Methylation of Nicotinamide in Patients with Pernicious Anemia

Summary

Administration of nicotinamide to four patients with pernicious anemia results in the urinary excretion of approximately 20% of the compound as the methylated derivative. The levels of N¹-methylnicotin-amide are similar before and after therapy. The methylation of nicotinamide, under the conditions here employed, cannot be used as an index of the nutritional adequacy of vit. B₁₂ or folic acid.