Vitamin U

Physiological Functions

Promotes Gastric Mucosa Repair: Vitamin U has a unique molecular structure that allows it to participate in the metabolic processes of gastric mucosal cells, promoting the regeneration and repair of gastric mucosal tissue. It stimulates gastric mucosal cells to secrete mucus, enhancing the barrier function of the gastric mucosa. This helps protect against erosion from gastric acid, pepsin, and other factors, thereby offering therapeutic and preventive effects for digestive system disorders such as gastric ulcers and duodenal ulcers.

Detoxification: Vitamin U can participate in certain detoxification processes in the body, binding to harmful substances to neutralize or reduce their toxicity, thereby mitigating damage to the body. It particularly offers protective effects on detoxification organs like the liver.

Other Functions: Studies suggest that Vitamin U may also be involved in certain biochemical reactions in the body, supporting normal physiological functions. For example, it may play a role in amino acid metabolism and methyl transfer processes.

Sources and Intake

Food Sources: Vitamin U is widely found in natural foods, especially fresh vegetables, fruits, and seaweed. Examples include cabbage, broccoli, carrots, celery, as well as seaweed like nori and kelp. Additionally, small amounts of Vitamin U are present in meat and fish.

Supplements: For individuals with gastrointestinal disorders or at risk of Vitamin U deficiency, doctors may recommend Vitamin U supplements. Common forms include tablets and capsules, often used in combination with other medications or nutrients for the treatment and prevention of related conditions.

Deficiency Symptoms and Risks

Gastrointestinal Issues: A deficiency in Vitamin U may impair the repair and protective functions of the gastric mucosa, leading to symptoms such as stomach pain, bloating, and indigestion. Long-term deficiency may increase the risk of gastrointestinal diseases like gastric ulcers and gastritis, affecting the digestion and absorption of nutrients and potentially leading to poor nutritional status.

Other Potential Effects: Although research on systemic symptoms caused by Vitamin U deficiency is limited, its involvement in physiological processes suggests that it may impact the body's detoxification functions and metabolism. This could reduce the body's ability to resist harmful substances, posing a threat to overall health.

Applications

Pharmaceutical Field: Vitamin U is a common ingredient in medications for gastrointestinal diseases. It is often combined with antacids and gastric mucosal protectants to treat conditions such as gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers, gastritis, and excessive stomach acid. It helps alleviate symptoms, promote ulcer healing, and improve gastrointestinal health.

Health Supplements: As a nutritional supplement, Vitamin U is used in health products targeting individuals with weak gastrointestinal function, frequent alcohol consumption, or irregular diets. It helps maintain the health of the gastrointestinal mucosa and prevent gastrointestinal diseases.