Part of the nutritionally important B-complex family of vitamins, inositol possesses medicinal properties that may make it useful in the treatment of several health conditions and diseases. Preliminary studies have focused on the nutrient's possible role in treating nervous disorders, liver problems, Alzheimer's disease and diabetic neuropathy. Most citrus fruits, unprocessed whole grains, brewer's yeast, cabbage, cantaloupe, lima beans, liver and some nuts are rich in inositol. Talk to your doctor before self-treating with inositol.
Nervous Disorders
In "Healing and Wholeness," author Randi Fredricks says inositol helps to maintain the integrity of cellular membranes and is essential for optimal functioning of the nervous system and the brain. She says the nutrient helps speed messages to the brain's serotonin receptors. Fredricks cites one study in which patients diagnosed with bulimia received inositol supplements, achieving a reduction in binge eating and other bulimic behaviors that was comparable with that obtained with prescription medications. Patients also experienced a reduction in related symptoms such as depression, panic and anxiety attacks and obsessive-compulsive disorders.
An Israeli study uncovered similar evidence of inositol's efficacy in treating nervous disorders. Researchers compared the effects of daily inositol supplements of up to 18 g daily with 150 mg daily of fluvoxamine, a widely used antidepressant, on 20 patients diagnosed with panic disorder. In findings published in the June 2001 issue of the "Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology," researchers reported that inositol effected a slightly higher reduction in panic attacks than the prescription medication and caused fewer side effects.
Prevents Fatty Liver
Fatty liver, a condition widely associated with excessive alcohol consumption, occurs when excessive quantities of triglyceride and cholesterol accumulate in liver cells. An animal study, conducted by researchers at Eastern Washington University, examined the effects of supplementation with inositol and choline, another B-complex nutrient, in laboratory rats that had been aerobically trained and had no deficiencies in either of the two nutrients. Their findings, published in the February 1995 issue of the "International Journal of Sports Medicine," showed that the inositol/choline supplements reduce liver fat without decreasing adipose tissue mass.
May Help Diabetics
Diabetes often leads to peripheral nerve damage caused by chronically elevated blood sugar levels. A healthy nervous system alerts most people to injury or other damage in the arms or legs via pain signals sent to the brain. In diabetes, such messages may not get through. John D. Kirschmann, author of "Nutrition Almanac," reports inositol, used in combination with choline, has been shown effective in improving nerve transmission, which could ease the problem of diabetic neuropathy, a serious complication of diabetes.
References
- "Healing and Wholeness: Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Mental Health"; Randi Fredricks; 2008
- "Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology"; Double-Blind, Controlled, Crossover Trial of Inositol Versus Fluvoxamine for the Treatment of Panic Disorder; Alex Palatnik et al.; June 2001
- "International Journal of Sports Medicine"; The Effect of Choline and Myo-Inositol on Liver and Carcass Fat Levels in Aerobically Trained Rats; J.L. Kenney and K.A. Carlberg; February 1995
- "Nutrition Almanac"; John D. Kirschmann; 2006
Member Comments