Orotic acid, also known as vitamin B13, is produced by the intestinal flora and helps metabolize folic acid and vitamin B12. It is used in cosmetics, medical products, and as a feed supplement for animals. Orotic acid is also used in bodybuilding and as a mineral carrier for dietary supplements. However, an excess of orotic acid can lead to a condition called orotic aciduria, which can cause mental or physical damage.
Orotic acid is a natural substance produced in the human body by the intestinal flora. The acid is also known as vitamin B13 or pyrimidinecarboxylic acid. It’s not actually a vitamin, but it was originally classified as such after being added to the diets of laboratory animals in the 1960s. Adding it to their food promoted heart health and showed other vitamin-like benefits .
The main functions of this acid are to metabolize folic acid along with vitamin B12. A large amount of orotic acid acts as a counter for vitamin B12 deficiency and has a preserving effect on vitamin B12 in the body. A large amount of orotic acid is used in place of vitamin B12, not completely replacing it, but lessening the damage caused by a B12 deficiency.
This acid is used in cosmetics, medical products, and as a feed supplement for animals. It is also used in the world of competitive bodybuilding as it is believed to increase the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the body’s main source of energy. Orotic acid does this by acting as a precursor to phosphoribosylpyrophosphate (PRPP), which in turn is used in pyrimidine biosynthesis. The greater the amount of PRPP present in a body, the more ATP can be produced.
Orotates, or the salts of this orotic acid, are also used in commercial applications, as mineral carriers for dietary supplements. An example of this is lithium orotate, which is a combination of lithium and orotic acid salt. This is often used to treat stress, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and alcoholism.
It is widely available for commercial purchase, and is often recommended by naturopaths as an alternative to lithium carbonate. However, there are studies, such as one by Smith and Schou in 1979, showing that lithium orotate is cleared by the kidneys much less efficiently than other lithium supplements. This has raised some concern that lithium orotate may do more harm than good.
The chemical structure of orotic acid makes it a heterocyclic compound. These are organic and contain at least one carbon atom in addition to an element other than carbon, such as nitrogen or oxygen. They form a ring structure when assembled.
An excess of orotic acid leads to a condition known as orotic aciduria. This condition can be hereditary or caused by excessive consumption. In adults, it causes a disruption of the urea cycle. In children, it can cause inhibition of DNA and RNA synthesis leading to mental or physical damage.
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