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Why do you need vitamin U. Vitamin U: all about the vitamin and its role in human life. Effect on blood vessels and blood pressure

Methyl-methionine-sulfonium or vitamin U is called antiulcer, because the main direction of its action is the healing of lesions of the mucous membranes of systems and organs. It even got its name from the abbreviated word ulcus (in translation from Latin - ulcer). And it is this “anti-ulcer” vitamin that is today the subject of publication of the Eco-life website.

Since the human body is not capable of producing methionine on its own, it must be consumed in food along with foods containing it or as a chemically synthesized substance. However, it should be noted that in the second case, vitamin U will be less effective, losing to its natural counterpart.

In people who do not eat vegetables in sufficient quantities, hypovitaminosis (lack of vitamins) inevitably occurs. The stability of this condition can lead to the formation of erosions and ulcers on the mucous membrane of the stomach and duodenum due to increased acidity of gastric enzymes.

Vitamin U should be consumed daily in the amount of 100-300 mg for a healthy body and 200-400 mg for people with various diseases of the digestive tract.

Vitamin U maintains the necessary level of acidity of gastric juice. But its main function is the healing of erosions and ulcers of the digestive tract due to the neutralizing effect on histamine, a substance that is released during various inflammatory processes in the body.

This ability of vitamin U also helps to alleviate the course of allergic diseases: like bronchial asthma, food and seasonal allergies.

Also, this vitamin helps to restore the skin, which is used in the treatment of such chronic diseases like psoriasis, dermatitis, urticaria.

Excessive consumption of fried foods causes an increase in cholesterol levels. This leads to blockage of large arteries and blood vessels, causing atherosclerosis. Another consequence may be the degeneration of the liver tissue into fatty tissue, which can lead to the development of cirrhosis of the liver. The property of methionine to improve fat metabolism helps protect blood vessels and the liver from the harmful effects of cholesterol on them.

An amazing fact is the ability of this vitamin to provide positive effect in the treatment of depression due to its effect on the biosynthesis of adrenaline and the ability to control cholesterol metabolism, which is one of the main regulators of a person's emotional state. In cases where psychotropic drugs do not have a positive effect, methionine can help to remove a person from depressive and nervous states.

Also, vitamin U has the ability to help the body fight toxic substances. This fact is confirmed by the fact that in people who smoke and drink alcohol in high doses, methionine is consumed almost completely. Therefore, it is often introduced into complex therapy aimed at combating alcoholism and smoking.

It is recommended to take vitamin U for the following diseases:

  • atherosclerosis (blockage and loss of elasticity of the arteries, accompanied by the deposition of cholesterol plaques inside them);
  • multiple sclerosis (replacement of nervous tissue with connective tissue in many parts of the central nervous system);
  • Alzheimer's disease (early and senile dementia);
  • Parkinson's disease (trembling paralysis);
  • rheumatoid and osteoarthritis;
  • cholelithiasis;
  • hepatitis;
  • diabetes mellitus;
  • dystrophy caused by protein deficiency after dysentery.

Along with such serious diseases, vitamin U can also help improve appearance, which, of course, is worth taking note of in the first place for women. It will come to the rescue with active hair loss, brittleness and delamination of the nail plate, in improving skin tone and restoring its elasticity, and will also facilitate the course of premenstrual syndrome and toxicosis during pregnancy; help in the fight against chronic fatigue syndrome.

It is also worth noting that methionine serves to form creatine, a substance that promotes the synthesis of muscle proteins and, as a result, muscle building.

Thus, even this one is far from full list disorders in which the use of vitamin U has a positive effect indicates an undoubted need for its use in sufficient quantities for the body.

Foods Containing Vitamin U

The largest number vitamin U is found mainly in foods plant origin. If we talk about vegetables, then these are cabbage, carrots, tomatoes, turnips, asparagus, spinach, parsley, celery, onions, as well as potatoes, beets, and peppers. Some legumes (beans, peas, lentils) also contain vitamin U, as well as cereals: buckwheat, rice, wheat, semolina, barley, oatmeal.

If we talk about products of animal origin, then the content of methionine in them is much less, and the variety of these products is small. However, a sufficient amount of vitamin U is found in foods such as raw egg yolks, beef liver, cottage cheese, milk, chicken and cod (by the way, in these).

Here it is necessary to make a reservation and mention the following feature of methionine: because of its instability to prolonged exposure to high temperatures, it is very important how the products were stored and how they were prepared. If you follow simple rules during cooking, the content of vitamin U in the finished meal will decrease by only 4%.

