Biosynthesis of Nicotinamide in Man.

Abstract

Human subjects placed on a purified diet containing only 1.5-2.0 mg. nicotinamide/day developed no signs of deficiency. Their output of N-methyl nicotinamide (F2) in the urine was not noticeably reduced. The maintenance of health and the normal excretion of the vit. derivative in the urine are attributed to biosynthesis of nicotinamide by intestinal bacteria. An attempt to inhibit such biosynthesis by giving sulfa suxidine was unsuccessful.