orotic acid

Orotic acid is a pyrimidinedione and carboxylic acid that serves as an intermediate in the de novo biosynthesis of pyrimidine nucleotides. Historically referred to as vitamin B13, it is now recognized not to be a true vitamin[1][2][8]. Orotic acid is synthesized in the body via mitochondrial and cytoplasmic enzymes involved in the pyrimidine synthesis pathway. It plays a role as a metabolite and can act as a carrier for minerals in dietary supplements (e.g., lithium orotate)[1]. Clinically, it has been used investigationally to manage uncomplicated liver dysfunction (in combination with xanthine)[2], but its primary significance lies in metabolic diagnostics—urinary excretion of orotic acid is measured to help diagnose urea cycle disorders and hereditary orotic aciduria[5][6][8]. Mechanistically, it participates in nucleotide synthesis by being converted into uridine monophosphate (UMP) through the action of UMP synthase[8].

Other names

uracil-6-carboxylic aciduracil6-carboxylic aciduracil 6-carboxylic acidvitamin B13acido oroticoacidum oroticumoroatsäure