So, it is recommended to cook vegetables for no more than 10 minutes; after half an hour - a decrease in the content of the vitamin to 15%, after an hour of heat treatment you will miss half the benefits, and prolonged stewing for more than an hour will almost completely destroy not only methionine, but also many other useful substances.

It is noteworthy that vitamin U is quite “favorable” to freezing and, when frozen, can be stored in products for up to six months.

But if vegetables and legumes can be eaten without fear, then the consumption of raw foods (eggs, unboiled milk) should be done with extreme caution and only from “verified sources”.

In conclusion, vitamin U has a beneficial effect on many body systems, so that sufficient intake of it can protect against the occurrence of many serious illnesses and facilitate the flow of existing ones. But most importantly, it helps a person deal with stress. A healthy nervous system, as you know, is the key to excellent health and longevity.

Vitamin U is needed by the body to prevent peptic ulcer digestive organs. It has the ability to restore the acidity of gastric juice and have a healing effect on the mucous surface of the stomach. Second medical name beneficial substance– S-methylmethionine.

What is vitamin U

Vitamin U was first studied in the study of cabbage juice by the American scientist Cheney. S-methylmethionine was later given beneficial amino acid status. It is a donor of methyl groups in the process of producing choline and adrenaline.

The value of vitamin U was confirmed by American scientists in the last century. In the course of medical research, it was found that products containing a useful element can restore the intestinal mucosa after the development of an ulcer. The lack of a useful substance is not considered critical. But its presence in the diet significantly reduces the risk of developing peptic ulcer.

As part of medicines S-methylmethionine occurs in two variations - in the form of a methionine salt and a pure amino acid. Outwardly, it is a yellowish powder with a sweet aftertaste. S-methylmethionine is insoluble in alcohol, but is water soluble. It also has the ability to decompose when exposed to sunlight. During drying beneficial features vitamins do not change.

Attention! With reduced acidity of the stomach, the absorption of the beneficial substance worsens.

What is Vitamin U for?

S-methylmethionine performs a number of vital functions. He takes part in the production of certain hormones. Being a rich source of sulfur, the vitamin promotes the synthesis of collagen and cysteine. The biological role of vitamin U in the human body is as follows:

  • removal of toxic substances from the body;
  • normalization of the digestive process;
  • control of cholesterol levels;
  • antioxidant action;
  • stimulation of adrenaline production;
  • healing of ulcerative and erosive formations;
  • improvement of blood circulation;
  • antihistamine effect;
  • normalization of fat metabolism in the body;
  • involved in the production of collagen.

S-methylmethionine is able to recognize and neutralize toxic substances in the body. Because of this, it is used as a powerful antihistamine. The drug is prescribed as part of complex therapy for hay fever, food intoxication and bronchial asthma.

Efficiency in relation to peptic ulcer is due to the ability of the vitamin to stimulate the synthesis of saline fluid. If it is produced in excessive quantities, the vitamin reduces its aggressiveness. The wound-healing effect allows the use of the drug not only for ulcers, but also for skin diseases. It is often prescribed in order to accelerate the regenerative processes in urticaria, psoriasis and dermatitis.

Where is vitamin U found?

S-methylmethionine enters human body along with food. It is present in the greatest volume in fresh vegetables. When cooking, its supply in products decreases. Freezing does not affect the content of useful substances in the product. Artificially, the vitamin is obtained from cabbage juice. To do this, the vegetable is pressed under pressure of 150 atmospheres. To the resulting liquid is added. After intensive drying, the substance is transformed into a powder, which acts as the basis for drugs. Natural sources of vitamin U include:

  • beets;
  • broccoli;
  • bell pepper;
  • tomatoes;
  • asparagus;
  • parsley;
  • white cabbage.

The useful substance is distinguished by good digestibility. Problems with its absorption can occur if the environment in the pancreas is not acidic enough. Its level can also reduce the intake of antacids.

Comment! When stewing cabbage for more than 1.5 hours, the amount of vitamin U is reduced to zero.

Daily intake of vitamin U

The human body does not experience an urgent need for the intake of S-methylmethionine. This is due to the fact that it is a vitamin-like substance. It can easily be replaced by other useful elements. Despite this, the daily norm was set. It is 0.1-0.3 g. In people involved in sports, the need for daily intake of S-methylmethionine increases to 0.4 g. In the acute form of peptic ulcer, the drug is prescribed three times a day. The duration of treatment is one month.

