Vitamin B13 (orotic Acid)

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

Orotic acid is a vitamin-like compound. It can enter the human body from the outside through food, but it is also synthesized by beneficial bacteria in the gut. Orotic acid stimulates growth and affects many basic physiological processes.

Physical and chemical properties of vitamin B13

vitamin B13 (Orotic acid) is a white crystalline powder, soluble in water, a vitamin-like substance. The chemical formula is C5H4N2O4 (2,6-dihydroxypyrimidine-4-carboxylic acid). In the free state, these are white crystals with a melting point of 345-346 ° C. B13 is insoluble in acids, but dissolves well in bases and hot water. Intensively absorbs ultraviolet rays and has pronounced acidic properties, easily forming salts with metals.

Biological function of vitamin B13

Orotic acid is involved in the metabolic processes of proteins and phospholipids, folic and pantothenic acids, vitamin B12 and in the synthesis of the amino acid methions. Orotic acid is also involved in the utilization of glucose, ribose synthesis, adenosine triphosphate, activation of the contractile abilities of muscle tissue, growth and development of cells and tissues (especially muscle tissue), in the creation of muscle carnosine reserves.

Orotic acid has a stimulating effect on protein metabolism, has a beneficial effect on the functional state of the liver, accelerates the regeneration of liver cells, reduces the risk of steatosis, helps reduce blood cholesterol levels, and also improves myocardial contraction, has a beneficial effect on reproductive function and growth processes.

Food sources of vitamin B13

In food orotic acid is in the form of compounds with minerals (magnesium, potassium, calcium salts), slightly soluble in water. These organic salts are easily absorbed into the blood from the small intestine. Minerals are excreted in the blood and free orotic acid is transported to the liver, other organs and tissues.

The highest content of orotic acid is found in the liver and yeast (yeast), and a large amount of it is present in milk and dairy products, especially whey. The main source of orotic acid for humans it is cow's milk, in particular yogurt and cottage cheese. It is also found in root vegetables.

Daily need for vitamin B13

The daily dose of orotic acid is:

- for adults - 0.5-1.5 g, sometimes up to 3 g;

- infants - 0.125-0, 25 g;

- for children 1-3 years - 0.125-0.5 years;

- for children aged 3-8 years - 0.25-1 years;

- pregnant women - 3 years;

- nursing mothers - 3 years

Depending on the severity of the disease, daily doses and duration of treatment may be increased as the drug is non-toxic.

Useful properties of vitamin B13

Vitamin B13 has the following beneficial properties:

- Orotic acid improves reproductive health, has a beneficial effect on fetal development during pregnancy;

- It is possible to prevent some of the problems related to the liver and premature aging;

- Helps in the treatment of multiple sclerosis;

- Participates in the synthesis of methionine, in the metabolism of folic acid, pantothenic acid and vitamin B12;

- Has anabolic properties;

- Stimulates protein synthesis;

- Helps in cell division;

- Improves the growth and development of the body;

- Regenerates liver cells;

- Reduces the risk of anemia;

- Helps maintain muscle contractility;

- Improves myocardial contraction by preventing myocardial infarction.

Use of vitamin B13

Orotic acid is used as a preparation in the form of potassium orotate, the indications for its intake are:

- Liver disease, cirrhosis;

- Chronic heart failure;

- Viral hepatitis;

- Peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum;

- Nephropathy;

- Botkin's disease;

- Postoperative period;

- The effectiveness of orotic acid is shown in children from 6 months to 10 years, suffering from various skin diseases (eczema, neurodermatitis, psoriasis, ichthyosis);

- Orotic acid is prescribed to improve the tolerance of drugs: antibiotics, sulfonamides, resoquine, delagil, steroid hormones.

Harmful properties of vitamin B13

The long term use of orotic acid has not caused any side effects or complications. In some cases, allergic reactions may occur.

Absorption of vitamin B13

Vitamin B13 is absorbed by food easily and almost completely, except in some cases. Decreased vitamin absorption occurs if a person consumes alcohol and foods that speed up intestinal motility (such as dried fruits or plums).

Vitamin B13 deficiency

No diseases caused by vitamin B13 deficiency. In the absence of this vitamin, other B vitamins "replace" orotic acid, providing some restructuring of metabolic processes. In rare cases, B13 may be prescribed to adolescents or to serious injuries when a deficiency of this substance is found.

Excess vitamin B13

Excessive intake of vitamin B13 in the human body is observed only with uncontrolled intake of drugs containing orotic acid. In this case, the possible development of allergic reactions, expressed in redness of the skin and itching. Gastrointestinal upset may also occur. In large doses, orotic acid may cause liver dysfunction or dyspeptic symptoms. Once you stop taking these medications, these symptoms disappear fairly quickly.

Interaction of vitamin B13 with other substances

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Vitamin B13 contributes to the best absorption of vitamin B9. In the absence of vitamin B12 in the diet, ingested orotic acid is to some extent able to compensate for the deficiency of this substance, ensuring the normal course of a number of enzymatic reactions.

B13 helps the body to better tolerate certain antibiotics, steroid hormones, delagil, resoquine, sulfonamides.