Uridine
A nucleotide base that plays a critical role in brain cell membrane synthesis, synapse formation, and dopamine receptor expression. Part of the well-known 'Mr. Happy Stack' (Uridine + Fish Oil + Choline) that synergistically supports mood and cognitive function. Uridine monophosphate is the preferred supplemental form for brain bioavailability.
Dosage
Standard: 150-250 mg Uridine Monophosphate sublingually or orally, twice daily. Best combined with fish oil (DHA) and a choline source for the full 'Mr. Happy Stack' protocol.
Dosages shown are for research reference only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
Half-Life
2-5 hours
Administration
Sublingual or oral. Uridine monophosphate is the preferred form. Triacetyluridine (TAU) is a more bioavailable prodrug.
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Mechanism of Action
Uridine (as UMP) is phosphorylated to UTP and enters the Kennedy pathway, where it combines with choline via CTP:phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase to form CDP-choline — the rate-limiting step in phosphatidylcholine synthesis. Uridine provides the nucleotide component needed for constructing phosphatidylcholine in neuronal cell membranes and synaptic vesicles. Uridine stimulates neurite outgrowth and synaptogenesis via activation of P2Y receptors and downstream PI3K/Akt signaling. It upregulates dopamine D2 receptor expression in the striatum and enhances dopaminergic neurotransmission. When combined with DHA (from fish oil) and choline, the three compounds synergistically increase synaptic membrane synthesis, dendritic spine density, and dopaminergic signaling — the 'Mr. Happy Stack' mechanism.
Regulatory Status
Dietary supplement. Available without prescription.
Risks & Safety
Common
Mild gastrointestinal discomfort, diarrhea.
Serious
Very limited long-term human supplementation data.
Rare
Lethargy, vivid dreams, depressive symptoms in some users.
Compare Uridine With
Research Papers
10Published: September 24, 2023
AI Summary
Furthermore, it can protect cells from hypoxic injury by reducing intracellular oxidative stress, promoting high-energy compounds synthesis. Previous studies have shown that the protective effects of uridine are closely related to its effect on mitochondria.
Published: September 14, 2020
AI Summary
This research has culminated in the development of complementary strategies that can lead to effective uridine-based inhibitors and antibiotics. The strengths and challenges of the juxtaposing methods will be illustrated by examining select uridine natural products.
Published: February 28, 2024
AI Summary
Abnormal levels of blood uridine have been found in people with diabetes and obesity, suggesting a link of uridine dysregulation and metabolic disorders. This article summarizes the latest findings about the metabolic effects of uridine and the potential of uridine metabolism as therapeutic target in treatment of metabolic disorders.
Published: April 13, 2020
AI Summary
Uridine is mostly present in blood and cerebrospinal fluid, where it contributes to the maintenance of basic cellular functions affected by UPase enzyme activity, feeding habits, and ATP depletion. This review is devoted to uridine metabolism and its role in glucose, lipid, and amino acid homeostasis.
Published: April 30, 2001
AI Summary
Especially, N3-phenacyluridine markedly enhanced pentobarbital- and diazepam-induced sleep by 6- and 70-fold, respectively. It is suggested that uridine is released from steps of nucleic acid-nucleic protein biosynthesis (catabolism), and reaches the binding sites in the areas of the brain which regulate natural sleep.
Published: September 17, 2011
AI Summary
Factors associated with an increase in plasma concentration of uridine include enhanced ATP consumption, enhanced uridine diphosphate (UDP)-glucose consumption via glycogenesis, inhibited uridine uptake by cells via the nucleoside transport pathway, increased intestinal absorption, and increased 5-phosphribosyl-1-pyrophosphate and urea synthesis...
Published: May 3, 1999
AI Summary
An understanding of how uridine and its nucleotides modulate such vastly complicated biological systems should ultimately lead to the development of new ways for modulating human physiology in both normal and diseased states.
Published: July 28, 2025
AI Summary
Uridine plays a major role as a key biomolecule in health maintenance and disease treatment. The review aims to provide new perspectives and implications for uridine research and to promote further application of uridine in the medical field.
Published: May 20, 2004
AI Summary
In this review, we discuss in detail the role of UPase in the regulation of uridine homeostasis and pyrimidine metabolism and in the activation of fluoropyrimidines. To address its potential in cancer treatment, we will also discuss the regulatory mechanisms of UPase gene expression and its induction in tumor tissues.
Published: May 23, 2023
AI Summary
Our results showed that UDP, and especially UTP, inhibited ADP- and collagen-induced aggregation in a concentration-dependent manner. Collectively, our data showed that UTP inhibited platelet aggregation in a concentration-dependent manner and suppressed clot formation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Uridine used for?
A nucleotide base that plays a critical role in brain cell membrane synthesis, synapse formation, and dopamine receptor expression. Part of the well-known 'Mr. Happy Stack' (Uridine + Fish Oil + Choline) that synergistically supports mood and cognitive function. Uridine monophosphate is the preferred supplemental form for brain bioavailability.
What are the side effects of Uridine?
Common: Mild gastrointestinal discomfort, diarrhea. Serious: Very limited long-term human supplementation data. Rare: Lethargy, vivid dreams, depressive symptoms in some users.
How is Uridine administered?
Uridine is administered via sublingual or oral. uridine monophosphate is the preferred form. triacetyluridine (tau) is a more bioavailable prodrug..
What is the half-life of Uridine?
The half-life of Uridine is 2-5 hours.
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