Indications for the use of vitamin U

S-methylmethionine is prescribed for acute beriberi. It can be provoked by malnutrition and bad habits. This condition is accompanied by painful sensations in the abdomen, an allergic rash and mood swings. Vitamin U and products containing it have the following indications:

  • exacerbation of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
  • change in the condition of the skin;
  • decreased immunity;
  • allergy;
  • various forms of poisoning.

In high dosages, the drug is prescribed for people suffering from alcohol and nicotine addiction. It helps to remove toxins from the body without damaging the vital organs.

For women, the drug is prescribed in order to eliminate the symptoms of the premenstrual period. It reduces anxiety and improves mood. Sometimes a biological supplement is prescribed if a sharp weight loss is necessary. It stimulates the production of collagen, which prevents the formation of ptosis and stretch marks. For pregnant women, the drug helps in the fight against the symptoms of toxicosis.

Contraindications to vitamin U

U vitamins should be taken with caution. When taken in excess, they are not harmful to health. This is due to the fact that S-methylmethionine is completely excreted during urination, without accumulating in the body. The biological supplement is not recommended for use in the following cases:

  • age up to six years;
  • violation of the kidneys;
  • individual intolerance to the drug;
  • hepatitis.

Important! Taking a biological supplement does not exclude the need for the use of potent drugs aimed at combating peptic ulcer.

Rules for taking vitamin U

Dietary Supplement in the form of S-methylmethionine must be taken with meals, drinking plenty of water. The course should be carried out for no more than 30 days. The number of doses per day depends on the specifics of the disease. The doctor prescribes the scheme on an individual basis.

Before using the drug, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the possibility of combining with other drugs. Vitamin U is thought to reduce the effectiveness of levodopa. When combined with vitamin B3, it stimulates the production of adrenaline. When combined with lipocaine, it accelerates the metabolism of phospholipids in the liver. This provides protection against obesity. To improve the effectiveness of treatment for ulcers, S-methylmethionine is taken together with B vitamins.

Conclusion

Vitamin U is needed by the body during a period of reduced immunity. Ingested in the right amount, it provides protection against colds and normalizes the digestive system. Before taking the drug, it is advisable to consult with your doctor.

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Vitamin U or Methyl Methionine Sulfonium Powder white color with a yellowish tinge, has a specific smell and has anti-atherosclerotic, antihistamine properties. The compound was first discovered in 1949 by the American biologist Chini, while studying cabbage juice. During the analysis, the scientist found that an unknown factor that is part of raw vegetables helps to heal stomach ulcers. This is how vitamin U is isolated, which got its name from English word"ulcus", which means "ulcer".

The vitamin substance is formed from the essential aliphatic sulfur-containing α-amino acid (), serves as a donor of methyl groups in the biosynthesis of adrenaline, choline.

The main direction of action of the U-compound is the healing of mucous membranes internal organs. Due to this property, the vitamin was called the anti-ulcer factor.

The structural formula of S-methylmethionine is C5H11NO2S.

The compound decomposes in the light, easily dissolves in water, hygroscopic, thermolabile. Insoluble in solvents, alcohol, inactivated by oxidation. When cooling, drying, the beneficial properties of the vitamin do not change (losses do not exceed 2%).

Consider the instructions for the use of the nutrient, signs of hypo- and hypervitaminosis, which products contain it, how it affects the course of pregnancy.

The action of vitamin U

Functions of methylmethionine in the human body.

