Vitamin B13
Vitamin B13 (orotic acid) was discovered at the beginning of the 20th century, namely, in 1904. Researchers have found that it is found in human and animal milk. From the point of view of biochemistry, vitamin B13 is rather a vitamin-like substance, since it not only enters the human body with food, but is also synthesized under the influence of beneficial bacteria in the intestines.
In its pure form, orotic acid looks like a crystalline substance without color. In the human body, it is designed to perform a number of important physiological processes.
Daily requirement of vitamin B13
On average, the daily requirement for vitamin B13 in an adult is 500-1500 mg. Pregnant women and nursing mothers need twice as much orotic acid per day. Also, athletes need more vitamin B13, as it has a positive effect on the maintenance and growth of muscle mass.
What functions does vitamin B13 perform in the body?
Vitamin B13 is present in almost all tissues and organs of the human body and is involved in a number of vital biochemical processes.
Orotic acid helps in the production of special substances - phospholipids, which are essential for the construction and full functioning of cell membranes. Vitamin B13, through participation in the biosynthesis of nucleic acids, provides favorable conditions for individual cells and the body as a whole. The positive effect of orotic acid on the processes of blood formation has been proven, in particular, vitamin B13 is able to enhance the synthesis of blood cells (leukocytes and erythrocytes). This property makes it possible to use it in the treatment of anemia caused by exposure to ionizing radiation, when it is the processes of blood formation that are disturbed.
The anabolic effect of orotic acid should be noted, i.e. its ability to increase the rate of production of protein molecules, stimulating the rapid growth of muscle mass. It will be appropriate to recall here that many athletes take drugs for intensive muscle growth, which contain substances that have an anabolic effect. And, although, orotic acid is not a hormone, but a non-steroidal compound, nevertheless, it also significantly stimulates the growth of muscle fibers. Often it is prescribed after prolonged fasting and with a decrease in body weight in order to quickly restore protein biosynthesis in the body.
Vitamin B13 has a beneficial effect on the development of pregnancy, contributes to the proper development of the fetus. Also, orotic acid improves the functioning of the liver, helps to restore its cells, which protects this vital organ from degeneration. Vitamin B13 helps to reduce blood cholesterol levels, therefore it is a good prevention of the development of atherosclerotic plaques, which narrow the lumen of blood vessels and disrupt the work of the cardiovascular system.
Medicines containing vitamin B13 are prescribed to patients in the postoperative period and to recover from serious illnesses. Orotic acid is also prescribed to restore the work of the biliary tract and reduce the work of the heart muscle.
Sources of vitamin B13 in foods
Vitamin B13 in foods is found in the form of potassium, magnesium and calcium salts. These compounds, entering the human body along with food, are absorbed into the bloodstream from the intestines. In the blood, orotic acid is released from these salts, which subsequently spreads through the tissues and organs of the human body.
The most common foods with vitamin B13 are yeast, liver and milk, as well as various dairy products (kefir, cottage cheese, yogurt, cheese). Often, the need for this vitamin is satisfied by the production of it by microorganisms that live in the intestine.
Today, the pharmaceutical industry produces vitamin B13 in a dosage form in the form of salts - magnesium orotate or potassium orotate. But it should be remembered that, first of all, these drugs are medicinal, and it is not recommended to use them without a doctor's prescription as a food supplement. Uncontrolled intake of medicines containing vitamin B13 can lead to undesirable consequences and deterioration of human health. If you think that taking these drugs is necessary, first consult with your doctor for contraindications and determine the optimal dosage.
Lack of vitamin B13
With a lack of vitamin B13 in the body, irreversible violations of biochemical reactions occur. First of all, there is a deterioration in the course of skin diseases. However, the development of any specific conditions caused precisely by a lack of vitamin B13 is currently unknown to medicine.
It should be borne in mind that with a lack of vitamin B13, other B vitamins can partially compensate for the deficiency, in some way ensuring the restructuring of metabolic processes.
Excess vitamin B13
As a rule, an excess of vitamin B13 in the human body is observed with the uncontrolled intake of drugs, which contain orotic acid. Excess vitamin B13 can cause the development of allergic reactions (itching, redness of the skin), as well as indigestion. After stopping the intake of drugs containing orotic acid, the above symptoms usually disappear without a trace.
Interaction of vitamin B13 with other substances
Orotic acid is poorly soluble in organic solvents and water. Vitamin B13 is destroyed by light.
It has been established that the assimilation of vitamin B9 occurs as efficiently as possible with a sufficient amount of orotic acid in the body. In addition, orotic acid is able to to some extent compensate for the deficiency in the body of vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin), thereby ensuring the full performance of certain enzymatic reactions.
Sometimes, doctors prescribe vitamin B13 to improve the tolerance of certain antibiotics.
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