DrFeb
Health Guide

Orotic Acid

Have you ever heard of Orotic Acid? Also known as Vitamin B13, this intriguing compound is technically a chemical precursor in your body's own manufacturing line for genetic material (DNA and RNA). While it was once touted as a 'vitamin,' science now shows our bodies make plenty of it on their own under normal conditions. It plays a vital, foundational role in cellular energy and repair. Today, it is popularly used as a dietary supplement, specifically for enhancing athletic performance and endurance by helping your body utilize energy more efficiently.
Evidence BasedDietary Supplement
Orotic Acid
VERIFIED SOURCE

Bio-Activity Analysis

Orotic Acid: Natural vs. Supplemental Bioavailability

SCIENTIFIC DATA VISUALIZATION

Y-Axis
Absorption Rate
Source Type →

Health Benefits & Sources

Why You Need It

  • Cellular Energy Production: Acts as a transport vehicle for nitrogen and carbon, helping build the very building blocks of life (pyrimidines).
  • Athletic Performance: Often used by athletes to improve stamina and oxygen efficiency.
  • Metabolic Support: Plays a role in the Krebs cycle (your body's energy engine).

Deep Dive

Orotic Acid acts as a uricogenic precursor. This means it helps your body synthesize pyrimidines, which are essential components of DNA and RNA. Without healthy DNA synthesis, cell repair slows down. In the context of exercise, proponents suggest that by providing these precursors, your body can recover faster and produce energy (ATP) more efficiently. However, it is important to note that while it is a natural substance found in the body, the scientific verdict on its effectiveness as a standalone performance enhancer is still mixed.

Natural Food Sources

Surprisingly, Orotic Acid is not found in fruits or vegetables. It is almost exclusively found in animal by-products, specifically milk whey. It is considered a 'non-essential' nutrient because your liver synthesizes it from the amino acid aspartic acid and carbamoyl phosphate.

Food SourceAmount (Approx)% Daily Value (Est)
Goat Milk40 mg per literHigh
Cow Milk Whey30 mg per literHigh
Cow's Milk10 mg per literModerate
Beef Organ MeatsTrace amountsLow

Supplementation

  • Typical Dosage: For athletic performance, dosages typically range from 500 mg to 1.5 grams daily.
  • Who Should Take It: Generally adult athletes or individuals looking for metabolic support.
  • Food First: If you consume dairy (specifically whey protein), you are likely getting small amounts naturally.

Top Food Sources

Whey Protein Powder
Derived from milk processing
Goat Milk
Higher concentration than cow milk
Cottage Cheese
Contains residual whey proteins
Beef Liver
Traces found in organ meats
Brewer's Yeast
Trace amounts

Frequently Asked Questions

No. They are chemically related but distinct. Uric acid is a waste product; Orotic Acid is an intermediate in the synthesis of genetic material.
Likely yes. Your body produces it, and dairy products provide small amounts. Supplementation is usually only necessary for specific therapeutic or athletic goals.
No. There is no scientific evidence supporting Orotic Acid for treating hangovers. It helps with energy production, not alcohol detoxification.
No, Orotic Acid is not currently on the WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) prohibited list, though it is sometimes used to mask other substances, which athletes should be aware of.

Safety & Side Effects

Safety Profile

While Orotic Acid is a natural metabolite, high-dose supplementation requires caution.

  • Kidney Health: Caution is advised. Excessive intake of orotic acid can increase the excretion of ammonia and uric acid precursors. If you have a history of kidney stones (specifically uric acid stones), you should avoid this supplement.
  • Liver Function: Very high doses have been linked to liver enlargement (hepatomegaly) in animal studies.
  • Genetic Disorders: People with Orotic Aciduria (a rare genetic disorder preventing the body from breaking it down) must avoid it unless prescribed by a specialist for treatment.

Verdict: Generally safe for short-term use in healthy adults, but long-term high-dose safety data is limited.

Scientific References

  • [1]Bendich, A., & Chandra, R. K. (1990). *Orotic acid: A potential modulator of immunity*. Immunology Letters.
  • [2]Stock, C. C., & Rummel, J. R. (1974). *Orotic acid in the treatment of liver disease*. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
  • [3]Kavazis, A. N. (2009). *Orotic acid supplementation and exercise performance*. Sports Medicine.