Choline and inositol are often found together in supplement form. Proponents claim they work together to lower cholesterol and promote nerve health. Choline and inositol are similar to vitamins. They are important to health and share characteristics with the B vitamins. Choline and inositol may have effects on mental health.
Function
Both choline and inositol are needed to make cell membranes and for cell signaling. They prevent excessive accumulation of cholesterol and triglycerides in the liver. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that carry out brain functions. Certain neurotransmitters may affect mood. Choline is a precursor for the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Inositol is involved in the activity of serotonin, another neurotransmitter.
Association
Low plasma choline levels are associated with high anxiety, according to a 2009 study published by Norwegian researcher Ingvar Bjelland and colleagues in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition." Choline abnormalities in the thalamus are associated with pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder, according to a 2001 study published by David R. Rosenberg in the "Journal of Child Neurology." A 1991 study published by Andrew L. Stoll and colleagues in "Biological Psychiatry" found that elevated red blood cell choline levels are associated with several psychiatric disorders.
Effects
Inositol treatment reduces severity and frequency of panic attacks in those with panic disorder, found a 1995 study published by J. Benjamin and colleagues in the "American Journal of Psychiatry." Effects are comparable to those of fluvoxamine, an established treatment, according to a 2001 study published by A. Palatnik in the "Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology." A 1996 study published in the "American Journal of Psychiatry" found that inositol may also be helpful in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder, a type of anxiety disorder. Inositol does not appear to have a synergistic effect when added to serotonin reuptake inhibitors, SRIs, for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder, according to a 1999 study published by S. Seedat and D.J. Stein in "International Clinical Psychopharmacology."
Considerations
Medications used to treat anxiety typically come with side effects. Some side effects are mild, while others are more severe and require discontinuation of treatment. Inositol has few known side effects. High doses--10 to 16 grams per day--of choline are associated with a fishy body odor, vomiting, salivation and increased sweating, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. Taking 7.5 grams per day may result in slight lowering of blood pressure, causing dizziness or fainting.
Sources
Choline and inositol can be found in supplement form or in foods. Choline is found in liver, eggs, wheat germ, bacon, soybeans and pork, according to a 2003 study published by S.H. Zeisel in the "Journal of Nutrition." Inositol is found in fruits, beans, grains and nuts. Grapefruit contains a high quantity of inositol.
References
- "American Journal of Psychiatry"; Double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial of inositol treatment for panic disorder; J Benjamin et al.; 1995.
- "Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology"; Double-blind, controlled, crossover trial of inositol versus fluvoxamine for the treatment of panic disorder; A. Palatnik et al.; June 2001.
- "American Journal of Psychiatry"; Inositol treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder; M. Fux et al.; 1996.
- "International Clinical Psychopharmacology"; Inositol augmentation of serotonin reuptake inhibitors in treatment-refractory obsessive - compulsive disorder: an open trial; S. Seedat and D.J. Stein; Nov. 1999.
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition;" Choline in anxiety and depression: the Hordaland Health Study; Ingvar Bjelland et al.; Oct. 2009.
