphate also supports acetylcholine production. It regulates the production of a compound called citocholine which is an important precursor for acetylcholine.
When uridine levels are low, our ability to manufacture acetylcholine becomes limited. This may result in difficulties performing cognitive functions involved with memory and learning.
Uridine Monophosphate won’t boost this system past its normal level — however, it’s extremely useful for optimising the process by ensuring Uridine levels are sufficient for the brain to manufacture as much acetylcholine as it needs.
3. Neurogenesis
Neurogenesis is the process of building new neurons in the brain and spinal cord from neural stem cells.
The formation of new neurons is a key process in the formation of new memories and resisting gradual neurodegeneration that comes naturally with old age.
One of the primary building blocks of new neurons is a phospholipid compound known as phosphatidylcholine which relies on uridine to manufacture some of the precursors used to make it.
Uridine is also thought to activate the P2Y2 receptors in the brain — which control the process of neurogenesis in the brain.
Is Uridine Monophosphate The Supplement For Me?
Uridine Monophosphate is commonly taken alongside other nootropics as a way to optimise neurological function.
The important role Uridine plays in the manufacture of acetylcholine and neurons make it especially useful for students looking to optimise the brain’s performance whilst learning. It’s also highly popular with the elderly as it may slow age-related cognitive decline through its support of neurogenesis in the brain.