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

Experiments were conducted on newborn infants to determine the 24-hour elimination of nicotinamide methochloride under normal conditions or following the administration 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. Premature infants eliminated less nicotinamide methochloride than normal newborn infants under the same conditions. Evidence is presented which indicates that coramine is normally converted to nicotinamide and excreted as nicotinamide methochloride. Under the conditions of the experiment methionine had little or no effect on the methylation of nicotinamide.