Carbamide
Also known as: Urea, Carbamide, CO(NH2)2
Overview
Urea, also known as carbamide, is a naturally occurring compound found in mammalian urine and synthesized industrially. It is highly soluble in water and has a low molecular weight. While not typically used as a dietary supplement, urea is found in some skincare products for its moisturizing properties and has medical applications, such as treating cystinuria. Research on urea as a dietary supplement is limited, with most studies focusing on its dermatological or medical uses. The available evidence for its benefits or risks as a supplement is sparse. Its primary role in the body is in the urea cycle, aiding in the removal of ammonia. However, this function is not typically relevant when considering urea as a supplement.
Benefits
There is currently no substantial evidence supporting the use of urea (carbamide) as a dietary supplement for health benefits. Research primarily focuses on its medical and cosmetic applications. Therefore, no specific benefits can be attributed to its use as a dietary supplement based on current scientific understanding.
How it works
Urea plays a role in the urea cycle, which is a metabolic process that helps remove ammonia from the body. However, when considering urea as a supplement, its mechanism of action is not well-defined, as it does not have significant interactions with body systems in this context. There are no well-documented molecular targets for urea when used as a dietary supplement.
Side effects
The safety profile of urea as a dietary supplement is not well-established due to the lack of research in this area. While urea is generally considered safe when used appropriately in medical or cosmetic applications, its potential side effects as a dietary supplement are not well-documented. Therefore, it is important to exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional before considering urea as a dietary supplement.
Dosage
There are no established dosing guidelines for urea (carbamide) as a dietary supplement. This is due to the lack of research and evidence supporting its use in this context. Therefore, no specific dosage recommendations can be made.
FAQs
Is urea safe to take as a dietary supplement?
The safety of urea as a dietary supplement is not well-established due to limited research. It is generally considered safe for medical and cosmetic uses, but caution is advised for dietary supplementation.
What are the potential benefits of taking urea as a supplement?
Currently, there is no substantial evidence to support any health benefits from taking urea as a dietary supplement. Research primarily focuses on its medical and cosmetic applications.
Are there any known side effects of taking urea as a supplement?
Due to the lack of research, the potential side effects of taking urea as a dietary supplement are not well-documented. Consult with a healthcare professional before considering its use.
How should urea be dosed if taken as a supplement?
There are no established dosing guidelines for urea as a dietary supplement due to the lack of research. Therefore, no specific dosage recommendations can be made.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27408608/ – This study investigates the effect of urea cream on skin barrier function in elderly patients with xerosis. It found that urea-containing cream significantly improved skin hydration and reduced transepidermal water loss, suggesting its effectiveness in treating dry skin conditions. The research highlights urea's role in enhancing skin barrier function through increased hydration.
- https://libguides.usc.edu/healthsciences/systematicreviews/databases – This resource provides a guide to databases for conducting systematic reviews in health sciences. It lists key databases such as PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase, which are essential for identifying relevant studies for evidence-based practice. The guide assists researchers in efficiently searching and retrieving comprehensive literature for systematic reviews.
- https://ucrisportal.univie.ac.at/en/publications/a-systematic-review-and-meta-analysis-of-carbohydrate-benefits-as – This systematic review and meta-analysis examines the benefits of carbohydrate intake on athletic performance. It synthesizes data from multiple studies to assess the impact of carbohydrate consumption on endurance, strength, and power output. The research provides evidence-based recommendations for carbohydrate intake to optimize athletic performance.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5718002/ – This review discusses the role of urea and other nitrogenous compounds in the mammalian epidermis. It highlights the importance of urea as a natural moisturizing factor (NMF) that contributes to skin hydration and barrier function. The review provides insights into the biochemical pathways and physiological functions of urea in maintaining skin health.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2022.1013055/full – This study investigates the effects of urea supplementation on nitrogen balance and muscle protein synthesis in healthy adults. It examines the impact of urea intake on amino acid metabolism and muscle growth. The research provides insights into the potential role of urea in promoting muscle protein synthesis and improving nitrogen balance.