  1. Recognizes, neutralizes and removes hazardous chemicals. One such compound is histamine. The substance is released during inflammatory reactions in the body and increases the production of gastric juice, which leads to the "swelling" of the walls of the digestive tract organs and the appearance of pain. The ability of the nutrient to neutralize histamine improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and reduces the severity of the symptoms of the following allergic manifestations: food intoxication, accompanied by increased stools, hay fever - lacrimation and runny nose when inhaled pollen from flowers, asthma attacks, bronchial asthma.
  2. Heals ulcers, erosions on the mucous membranes that occur on the organs of the gastrointestinal tract.
  3. Normalizes the level of acidity in the stomach, improves digestion. With insufficient secretion, vitamin U stimulates the production of saline fluid, with increased production, it reduces aggressiveness by suppressing education. In different parts of the gastrointestinal tract, the pH is not the same. In the esophagus, normal acidity reaches 6.0 - 7.0 units, in the lumen of the body of the stomach on an empty stomach - 1.5 - 2.0, in the depth of the epithelial layer - 7.0, in the antrum varies from 1.3 to 7.4, in the duodenal bulb - 5.6 - 7.9, small intestine juice - 7.5, large intestine juice - 9.0. conditions for normal digestion of food without damaging the walls of the muscular organ.
  4. Restores skin structures. Due to this property, the vitamin-like compound is used in medicine for the treatment of chronic skin diseases (urticaria, dermatitis, psoriasis) and in cosmetology. Creams and masks containing methionine relieve redness, stimulate the regeneration of the epidermis, reduce the visibility of capillaries, saturate the cells with moisture and oxygen. Vitamin U eliminates irregularities, improves skin elasticity, evens out the tone of the face, and eliminates mimic wrinkles.
  5. Improves metabolism, blood circulation in the affected vessels of the heart, brain. In addition, the nutrient protects the liver from damage, prevents the development of atherosclerosis, the replacement of liver tissue with fat.
  6. Fights depression, removes from nervous states. Vitamin U is used when standard psychotropic drugs do not give a positive result. Methylmethionine affects the biosynthesis of adrenaline and controls the exchange of cholesterol in the body, which "regulates" emotional condition person.
  7. Promotes the production of collagen, protecting tissues from the formation of ptosis, stretch marks, scars that appear as a result of rapid weight loss. The connection also reduces the load on bladder and clears urine of ammonia in the process of intensive dropping extra pounds.

Vitamin U is recommended for pregnant women, since the compound relieves the symptoms of toxicosis, strengthens hair, and prevents the development of infections of the genitourinary system. In addition, it is indicated for women using oral contraceptives and drugs with a high content of estrogen.

Due to the fact that methionine is involved in lipid metabolism and is an antioxidant, the compound is often included in sports supplements. Although the vitamin does not have a pronounced anabolic effect, it relieves body tissues of fatty deposits, which is important for athletes who follow their figure.

People who do not eat fresh vegetables for a long time experience symptoms of U-deficiency in 90% of cases.

These include:

  • increased acidity of gastric juice, accompanied by damage to the mucous surfaces of the stomach, duodenum with the formation of wounds, erosion;
  • exacerbation inflammatory diseases GIT.

With a chronic lack of S-methylmethionine for more than 2-5 years, a person develops gastritis, an ulcer.

Vitamin U hypervitaminosis does not negative impact on the human body, since the nutrient is a water-soluble compound, with an excess, it is quickly excreted in the urine.

The acidic environment in the stomach is the main condition for the absorption of the vitamin. In case of impaired secretion of hydrochloric acid, the absorption of the substance decreases sharply (by 2–5 times) even with the intake of the nutrient in a daily amount.

Indications and contraindications

  • chronic hepatitis;
  • cholelithiasis;
  • esophagitis;
  • Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's;
  • cirrhosis of the liver, Gilbert's syndrome;
  • stomach ulcers, colitis;
  • diabetes;
  • diaphragmatic hernia;
  • atherosclerosis;
  • neuroses, mental disorders;
  • cystitis;
  • multiple sclerosis;
  • chronic cholecystitis;
  • cholelithiasis;
  • obesity;
  • dystrophy caused by a lack of protein in the body after dysentery;
  • alcoholism;
  • drug addiction;
  • nicotine addiction;
  • wounds, injuries acquired as a result of sports training;
  • premature aging of the skin and tissues.

Vitamin U is indicated for use by women to improve the condition of the hair, strengthen the nail plate, improve skin tone, alleviate the flow of premenstrual syndrome and relieve chronic fatigue.

Contraindications to the additional use of S-methylmethionine:

  • severe liver or kidney failure;
  • hypersensitivity to the components of the drug;
  • viral hepatitis;
  • children under 6 years old;
  • hepatic encephalopathy.

Rarely, while taking methionine, patients develop side effects. These include: nausea, vomiting, allergic skin rashes, itching, an unpleasant taste in the mouth and a decrease in blood pressure. Sometimes patients have tachycardia and confusion. These signs of overdose disappear after the dosage of the compound is adjusted by the attending physician.

Daily rate

Given the fact that the human body does not produce methionine on its own, it is important to ensure the systematic intake of an anti-ulcer substance from the outside.

