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An investigation of orotic acid levels in the breastmilk of smoking and non-smoking mothers

Abstract

Aim: In this study; orotic acid levels in the milk of smoking and non-smoking mothers were investigated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

Results: It was found that the amount of orotic acid in the milk of smoking mothers (3.92±0.20 µg/ml) was higher than that of non-smoking mothers (1.66±0.15 µg/ml). Orotic acids levels in the milk of smoking mothers in comparison with non-smokers were found to be statistically significant (P<0.005).

Conclusion: Smoking may have increased the orotic acid levels by affecting pyrimidine biosynthesis pathway.

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Correspondence to F Karatas.

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Karatas, F. An investigation of orotic acid levels in the breastmilk of smoking and non-smoking mothers. Eur J Clin Nutr 56, 958–960 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ejcn.1601420

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