The name vitamin U is actually a little deceiving. Vitamin U is actually an amino acid, more specifically, vitamin U is the chemical S-methylmethionine sulfonium chloride (MMSC). MMSC is derived from methionine, one of the nine essential amino acids. Methionine itself is involved in many metabolic pathways in the body.

What is Vitamin U’s action in the body?

Vitamin U was introduced in the early 1950s to identify a compound in cabbage juice. Vitamin U is most often known as a treatment for stomach ulcers. Although it’s also said to improve digestion, strengthen immune health, protect against food allergies, lower cholesterol, and hasten wound healing.

When vitamin U was initially researched in the 1950s, some studies suggested that drinking 1 quart (945 mL) of cabbage juice daily could help ulcers in the stomach and gut heal faster than the traditional treatments. However, it couldn’t confirm whether these effects were due to vitamin U or multiple nutrients.

Very few studies have been done to support this claim. More research needs to be done. Also, it would be a good idea to start with less than a quart of cabbage juice and work up to a quart a day. This may help reduce the gas and bloating associated with cruciferous vegetables.

Peptic ulcers are inflamed areas on the lining (mucosa) of the stomach or duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). Your stomach contains a strong acid that digests your food. The stomach has a lining that protects it against this acid. If this layer breaks down, the acid damages the stomach or duodenum. Peptic ulcers are painful and left untreated can cause bleeding and perforation which can lead to death. Surgery is needed at this point.

Today there are proton pump inhibitors that are used in treatment. As with all medications there are adverse side effects.

Common side effects include:

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Flatulence
• Headache
• Upset stomach
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Rash
• Low vitamin B12 levels (with long-term use)
• Magnesium deficiency (usually only with long-term administration)
• Tongue discoloration or taste disturbances

Sounds appealing doesn’t it.

But wait, there’s more!

1. Long-term use can cause interference with calcium absorption contributing to osteoporosis.
2. A slight increase has been noted in people developing pneumonia acquired from the community.
3. Let’s not forget the increased risk of Clostridioides difficile infection. C Diff is a serious pathogen related diarrhea if not corrected in time can cause death.
4. There’s a 20-50% higher risk of kidney disease among patients using long-term PPIs.
5. There’s also evidence showing that there is a 44% higher risk of dementia. (To be fair, there’s a long list of common medications that contribute to dementia.)

Back to the Benefits of Vitamin U

Vitamin U is easily found in cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, kale, and Brussels sprouts. Don’t particularly care for cruciferous vegetables?

Then you will also find vitamin U in:

• Other vegetables: celery, kohlrabi, turnips, tomatoes, custard apples, beetroots, and carrots.
• Animal-based sources: egg yolks and milk.

Other beneficial factors include:

• Antiulcer activity
• Antidepressant
• Anti-inflammatory
• Reduces blood lipids
• Contributes to wound healing
• Cytoprotective effects
• Scavenging free radicals
• Upregulating antioxidant genes
• Effective in liver cancer treatment in animals

Side effects and precautions

Yes, even food can have side effects and precautions need to be considered. Vitamin U is considered safe when eaten as food. However, the safety when taken in supplement form needs more research. As with all cruciferous vegetables bloating and gas can be a problem. Start with smaller portions to help prevent this issue. Keep in mind when preparing cruciferous vegetables the juice can cause irritation to the eyes or skin.

Since there are no recent studies on the dose of vitamin U supplements it would be wise to start with a lower dose.

As always consult your doctor before starting a new protocol and don’t stop any medications you are on without directions from your doctor.