Vitamin U

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

Vitamin U, also known as S-methylmethionine, belongs to the group of vitamin-like substances, but for the convenience of consumers it is simply called a vitamin. It is not very well known and perhaps this is the main reason why it is not as well studied by experts as vitamin A, vitamin B-complex and vitamin C for example.

However, its benefits to human health are undeniable. It is believed that vitamin U is activated methionine, which has remarkable activity on the supplied methyl radicals needed for the realization of syntheses in the human body. It is valuable because of its effect on problems of the gastric and intestinal mucosa.

History of vitamin U

The name of the compound comes from the Latin word for ulcer ulcus, and the reason it is associated with it is its beneficial effect on stomach ulcers. Vitamin U began to gain popularity in the mid-twentieth century, with its name first associated with the American scientist Garnett Cheney. Despite its not very long history, the substance has in a short time managed to prove itself as a valuable helper in the fight against quite insidious and serious diseases.

Sources of Vitamin Vitamin U

Vitamin U it is not formed in the human body, but enters it together with food. Sources of the substance are mainly some vegetables. There is an option to obtain it chemically, but in this situation its effectiveness in various diseases remains controversial.

Cabbage, carrots, celery, parsley, green onions, asparagus, beets, potatoes, broccoli and turnips are defined as valuable sources of the vitamin-like substance. However, in order to be successfully absorbed by the body, it is recommended to consume these foods raw.

When cooking vegetables for more than thirty minutes, the useful properties of the compound usually decrease. However, not all of these plants contain the same amount of vitamin-like substance. A curious fact is that in crops grown in warmer countries, its concentration is higher.

According to some sources vitamin U can also be found in foods of animal origin. In certain quantities it is contained in raw egg yolk, milk and liver of animals raised in ecological conditions.

Functions of vitamin U

Vitamin U protects the gastrointestinal mucosa and takes care of its healing in the presence of inflammation. It is distinguished by its antihistamine and antiallergic properties. Among its most useful functions is the disarmament of histamine, which is associated with peptic ulcer disease.

It is also thought to relieve pain. It is also said that vitamin U normalizes the level of acids in the stomach, which in turn contributes to successful digestion. There is also evidence that the substance in question is involved in the faster recovery of the skin structure. It also improves liver function.

Benefits of vitamin U

According to scientists vitamin U unjustly sinks into obscurity, given its many benefits in combating a variety of complaints. As already mentioned, it is considered a strong enemy of stomach ulcers.

Studies show that regular intake of cabbage juice or raw cabbage helps to prevent the disease, as well as to deal with the already existing disease. It is enough to take about 200 ml of fresh juice a day.

But that's not all. The vitamin-like substance has a healing effect on duodenal ulcer, gastritis. There are also opinions that it helps with food allergies, bronchial asthma, liver problems.

Protects against infections, strengthens the immune system, helps to cope faster with skin diseases and fights the complaints that accompany hay fever. It has been shown to lead to positive results in depressive states.

Vitamin U deficiency

Usually a deficit of vitamin U is observed in people who do not consume the vegetables in which it is contained. Deficiency of the substance in question causes increased acidity in the stomach, which can lead to ulcers or other stomach diseases.

Vitamin U overdose

Vitamin U is a water-soluble vitamin and therefore does not stay in the body for a long time. So any extra dose of it that enters our body is discarded.

That is why it is difficult to talk about an overdose of the substance. However, we do not advise you to overdo the nutritional supplements that it contains, because they can not be a substitute for a varied and complete diet.

If you plan to take such tablets or powders, consult a specialist just in case. If you have already bought such preparations, read the instructions in the accompanying leaflet carefully.

Vitamin U storage

Preparations containing vitamin U, should be stored in a dry and dark place. Keep in mind that at high temperatures the substance is destroyed. It is also easily oxidized. In terms of cooling, we can say that it tolerates it well.

Interaction of vitamin U with other substances

Vitamin U is not considered an aggressive substance and does not adversely affect the absorption of other useful substances. It is also considered that other water-soluble vitamins and medicines do not interfere with the absorption of vitamin U.