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What is Vitamin U?

Mandi Rogier
Mandi Rogier

Vitamin U is not actually a vitamin, but is instead a term used to refer to a substance called S-Methylmethionine. It's found in several different types of food and is used as a naturopathic supplement to treat a variety of health problems. Though several studies have shown its effectiveness, the results are not conclusive. As of 2012, there was no established Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for this substance.

Sources

Leafy greens, such as kale, can be a good source of vitamin U when eaten raw.
Leafy greens, such as kale, can be a good source of vitamin U when eaten raw.

S-Methylmethionine is found in both plants and animals, and it can also be made synthetically. The most common way to consume it is in liquid or spray form, but it can also be taken in tablet form or directly from foods. The most common natural sources are green cabbage leaves, alfalfa sprouts, spinach, kale, tomatoes, celery, wheat, turnips, radishes, and parsley. Some health experts recommend getting vitamin U from raw or fermented foods, since appears to be much more effective when cold, and cooking may make it not work as well. Since there is no RDA for this substance and it does not have an identified toxicity level, those interested in adding it as a supplement to their diet should consult a healthcare professional for proper dosing instructions.

Effects

An ulcer is one health condition that can be improved by consuming foods high in S-Methylmethionine.
An ulcer is one health condition that can be improved by consuming foods high in S-Methylmethionine.

Whether taken as a supplement or from foods, vitamin U has been shown to be able to treat a variety of gastrointestinal conditions, including ulcerative colitis, acid reflux, and peptic ulcers. It may also be able to treat skin lesions, improve the symptoms of diabetes, and strengthen the immune system. Some studies show that it can also help prevent liver damage by protecting the organ from the effects of high doses of acetaminophen. Additionally, it may be able to reduce allergies and sensitivities to cigarette smoke and improve cholesterol levels. Many people also choose to use this vitamin as part of a detox, since it may be able to help the body get rid of environmental toxins.

Studies

Vitamin U can reduce sensitivities to cigarette smoke.
Vitamin U can reduce sensitivities to cigarette smoke.

The positive effects of S-Methylmethionine on the gastrointestinal system were discovered by Dr. Garnett Cheney. The studies Cheney, G. 1952 and Cheney et al. 1956 demonstrated that a previously unknown substance in raw cabbage juice helped soothe and heal peptic and gastric ulcers, sometimes faster than other means of treatment. They also showed that the results were greatly diminished if the juice was heated, which implies that the substance is very sensitive to high temperatures. Cheney's work prompted the nickname "Vitamin U" for this substance due to its ability to treat ulcers.

Vitamin U has been known to treat a variety of gastrointestinal conditions.
Vitamin U has been known to treat a variety of gastrointestinal conditions.

Subsequent studies also demonstrated the potential benefits of this substance. Roediger et al. 1996 demonstrated that S-Methylmethionine and similar substances may have positive effects for those with ulcerative colitis, while Peltz et al. 2007 demonstrated that it may prevent liver damage. Shaw et al. 2009 also showed that this substance may improve the function of the intestines; however, the study was done on chickens so it's not clear whether the results would be the same in humans.

Discussion Comments

anon344833

Where can you buy vitamin U in tablet or spray form in the UK?

myharley

@sunshined - From the information I have read on Vitamin U, it is good for any kind of gastric disorder so I think it would also be helpful for acid reflux.

Liquid vitamins work so well because you realize the effects faster. The liquid absorbs into your bloodstream quickly and you really notice the results.

I have had a history of ulcers and this is something my chiropractor recommended I try. Once my ulcers cleared up, I no longer use it on a regular basis.

I always like to keep a bottle around though in case I have a flare-up.

sunshined

I have acid reflux and wonder if vitamin U would work for something like this?

It sounds like it would be much easier to take this in tablet form than anything else. I take all of my vitamin products in tablet or capsule form. I don't like the taste of cabbage and don't think I would be handle to handle cabbage juice.

I have used a juicer before, but have never tried straight cabbage juice. The only way I get any cabbage down is if I put some in with my smoothie. This way I am getting some benefit without actually tasting it.

Sara84

@mandydances- Do you have an ulcer? Because all of the sprays I know of are marketed towards people who have ulcers. They are all made from cabbage juice, and state they have an enzyme in them to help with stomach discomfort associated with ulcers. You should be able to find the spray at a vitamin store or online.

mandydances

Is there such a thing as vitamin U spray? I like all my vitamins to be either liquid or spray.

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    • Leafy greens, such as kale, can be a good source of vitamin U when eaten raw.
      By: forevergreen
      Leafy greens, such as kale, can be a good source of vitamin U when eaten raw.
    • An ulcer is one health condition that can be improved by consuming foods high in S-Methylmethionine.
      By: rob3000
      An ulcer is one health condition that can be improved by consuming foods high in S-Methylmethionine.
    • Vitamin U can reduce sensitivities to cigarette smoke.
      By: Mr Korn Flakes
      Vitamin U can reduce sensitivities to cigarette smoke.
    • Vitamin U has been known to treat a variety of gastrointestinal conditions.
      By: bruno135_406
      Vitamin U has been known to treat a variety of gastrointestinal conditions.
    • Vitamin U can treat a variety of conditions that affect the gastrointestinal tract.
      By: maya2008
      Vitamin U can treat a variety of conditions that affect the gastrointestinal tract.