A person's need for vitamin U depends on age, gender, and ranges from 100 to 300 milligrams per day. During pregnancy, this figure is 200 milligrams per day, during intensive sports - 250, and in the competition season (for bodybuilders) increases to 450.

Patients with digestive tract problems need higher doses of a useful compound. For this category of people, it is important to ensure a daily intake of 200 - 400 milligrams of methionine per day. It is preferable that the daily intake of vitamin U enters the body in its natural form with plant foods.

In medical practice, artificially synthesized methylmethionine is used. The drug is available in tablets, capsules, powder, liquid (sprays). However, it should be borne in mind that the effectiveness of such a substance is 70% lower in relation to the natural nutrient that is part of the vegetable juice.

Sources of Vitamin U

Where is the anti-ulcer factor found?

The largest amount of S-methylmethionine is concentrated in plant foods. A storehouse of useful compounds is asparagus. 100 grams of the product contains up to 260 milligrams of the nutrient.

The second place, in terms of the amount of vitamin U in the composition, rightfully belongs to white cabbage. 100 grams of the product contains 85 milligrams of the substance.

Moderately rich in methionine are parsley, sprouted pea sprouts, cauliflower, corn. The content of the vitamin compound in these products does not exceed 20 milligrams per 100 grams of the ingredient.

Less than 1 milligram of the nutrient per 100 grams of food is concentrated in potatoes, carrots, pumpkins, sweet peppers, spinach, green tea, bananas.

Vitamin U is also found in animal products (raw milk, liver, egg yolk), but its amount does not exceed 0.05 milligrams per 100 grams of product.

Remember, the safety of a useful compound in vegetables, offal, dairy products depends on storage conditions and the correct preparation of dishes. When cooking the ingredients for 10 minutes, only 4% of methionine decomposes, however, if the heat treatment process is increased to 30 minutes, the loss of the substance will reach 13%, 60 minutes - 65%, 90 minutes - 100%.

Vitamin U is best preserved in boiled beets, so it is useful for people with digestive tract disorders to include sugar vegetable salads in their daily menu.

Preventive and curative use

Today, the therapeutic efficacy of the use of S-methylmethionine is at the stage of detailed study. The largest number of studies was conducted by the scientist Cheney, who reported the recovery of 200 patients suffering from gastric ulcers after drinking 1 liter of fresh cabbage juice daily while taking antispasmodics such as belladonna, analgesics, sedatives and alkali. As a result of the experiment, the doctor found that the group of patients who systematically consumed the anti-ulcer vitamin with plant foods recovered twice as fast as the control group, which was subjected to "standard" therapy without additional intake of vitamin U.

It is believed that the best effect of cabbage juice treatment is observed among patients with normo-, hypo- or anacid forms of peptic ulcer, spastic, infectious colitis, hepatitis.

With achlorhydria, the vitamin improves the function of the gallbladder, small intestine, large intestine and increases the acidity of gastric juice.

For the disappearance of dyspeptic symptoms and the normalization of gastric secretion of methylmethionine sulfonium chloride, 200 milligrams per day are prescribed for 30 days. There is an opinion that the mechanism of the therapeutic action of vitamin U is based on the fact that the energy-rich sulfonium group is a donor of free methyl compounds that are involved in the course of anabolic processes. They, in turn, serve to increase the resistance and regeneration of the gastric mucosa, preventing the harmful effects of pepsin and hydrochloric acid.

Together with choline, methionine is able to defeat the growth of malignant tumors.

In diabetes, atherosclerosis, liver damage with chloroform, alcohol, arsenic preparations, 100 milligrams of the compound is prescribed one hour before meals 3-4 times a day for 4 weeks.

Vitamin U interaction:


Today, there is no data on the interaction of a vitamin compound with ethyl drinks.

Methionine and pregnancy

"Cabbage" vitamin is extremely useful for pregnant women to detoxify the body. Methionine removes heavy metal compounds such as mercury, lead, cadmium from the liver, skin, bones, kidneys and lungs of expectant mothers. In addition, the substance increases the body's resistance to radiation, which is important for women living in conditions of increased "unfavorable background" (in Belarus, Ukraine, in the western part of Russia).

