Inositol is a carbohydrate that exists in a variety of forms and was once classified as a B-vitamin until it was discovered that humans synthesize it from glucose. Inositol is also used as a “backbone” for a type of non-flush niacin called inositol hexanicotinate, which is taken by some people to help resolve skin problems, including rosacea. The cause of rosacea, or skin redness, is not clear and likely multifactoral, so treatments range from laser therapy to dietary modification to supplementation with B vitamins. Consult with your dermatologist if you experience chronic redness on your face or body.
Inositol
Inositol shares some properties with the B vitamins, but it is primarily used in your body as a signaling and messenger substance to facilitate a number of biological processes including insulin regulation, nerve signaling, cell membrane maintenance, intracellular calcium concentration, hormonal modulation, fat metabolism and blood cholesterol balancing, according to the book “Functional Biochemistry in Health and Disease," written by Eric Newsholme and Tony Leech. Inositol is naturally found in fruits, beans, grains and nuts.
Inositol Hexanicotinate
Inositol hexanicotinate is a compound that includes six molecules of niacin attached to a central molecule of inositol, but the combination eliminates the “flushing” effects of nicotinic acid. Nicotinic acid dilates or relaxes the small blood vessels beneath your skin and can cause redness, itchiness and the sensation of warmth in large doses. The forms of niacin all act as important co-factors for the proper functioning of numerous enzymes, which is essential for hormone expression and the metabolism of fat and cholesterol. According to the “PDR for Nutritional Supplements,” B vitamins, such as niacin, are used for skin disorders because of their ability to regulate hormone activity and fat metabolism within skin.
Rosacea
Rosacea is a chronic condition characterized by facial erythema, or redness. For a variety of reasons, rosacea occurs when hundreds of tiny dilated blood vessels beneath the surface of your facial skin become inflamed, particularly those on the nose, cheeks and forehead. Rosacea is commonly mistaken for acne or eczema, but the mechanisms are different. Rosacea primarily affects Caucasians of northern European descent and occurs three times more often in women, according to “Human Biochemistry and Disease,” written by Gerald Litwack. Possible causes of rosacea include food allergies and sensitivities, nutritional deficiencies, hormone imbalance, chronic stress, alcoholism and too much sun exposure.
Treatment
No scientific research has been conducted on inositol’s affect on rosacea, but anecdotal claims suggest that it can be helpful for some forms of skin irritation that cause redness on the face. It is possible that for those who have a vitamin deficiency, hormone imbalance or fat metabolism issue that taking inositol by itself or as inositol hexanicotinate may help alleviate the symptoms of rosacea, but it is dependent on the primary cause of the condition. For those who suspect food allergies, avoiding dairy, gluten, sugar and yeast may be of greater benefit. Better facial hygiene, stress management and shielding your face from the sun while outdoors can also help. Laser surgery can be an effective cosmetic solution. Talk to your doctor about the potential causes of your rosacea.
References
- “Functional Biochemistry in Health and Disease”; Eric Newsholme and Anthony Leech; 2010
- “PDR for Nutritional Supplements”; PDR Medical Staff; 2001
- “Human Biochemistry and Disease”; Gerald Litwack; 2008
