Methylmethioninesulfonium
Also known as: S-Methylmethionine sulfonium (SMMS), methylmethionine sulfonium chloride, Vitamin U, Vitamin U chloride, methylmethionine sulfonium, S-Methylmethionine sulfonium
Overview
S-Methylmethionine sulfonium (SMMS), commonly known as Vitamin U, is a naturally occurring sulfonium compound derived from the amino acid methionine. It is found abundantly in raw cabbage juice and other cruciferous vegetables. While often referred to as "Vitamin U," it is not a vitamin in the classical sense but rather a bioactive compound. SMMS is primarily recognized for its gastrointestinal support, particularly in the treatment and prevention of gastric ulcers, gastritis, and related digestive disorders. It exhibits antioxidant and cytoprotective effects, supporting mucosal repair and reducing inflammation. Beyond digestive health, SMMS has also been explored for its potential in skin protection and wound healing. Research on SMMS is ongoing, with several clinical studies and experimental research, though large-scale systematic reviews are limited.
Benefits
SMMS offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily centered on gastrointestinal health. Clinical studies indicate that SMMS can significantly reduce symptoms of chronic gastritis and improve quality of life. For instance, a 2023 clinical study demonstrated that 300 mg/day of SMMS over 6 months led to statistically significant improvements in gastrointestinal symptom scores (GSRS) and quality of life in patients with chronic gastritis. It is also used as part of combination therapy for peptic ulcers and gastroduodenitis, showing protective effects on gastric mucosa and promoting reparative functions. Beyond digestive benefits, in vitro studies suggest SMMS and its odorless derivatives can increase the proliferation of human dermal fibroblasts and keratinocytes, protect against UV-induced damage, and regulate collagen and matrix metalloproteinase expression, indicating potential for wound healing and photoprotection. An in vitro study also showed anti-adipogenic effects by inhibiting pre-adipocyte differentiation and activating AMPK, though the clinical relevance of this metabolic benefit is currently unclear.
How it works
SMMS exerts its beneficial effects primarily by enhancing cellular proliferation and survival, particularly in the epithelial cells of the skin and gastrointestinal tract. It modulates oxidative stress by reducing reactive oxygen species and regulating gene expression involved in collagen synthesis and matrix remodeling, which contributes to its cytoprotective and wound-healing properties. In the context of adipocytes, SMMS has been shown to downregulate adipogenic transcription factors and activate AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a crucial regulator of energy metabolism, thereby inhibiting adipocyte differentiation. While the detailed pharmacokinetics are not extensively characterized, SMMS is absorbed orally, allowing it to exert systemic effects.
Side effects
SMMS is generally considered safe, with no major adverse effects reported in clinical studies at doses around 300 mg/day. The reviewed literature does not document any common or serious side effects. Information regarding drug interactions and contraindications is not well studied but appears minimal, consistent with its use as a nutritional supplement. However, specific recommendations for special populations, such as pregnant women or children, are lacking due to insufficient data. While native SMMS can have an unpleasant odor due to dimethyl sulfide, odorless derivatives have been developed, particularly for cosmetic applications. Overall, SMMS appears to have a favorable safety profile for short- to medium-term use, but long-term safety data and comprehensive interaction studies are still limited.
Dosage
Clinical studies investigating SMMS for gastrointestinal indications have typically utilized oral doses around 300 mg/day. For instance, a 6-month study on chronic gastritis patients used this dosage effectively. The optimal dosing for potential skin or metabolic effects has not been well established in human trials. There is no formally defined maximum safe dose, but doses used in research have been well tolerated. Specific timing considerations for administration are not extensively detailed in the current research. The efficacy of different formulations (e.g., chloride salt versus other derivatives) and their absorption factors require further investigation for optimization. Users should adhere to recommended dosages from reputable sources or healthcare professionals.
FAQs
Is SMMS effective for stomach ulcers?
Yes, evidence supports its use as an adjunct in peptic ulcer and gastritis treatment, improving mucosal healing and providing symptom relief, often as part of combination therapy.
Does it have antioxidant properties?
Yes, SMMS has been shown to reduce oxidative stress in skin cells and potentially in gastrointestinal mucosa, contributing to its cytoprotective effects.
Is it safe long-term?
Limited long-term data exist, but short- to medium-term use of SMMS appears safe with no major adverse effects reported in clinical studies at typical dosages.
Does it have a strong odor?
Native SMMS can have an unpleasant odor due to dimethyl sulfide. However, odorless derivatives have been developed, particularly for use in cosmetic products.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5933898/ – This in vitro study investigated the effects of SMMS derivatives on human dermal fibroblasts and keratinocytes. It found that these derivatives increased cell proliferation, protected against UV-induced damage, and regulated collagen and matrix metalloproteinase expression, suggesting potential for skin health and wound healing.
- https://www.casi.org/vitamin-u-stomach-and-gut-support – This source summarizes a 2023 clinical study involving 37 patients with chronic gastritis. The study reported that 300 mg/day of SMMS significantly reduced gastrointestinal symptom scores and improved quality of life over a 6-month period, highlighting its benefits for gut health.
- https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Potential-use-of-methylmethionine-sulfonium-as-a-of-Pakhomova/b8a928bb6fcfa643276a64f10c98b634e08511e9 – This paper discusses the potential use of methylmethionine sulfonium, likely referencing its role in gastrointestinal protection and repair. It contributes to the understanding of SMMS's application in conditions like peptic ulcers and gastroduodenitis.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22363154/ – This in vitro study explored the effects of SMMS on adipocytes. It demonstrated that SMMS inhibited the differentiation of 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes by modulating adipogenic factors and activating AMPK, suggesting potential anti-adipogenic effects, though clinical relevance is yet to be determined.
- https://www.med-sovet.pro/jour/article/view/2664?locale=en_US – This review and collection of clinical reports highlights SMMS's effectiveness as part of combination therapy for peptic ulcer and gastroduodenitis. It suggests that SMMS supports mucosal repair and offers protective effects on the gastric lining, drawing from various clinical observations.
