Sulfur as Methylsulfonylmethane - Unresearched Applications

The term vitamin U is often used to refer to a chemical compound that contains sulfur and is related to the amino acid methionine. It was first isolated from the leaves of raw cabbage in 1966 and has since been considered the main source of this substance. However, it is worth noting that in addition to cabbage, a methionine derivative is also present in broccoli, blueberries, cauliflower, kale, and barley malt.

However, there are scientific evidences that demonstrate its efficacy in treating certain ailments. For instance, one of the first scientific studies can be cited, when Dr. Garnett Cheney commenced the treatment of a group of prisoners suffering from stomach ulcers in the 1950s. The weekly treatment enabled not only the alleviation of painful conditions and the shortening of the treatment time, but also the complete recovery from the disease in several of the subjects studied. Another case in point could be the story of Jay Kordich, who collaborated with Dr. Cheney in researching the effectiveness of vitamin U. Kordich was a well-known and respected promoter of diets based on fruit and vegetable juices, in whom a bladder tumor was detected. The therapy based on cabbage extract not only resulted in the regression of tumor symptoms but also in the gradual healing of the developed disease. Since then, methionine sulfonate has been referred to as vitamin U, whose symbol derives from the word Ulcer, meaning "ulcer". Vitamin U is also a means of improving the condition of our skin and delaying the effects of its aging. Evidence of this can be found in more recent research, dating back to 2010, conducted by Seoul University. Scientists from the local dermatology department confirmed that the use of cosmetics based on methionine sulfonate triples the rate of skin regeneration. Preparations utilizing vegetable vitamin allow for the soothing of irritations and inflammatory conditions, as well as faster healing of burn wounds. Vitamin U is perceived as a source of a large number of antioxidants, hence it can be considered a good method of detoxification and a way to eliminate excess harmful free radicals.

Vitamin U remains a supplement whose exact mechanism of action and influence on the human body have yet to be thoroughly researched. Methionine sulfonate is not available as a standalone medication, but as a component of many products aimed at improving skin condition or normalizing digestive function. Due to the inadequate number of clinical analyses and laboratory tests, it should be regarded as a curiosity. Perhaps the scientific community will provide new evidence of its true nature over time and with growing interest in its therapeutic potential.