There is a growing body of research that demonstrates a role for dieta
ry nucleotides, the building blocks of RNA and DNA, during intestinal
development, turnover, and repair. There is evidence that the effects
of purine nucleotides may be mediated through intestinal gene transcri
ption and, more specifically, through the action of transcription fact
ors that, at least sometimes, are directly related to nutrition. Some
of the suggested specific roles for dietary nucleotides include the en
hancement of the normal host defense system, effects on neonatal lipid
metabolism, and influence on iron bioavailability. This review focuse
s on the potential role of dietary (purine) nucleotides in the mainten
ance of intestinal integrity and reviews potential mechanisms for thes
e effects.