Orotic acid is a vitamin-like compound. It can enter the human body from the outside through food, but it is also synthesized by the 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. It intensively absorbs ultraviolet rays and has pronounced acid 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 acid, vitamin B12 and in the synthesis of the amino acid methionine. Orotic acid is also involved in the utilization of glucose, the synthesis of ribose, adenosine triphosphate, the activation of the contractile abilities of muscle tissue, the 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 developing 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), poorly soluble in water. These organic salts are easily absorbed into the blood from the small intestine. Minerals are released into the blood and free orotic acid is transported to the liver, other organs and tissues.
The highest content of orotic acid is found in liver and yeast and a large amount of it is also present in milk and dairy products, especially whey. The main source of orotic acid for humans is cow's milk, partially yogurt and cottage cheese. It is also found in root vegetables.
Daily requirement of 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 aged 1-3 g - 0.125-0.5 g;
- for children aged 3-8 g - 0.25-1 g;
- pregnant women - 3 g;
- nursing mothers - 3 g
Depending on the severity of the disease, daily doses and duration of treatment can be increased, as the drug is non-toxic.
Beneficial properties of vitamin B13
Vitamin B13 has the following beneficial properties:
- Improves reproductive health, favorably affects the development of the fetus 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 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;
- Vitamin B13 regenerates liver cells;
- Reduces the risk of anemia;
- Helps maintain muscle contractility;
- Improves myocardial contraction, preventing myocardial infarction.
Use of vitamin B13
Orotic acid is used as a preparation in the form of potassium orotate, the indications for its use are:
- Liver diseases, cirrhosis;
- Chronic heart failure;
- Viral hepatitis;
- Peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum;
- Nephropathy;
- Botkin's disease;
- Postoperative period;
- The effectiveness of orotic acid has been 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 tolerability of drugs: antibiotics, sulfonamides, rezoquin, delagil, steroid hormones.
Harmful properties of vitamin B13
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 from food products easily and almost completely, except in some cases. A decrease in the absorption of the vitamin occurs if a person consumes alcohol and food that accelerates intestinal motility (for example, dried fruit or prunes).
Vitamin B13 deficiency
Diseases caused by vitamin B13 deficiency have not yet been identified. In the absence of this vitamin, vitamins of group B "replace" orotic acid, providing a certain restructuring of metabolic processes. In rare cases, B13 can be prescribed for adolescents or for serious injuries, when a deficiency of this substance is found.
Vitamin B13 excess
Excessive intake of vitamin B13 in the human body is observed only with uncontrolled intake of drugs containing orotic acid. In this case, the development of allergic reactions, expressed in redness of the skin and appearance of itching, is possible. Gastrointestinal problems may also occur. In large doses, orotic acid can cause impaired liver function or dyspeptic symptoms. Once you stop taking these drugs, these symptoms go away fairly quickly.
Interaction of vitamin B13 with other substances
Vitamin B13 contributes to the best absorption of vitamin B9. In the absence of vitamin B12 in food, the absorbed orotic acid is able to some extent 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, rezoquine, sulfonamides.
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