In view of the fact that the nutrient is involved in the formation of immunity, doctors do not recommend using the compound in the first months of pregnancy. This is due to the fact that on early dates, immunity future mother naturally decreases so that the embryo takes root in the body. Otherwise, fetal rejection may occur. Subsequently, from the second trimester, methionine is harmless to the child and mother, since it does not negative influence for the course of the pregnancy. It is necessary to take the drug only after the appointment of a doctor in a strict dosage. Otherwise, a rare side effect of U-hypervitaminosis can be increased blood clotting, which leads to the formation of blood clots and premature termination of pregnancy.

Usually to relieve symptoms early toxicosis(nausea, vomiting), doctors prescribe the expectant mother to take three components: cyanocobalamin (B12), folic acid (B9), methionine.

Vitamin U reduces protein levels, strengthens the placenta, fights psycho-emotional mood swings, increases a woman's body's resistance to colds, and provides transport of nutrients to the fetus. Today, the effect of the compound on the course of pregnancy has not been thoroughly studied. According to the literature, some experts believe that the lack of methionine in the diet of the expectant mother leads to a violation of the closure of the neural tube of the embryo, which causes deviations in the laying of the baby's nervous system.

Conclusion

S-methylmethonine or “antiulcus factor” is a vitamin-like substance with antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, lipotropic effects. The compound enhances the metabolism of the duodenum, stimulates the regeneration of cells of the gastric mucosa, protects the liver from fatty degeneration, and inhibits the development of atherosclerosis. Vitamin U in Europe and the USA is used as a separate pharmacological drug for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, fibromyalgia, depressive conditions under the following trademarks: Same Rx - Mood, Sam-Sulfate.

In addition, S-methylmethonine is available as a commercially available biological supplement. The synthesized vitamin has a sweetish taste, a characteristic "cabbage" smell and is destroyed in the light.

Numerous observations indicate that the benefits of taking the nutrient in its natural form, which is part of plant foods, are 5 times higher than from its artificially derived encapsulated progenitor.

Eat a balanced diet and stay healthy!

Vitamin U (scientific names - S-methylmethionine, methylmegioninesulfonium, methylmethioninesulfonium chloride) is a very common and undeservedly overlooked vitamin (calorizer). In science, it is positioned as a vitamin-like compound, only conditionally, for simplicity and clarity of consumers, calling it a vitamin.

Vitamin U was discovered in the middle of the 20th century by the American Chini, who found in the juice of fresh cabbage a substance that heals erosions and ulcers in the stomach. It is for this ability that the substance was given the name ulcus which means "ulcer".

Physico-chemical properties of vitamin U

As a derivative of an essential acid called methionine, vitamin U enters the human body only with food, mainly of plant origin, because it cannot be synthesized on its own.

It must be remembered that vitamin U does not withstand only prolonged heat treatment, and quickly boiled vegetables do not lose much of its amount. When dried and cooled, the vitamin loses little of its properties.

Vitamin U is found in many and, for example, in fresh juice, greens and, in feathers and,. Vitamin U contained in does not lose its properties even after boiling it.

Since not everyone can afford to buy fresh rustic and raw foods that contain vitamin U, it’s better not to risk it and not try to get this vitamin from store products.

Daily requirement for vitamin U

In principle, the human body is quite satisfied with the amount of vitamin U that it receives with a daily meal. But there is a recommended rate - 100-300 mg. For people with impaired stomach function, especially acidity, the dosage is increased to 200-400 mg.

Vitamin U is essential to our health. Its main useful feature- healing of ulcers and erosions not only of the stomach, but also of the duodenum. Unique Ability vitamin U is the ability to normalize the acidity of the gastrointestinal tract. Vitamin U protects the body from harmful and foreign compounds, recognizing and getting rid of them. We must not forget that the synthesis of choline is “directed” by vitamin U.

The antihistamine action of vitamin U has been successfully used in the prevention and treatment of various food allergies and bronchial asthma. Vitamin U has the ability to increase the amount of good cholesterol, its lipotropic effect is also known, especially on the liver. beneficial effect on the condition of the skin, especially associated with adolescence, has an additional intake of vitamin U in capsules.

Harmful properties of vitamin U

Vitamin U is not toxic, it does not accumulate in excess, but is excreted naturally in the urine.

Vitamin U absorption

Vitamin U is well absorbed by the body. The only condition for its entry into the blood is an acidic environment in the stomach. If there is a violation of the acidity of the stomach, the absorption of vitamin U is sharply reduced, even if it is sufficiently supplied with food (calorizator). It should be noted that some substances that bind acid in the stomach can still affect the absorption of this vitamin.

