Inositol is a water-soluble fatty lipid and a naturally occurring isomer of glucose. Although medical professionals classify inositol as a member of the vitamin B complex and refer to it as B-8, inositol is not a vitamin itself. Myo-inositol is the most common form of inositol. Inositol has shown effectiveness in the treatment of several psychological disorders. Additionally, deficiency in inositol can lead to constipation, high cholesterol, problems with vision and hair loss. You should speak with a medical professional prior to consuming inositol.
Inositol Facts
Your body requires inositol for the formation of healthy cells, especially the cells specialized in your brain, bone marrow, eyes and intestines. Additionally, inositol plays an important role in promoting the export of fat from your liver and supporting healthy hair and new hair growth. Further, inositol can help control your estrogen levels, nourish your brain and support healthy metabolism in your body. Moreover, inositol helps regulate serotonin and insulin, break down fats and control blood cholesterol levels.
Inositol in Foods
You can find inositol in both plant and animal sources. Additionally, your body can manufacture this nutrient, and manufacturers can produce inositol in a laboratory. A variety of foods contain at least a trace amount of inositol. Examples of foods that contain high quantities of inositol include bananas, brewer's yeast, liver, brown rice, oat flakes, nuts, unrefined molasses, raisins, vegetables and wheat germ. Cereals with high bran content, nuts and red beans are also good sources of inositol. Among fruits, cantaloupes and oranges have the highest content, although most fruits have at least a small amount. Inositol is also present in the formula used to manufacture many energy drinks.
Uses & Benefits
According to "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine," inositol supplements may benefit individuals with a variety of medical conditions. These conditions include panic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, symptoms associated with polycystic ovary syndrome and breathing problems in premature infants known as acute respiratory distress syndrome. Medical professionals also use inositol to treat several other medical conditions, including nerve problems caused by diabetes, mild to moderate depression, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Side Effects & Safety
Inositol has minimal side affects associated with its use. These side effects include nausea, fatigue, headaches and dizziness. Symptoms of very high intake can also include diarrhea. Medical professionals generally consider inositol safe for adults. However, pregnant and breastfeeding women and patients with bipolar disorder should take inositol only under the supervision of a medical professional. Possible adverse interactions can occur when combining inositol with coffee, alcohol and certain antibiotics. Medical professionals typically recommend a daily starting dose of 100 mg per day for inositol supplementation. You should, however, speak with your doctor before taking any inositol supplement.
References
- "Biology of Inositols and Phosphoinositides"; A. Lahiri Majumder, et al.; 2010
- "Inositol Phospholipid Metabolism and Phosphatidyl Inositol Kinases"; A. Kuksis; 2003
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine"; Dennis Kasper, et al.; 2004
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