Vitamin U is a term introduced in the early 1950s to identify a compound in the cabbage juice. Despite its name, vitamin U is not a true vitamin, but rather a derivative of the amino acid methionine.
Vitamin U is available not just as a supplementbut is also found naturally in a number of foods, particularly cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, broccolithe «Brussels sprouts» or also known as Brussels sprouts and kale.
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Also, cosmetic companies may add it to certain creams, serums, masks, and other products.
Benefits and uses
Vitamin U is most often advertised as a treatment for stomach ulcers, although it is also promoted for improve digestion, strengthen immune health, protect against food allergies, lower cholesterol, and speed wound healing.
However, research is limited. Currently, only a few of these benefits are supported by science.
Can help heal stomach ulcers
When vitamin U was first researched in the 1950s, some studies suggested that drink 1 quart (945 ml) of cabbage juice per day helped intestinal ulcers heal 4 to 5 times faster than standard anti-ulcer therapy available at the time.
However, the researchers were unable to confirm whether these effects were due to the vitamin U or the multinutrient mix.
Since then, Few studies have examined the issue.. To determine if vitamin U is really effective against ulcers, more research is needed.
It can protect your lungs, liver, and kidneys.
Vitamin U can protect your lungs, liver, and kidneys from damage.
In an animal study, vitamin U helped reverse some of the liver damage caused by valproic acida common anti-seizure medication.
In another study, rats given vitamin U experienced less severe kidney damage after receiving valproic acid than those who did not receive vitamin U. This substance also seemed to reduce markers of inflammation.
Animal research further suggests that vitamin U may help reduce lung damage resulting from epileptic seizures.
Still, human studies are needed.
It can lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Although some evidence supports the idea that vitamin U supplements help reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levelsthe evidence remains weak.
For example, one test-tube study suggests that vitamin U may prevent the creation of fat cells and reduce triglyceride levelsbut they exist few relevant studies in humans.
In an 8-week study, people who received 1.5 grams of vitamin U per day experienced no change in triglyceride levels, higher HDL (good) cholesterol, and a nearly 10% reduction in total cholesterol. Nevertheless, This studio it is very outdated and included few participants.
As such, more research in humans is needed.
It can help heal wounds and protect the skin.
Vitamin U may offer some UV protection (UV) from the sun, as well as accelerate wound healing.
Test-tube and animal studies report that application of vitamin U directly on the wounds can accelerate healing of the wounds. In addition, vitamin U appears to protect against burns and other damage caused by lightning UV.
Based on these findings, some researchers suggest that certain cosmetics should be formulated with vitamin U.
However, the lack of human research means that more study is needed.
Side effects and precautions
Vitamin U is likely safe when eaten directly from whole foods. However, little is known about its safety or possible side effects. in supplement form.
Therefore, it is probably safer relying on vitamin U-rich foods like cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and kale to increase your intake of this compound.
According to the European Chemicals Agency, vitamin U may cause irritation of the eyes, skin or lungs if it comes into direct contact with these organs. Therefore, you may want beware with skin care products containing this compound.