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Vitamin U
Last reviewed: 07.06.2024
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A derivative of the essential amino acid methionine, the organic compound S-methylmethionine, has been known as vitamin U for many years.
Brief history
In the late 1940s and early 1950s, Dr. Garnett Cheney of Stanford University School of Medicine (California), who was treating a group of patients with stomach ulcers with cabbage juice, came to the conclusion that an unknown substance in raw cabbage juice could reduce the pain of stomach ulcers and accelerate their healing. [1] In 1952, the doctor gave this substance with vitamin-like properties in relation to stomach ulcers the name vitamin U (from the Latin ulceris - ulcer). [2] In addition, hypolipidemic and inhibitory effects on 3T3-L1 preadipocyte differentiation have been reported. [3], [4] S-methylmethionine has wound-healing and photoprotective effects on the skin and thus can be used as a cosmetic raw material. [5] It was later identified by other researchers as the aliphatic acyclic higher plant compound S-methylmethionine (S-methyl-L-methionine or S-methylmethionine-sulfonium).
What foods contain vitamin U
The most vitamin U (S-methylmethionine) is found in cabbage and Brussels sprouts, broccoli and kohlrabi, asparagus, beets, turnips, tomatoes, corn, garlic, celery and parsley greens, spinach, leeks and green onions. But in first place are plants of the Crucíferae (cruciferous) family, which primarily include all types of cabbage. [6], [7]
In plants, S-methylmethionine is an active component of the methionine cycle (a sulfur-containing aminocarboxylic acid), which plays an important role in plant cell metabolism, protection of plant photochemical systems, and providing resistance to abiotic stress factors (negative physical or chemical environmental effects).
What does the body need vitamin U for?
The human body does not require S-methylmethionine for metabolism or the functioning of internal systems: it helps with peptic ulcers that form on the gastric mucosa, affecting its secretory and acid-forming functions.
More recent studies have shown the potential of S-methyl-L-methionine for healing and skin wounds: due to its ability to activate skin fibroblasts. Vitamin U may also provide some protection against UV rays. [8]
The recommended dietary allowance for vitamin F has not been established because S-methylmethionine is not a true vitamin.
Indications Vitamin U
Vitamin U for stomach is used for increased stomach acidity.
S-methylmethionine sulfonium or vitamin U is recommended for gastritis with hyperacidity; for Barrett's esophagus; for patients with peptic ulcer disease of the stomach and duodenum, and with gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Vitamin U for the gut may provide relief if you have non-specific ulcerative colitis.
According to the ATC, methylmethionine sulfonium chloride belongs to drugs used for acid-dependent disorders and has the code A02BX04.
Release form
Vitamin U is produced in capsules: dietary supplement Revita-U with vitamins C, P and U (Origel Technology, Serbia), food supplements Vitamin U + Probiotics (Nu-Format, USA) and Swiss Vitamin U (Slovakia), Vitamin U chloride, Doktovit (Ukraine) - with vitamins B5 and U (in capsules and tablets).
Preparations: Gastrarex capsules (Grokam GBL, Poland) - with S-methylmethionine sulfonium chloride.
Vitamin U in tablets - Gastrazyme (Vitamin U Complex) manufactured by Biotics (USA).
There are vitamin U creams available, such as the anti-aging vitamin U cream, CU SKIN Vitamin U Cream, a Korean rejuvenating cream for mature skin.
Pharmacodynamics
The mechanism of action of vitamin U (S-methyl-L-methionine) is related to the fact that it participates in the inactivation of histamine (which stimulates the production of hydrochloric acid by the fundic glands of the stomach) to methyl histamine - by methylation of its imidazole ring. This leads to normalization of the pH (acidity) of gastric juice.
In addition, S-methylmethionine has gastroprotective properties: it increases the release of mucin, which protects the mucous membrane of the stomach walls from the action of hydrochloric acid of gastric juice.
Pharmacokinetics
The metabolism and mode of excretion of metabolites of S-methylmethionine is being studied.
Dosing and administration
Dietary vitamin U supplements are taken once a day, one capsule (during or after meals).
Application for children
In pediatric practice it is possible to use from the age of 14 years.
Use Vitamin U during pregnancy
Little is known about the safety of vitamin U in supplement form in pregnancy and lactation, so it is not used to treat this category of patients.
Contraindications
It is contraindicated to take vitamin U in case of individual hypersensitivity to it or intolerance.
Side effects Vitamin U
Possible side effects of S-methylmethionine (vitamin U) have not yet been identified.
Overdose
No overdose cases have been reported at this time.
Interactions with other drugs
There is no information regarding the interaction of vitamin U with other supplements or medications.
Storage conditions
Vitamin U manufacturers recommend storing it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Shelf life
The standard shelf life is three years (the expiration date is indicated on the packaging and label).
Attention!
To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug " Vitamin U" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.
Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.