Metabolism of Nicotinamide, Nicotinic Acid and Diethylamide of Nicotinic Acid (Coramine) by Newborn and Premature Infants

Abstract

Expts. were conducted on new-born infants to determine the 24 hr. elimination of nicotin-amide methochloride under normal conditions or following the admn. of nicotinamide, nicotinic acid or coramine. With regard to the influence of the 3 compounds tested on nicotinamide methochloride output, nicotinamide proved to be the most active followed by nicotinic acid and then coramine. It appears probable that coramine is not methylated as such but is converted to nicotinamide in the body and then methylated. The admn. of 0.6 g. of methionine to each of 8 full term infants failed to augment the excretion of nicotinamide methochloride following the ingestion of nicotinamide. (Premature infants excreted considerably less of the methochloride than normal infants under the same conditions.