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Can Dietary Nucleotides Help Preserve Cognitive Function During Aging?

A randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial published in Nutrients has demonstrated that nucleotide-rich yeast extracts derived from Kluyveromyces fragilis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae can significantly improve cognitive performance in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The study evaluated two Prosol ingredients, RiboDIET® and RiboMIX SC, over a six-month supplementation period in adults aged 60–85 with MCI.

As life expectancy continues to increase worldwide, maintaining cognitive health has become one of the greatest challenges of healthy ageing. Millions of older adults experience mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a condition characterised by subtle but measurable declines in memory, attention and cognitive performance. Whilst MCI does not necessarily progress to dementia, it is considered an important warning sign that deserves early intervention.

Nutrition is increasingly recognised as one of the key factors influencing brain health. Among the ingredients attracting growing scientific attention are dietary nucleotides, naturally occurring compounds involved in cellular metabolism, tissue repair and nervous system function. However, despite promising preclinical findings, clinical evidence in humans has remained limited.

A newly published randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial has now provided encouraging evidence supporting the role of nucleotide-rich yeast extracts in cognitive health among older adults with mild cognitive impairment.

A six-month clinical study in older adults

The study involved 72 men and women aged between 60 and 85 years who had been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either a nucleotide-rich extract from Kluyveromyces fragilis (RiboDIET®), a nucleotide-rich extract from Saccharomyces cerevisiae (RiboMIX SC), or a placebo for six months. Both ingredients are naturally rich in free nucleotides, including AMP, CMP, UMP and GMP, compounds that play essential roles in cellular and neurological functions. Researchers evaluated cognitive performance at the beginning of the study, after three months and after six months using internationally recognised assessment tools, including the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Quality of life was also monitored throughout the intervention period.

Meaningful improvements in cognitive performance

After six months, participants receiving either of the nucleotide-rich yeast extracts showed significant improvements in cognitive scores compared with those receiving placebo.

Subjects supplemented with RiboDIET® experienced an average increase of 4.4 points in MoCA score, whilst those receiving RiboMIX SC improved by nearly 4 points. In contrast, the placebo group showed virtually no meaningful change. Particularly noteworthy was the fact that participants receiving the active ingredients reached cognitive scores associated with normal cognitive function by the end of the study.

The second cognitive assessment tool, MMSE, confirmed these findings. Both active groups demonstrated significant improvements, whilst the placebo group remained essentially unchanged.

These results suggest that dietary nucleotides may contribute to maintaining cognitive performance and supporting brain function during ageing.

Beyond cognition: benefits for mental well-being

The positive effects extended beyond cognitive testing. Participants receiving the yeast extracts also reported improvements in the mental component of quality of life assessments.

Whilst physical well-being scores remained stable, measures related to mental well-being improved significantly in both supplementation groups, suggesting a broader impact on how participants perceived their overall mental health and daily functioning.

Why nucleotides matter for brain health

Nucleotides are fundamental building blocks for life. In addition to their role in genetic material, they participate in energy production, cellular communication and membrane synthesis.

Researchers believe that dietary nucleotides may support brain health through multiple mechanisms. They can contribute to the synthesis of membrane phospholipids, essential components of neuronal cells, whilst also supporting synaptic function and neuroplasticity. Emerging evidence also suggests a role in reducing oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, two processes strongly associated with age-related cognitive decline.

Previous experimental research involving RiboDIET® demonstrated its ability to reduce oxidative stress, inflammation and amyloid-related pathology in preclinical models, providing a strong scientific rationale for the current human investigation.

A promising opportunity for healthy ageing formulations

One of the most encouraging aspects of the study was its excellent tolerability profile. No adverse events were reported during the six-month intervention period, supporting the safety of long-term supplementation with nucleotide-rich yeast extracts.

Although larger multicentre studies will be necessary to confirm these findings, the results add to a growing body of evidence supporting the use of dietary nucleotides in healthy ageing strategies.

For nutraceutical manufacturers, the publication represents an important step forward. As consumer interest in cognitive wellness, active ageing and brain health continues to grow, clinically supported nucleotide-rich ingredients such as RiboDIET® and RiboMIX SC may offer new opportunities for the development of evidence-based formulations designed to support cognitive function and mental well-being throughout the ageing process.