The main manifestation of vitamin U deficiency is an increase in the acidity of gastric juice, which leads to damage to the walls of the stomach and intestines with the formation of ulcers and erosions in them.

Too much vitamin U in the body

Vitamin U is water soluble, so an overabundance of it, if this happens, will simply pass through the kidneys.

Interaction of vitamin U (S-methylmethionine, methylmegioninesulfonium, methylmethioninesulfonium chloride) with other substances

Vitamin U has no effect on the absorption of other substances. In turn, trace elements and vitamins do not impair the absorption of vitamin U.

For more information about vitamin U, see the video clip “Organic Chemistry. Vitamin U»

Vitamin U has other names: anti-ulcer factor, S-methylmethionine, methionine sulfonium.

Vitamin U is a vitamin-like compound formed from methionine (an essential amino acid for the body).

The name of vitamin U comes from the first letter of the word "ulcus" (Latin), which means "ulcer", due to the ability of this compound to regenerate the mucous membranes of the stomach and intestines. It was first discovered by scientists in vegetable juices and raw vegetables, which have a beneficial effect on the digestive organs.

This vitamin cannot be synthesized on its own and must be supplied daily with food.

The anti-ulcer factor is a white powder (crystals) with a specific odor and a sweetish, slightly sugary taste. Vitamin crystals are stable in an acid environment, but quickly decompose under the influence of alkali. The substance is soluble in water and aqueous solvents, does not withstand prolonged heating.

The biological role of Vitamin U in the body

Takes part in the synthesis of some important biologically active substances, for example, (choline)

It has an antiulcer effect, promotes rapid regeneration of wounds and erosions on the mucous membranes of internal organs;

Accelerates tissue repair processes, therefore it can be used for certain types of skin diseases;

Allows you to recognize and neutralize foreign (dangerous) compounds and contributes to their rapid removal;

Normalizes acidity, maintaining the physiological level of gastric juice, thereby protecting the gastric mucosa from damage;

Reduces the biological activity of histamine, the main mediator of allergic reactions, due to which it can be used in treatment various diseases allergic nature: food allergies (nausea, frequent stools and general weakness), pollinosis (the appearance of lacrimation and runny nose as a result of exposure to plant pollen), bronchial asthma (suffocation attacks, lack of oxygen in the air), etc .;

Helps to regulate and improve the metabolism of fatty acids in the body;

normalizes the functioning of the liver (with the abuse of fried foods) and prevents the development of atherosclerosis of the vessels.

Vitamin U deficiency

Vitamin U deficiency occurs, as a rule, with insufficient intake of fresh vegetables and fruits. Their shortage is manifested when a person has increased acidity of gastric juice. Because of this, the mucous membrane is constantly irritated, which is the fact that various erosions and ulcers occur in the shell.

Deficiency can also develop in smokers and alcohol abusers, since almost the entire supply of vitamin U is spent on neutralizing toxic substances to protect cells and tissues of the body from them.

A deficiency of this compound may occur with a low intake of methionine (an essential amino acid) with food, because it is from the aforementioned amino acid that vitamin U is subsequently synthesized. But even so, some other substances can perform some of the functions of U, so this compound is not classified as a vitamin, but for vitamins.

The presence of methylmethionine in the body is desirable, but not essential.

Foods High in Vitamin U

Natural sources of anti-ulcer factor include:

S-methylmethionine is a widely occurring substance in nature, so it can be found in almost any plant food. But in foods of animal origin, it is less common. Its daily requirement can be easily met by including fresh milk, liver and raw egg yolks in the daily diet.

You should be aware that vitamin U is very sensitive to cooking and is easily destroyed during cooking, frying and baking.

In this case, the duration of cooking also plays an important role. So, when cooking for ten minutes, only 4% of this substance is destroyed in food, while longer processing can almost completely destroy it. If we take into consideration the preparation of different vegetables, then it is best after heat treatment that the vitamin is stored in beets.

Artificially synthesized vitamin U is absorbed somewhat worse than its natural counterpart. It can be used in complex drug therapy for the prevention and treatment of diseases of the stomach and intestines.

Daily intake of vitamin U

The daily requirement (rate of consumption) of vitamin U is not strictly regulated. Most nutritionists and nutritionists agree on a rough figure of 100-300 mg per day. This need can be fully satisfied with a proper and balanced diet.

In some cases, a slightly different dosage may be prescribed by a doctor or other specialist. For example, with low acidity of the stomach and increased sports.