We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Orotic Acid?

By Douglas Bonderud
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 15,541
Share

Orotic acid is a naturally-occurring substance produced in the human body by intestinal flora. The acid is also known as vitamin B13 or pyrimidinecarboxylic acid. It is not actually a vitamin, but was originally classified as such after being added to the diets of laboratory animals in the 1960s. The addition of it to their food encouraged heart health and showed other vitamin-like benefits.

The main functions of this acid are to metabolize folic acid along with vitamin B12. An abundance of orotic acid acts as a counter for vitamin B12 deficiency, and has a sparing effect on B12 in the body. An abundance of orotic acid is used in place of vitamin B12 — not by completely replacing it, but by slowing the down the damage done by a B12 deficiency.

This acid is used in cosmetics, medical products, and as an animal feed supplement. It is also utilized in the world of competitive bodybuilding, as it is thought to increase the production of adenosine triphosphate(ATP), which is the body's main energy source. 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. One 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. There are studies, however, such as one conducted by Smith and Schou in 1979, that demonstrate that lithium orotate is cleared far less efficiently by the kidneys than other lithium supplements. This had led to 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 atom of carbon in addition to one 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 brought on by excessive consumption. In adults, it causes an interruption of the urea cycle. In children, it can cause inhibition of DNA and RNA synthesis leading to mental or physical damage.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-orotic-acid.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.