Inositol Introduction   Inositol is often confused with other similar sounding nutrients, namely inositol hexaphosphate (IP-6) or inositol nicotinate, but is not the same.  Inositol may be referred to as vitamin B-8, or as myo-inositol as well.  Although inositol is often referred to as a B-vitamin compound, it is not a true vitamin in that small amounts are manufactured in the human body.  Inositol works within cells; assisting in the processes of cellular communication, regulation of metabolism, and growth.  It is known to exist in several different forms called stereoisomers, or chemicals with similar structural makeup yet different biologic function. [1]  Myo-inositol is the most widely available stereoisomer of the brain.     Inositol Food Sources   Humans can manufacture some inositol in the body.  This amount is biosynthesized primarily from glucose.  Inositol is found widely in foods derived from both plants and animals; a standard American diet will provide roughly one gram of the nutrient per day. More specifically, inositol is found in the largest amounts in cereals, legumes, and other rich sources of dietary fiber.     Inositol Uses   Inositol in the body exists as part of the cell membrane, phospholipid arrangement. It can work as a weak lipotropic agent, meaning it has the ability to move fat from the liver and intestinal cells. [2]  Because of its roles in cellular communication, inositol is used in several different neurological related conditions.  Inositol plays a key role in cellular signals, which involve serotonin, norepinephrine, and cholinergic receptors in the brain. [3]    In fact, some research points to the ability of inositol to act similarly to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor drugs (SSRIs) in certain neurological conditions. For persons with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), inositol supplementation may improve their symptoms after a minimal duration; usually several weeks of treatment. [4]   Similarly, in people with panic disorder, inositol supplementation can decrease the number and intensity of panic attacks after only 4 weeks of treatment. [5]  Studies have also compared inositol to a commonly used drug for panic attacks (fluvoxamine), deeming it equally effective. [6]   Inositol occupies an interesting niche as well; in that it appears to allieve psoriasis that is made worse by lithium therapy. [7]  While its pathology is not entirely known, it has been theorized that lithium-induced psoriasis may be caused by lithium's ability to reduce inositol in the brain and other areas of the body.  Taking inositol and lithium together will not affect lithium's efficacy. [8]   One of inositol's isomers, D-chiro-inositol may assist women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) in ovulation.  Researchers speculate that the over production of insulin and genetic factors are to blame for the onset of this condition.  Although there is no treatment for genetic predisposition, D-chiro-inositol may improve insulin sensitivity. [9]  By decreasing insulin sensitivity, other symptoms related to PCOS (i.e. high blood pressure, hyperlipidemia, obesity, diabetes, and elevated testosterone levels) are improved as well. [10]     Inositol Dosages   Dosage of inositol varies and no particular recommended dosages exist.  However, for treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder, 18 grams per day has been used with varying success. [11]   In panic disorder, 12 to 18 grams per day is a common dosage. [12, 5]  In depression, 12 grams per day has been used.[13]   Treatment of lithium-induced psoriasis utilized 6 grams per day.  In PCOS, 1200 milligrams per day of the inositol isomer, D-chiro-inositol was used for treatment in numerous clinical applications. [14, 15]     Inositol Deficiencies and Toxicities   Inositol Deficiency Because inositol is manufactured in the body, no established conditions of deficiency are known to exist.  However, inadequate production may lead to subtle deficiencies in healthy function at the cellular level, with negative health ramifications that may not be immediately attributable to this compound.   Inositol Toxicity Supplemental dosing of inositol is generally without side effects.  However, when side effects do occur they have been reported to include fatigue, headaches, nausea and dizziness. [6, 14]     Inositol Products   The following table lists various products that contain a safe and reliable source of Inositol:   Manufacturer Ingredient Amount US RDA Learn More NSI Inositol 584mg -- Click Here GNC Inositol 500mg -- Click Here

Search by Health Condition: --- Select a Condition --- Acid Reflux Acne AIDS and HIV Aging Allergies Alzheimers Anemia Angina Arthritis (OA) Arthritis (RA) Asthma ADHD Autism Bad Breath Breast Cancer Burns Candidiasis Carpal Tunnel Celiac Disease Cellulitis Cerebral Palsy Cervical Dysplasia Cholesterol Chronic Bronchitis CFS Cognitive Function Colds and Flu Cold Sores CHF Constipation Chronic Cough Crohns Disease Cystic Fibrosis Depression Diabetes Type 1 Diabetes Type 2 Diarrhea Diverticular Disease Downs Syndrome Eating Disorders Eczema Emphysema Endometriosis Epilepsy Erectile Dysfunction Fatigue Fibroids Fibromyalgia FLU Gallstones Glaucoma Gout Halitosis Hair Loss Heartburn Hemorrhoids Herpes Simplex Herpes Zoster Hyperlipidemia Hypertension Hyperthyroidism Hypoglycemia Hypothyroidism Impotence Influenza Insomnia IBS Kidney Stones Liver Disease Lupus Macular Degeneration Menopause Migraines Mononucleosis Multiple Sclerosis Obesity Ocular Health Osteoarthritis Osteoporosis Otitis Media Pancreatitis Pain Parkinsons PID PUD Periodontal Disease PMS Pneumonia Prostate Health Psoriasis Raynauds disease RLS RA SAD Shingles Sinusitis Stress TMJD Tuberculosis Ulcerative Colitis UTI Vaginitis Varicose veins Vertigo Vitiligo Search by Supplement: --- Select a Supplement--- 5-HTP ALC Alanine Aloe Vera Alpha GPC ALA American Ginseng Amino Acids Androstenedione Arabinoxylane Arginine Arnica Artichoke Ashwagandha Asparagine Aspartic Acid Astragalus Bacopa Barberry Bee Pollen Bee Propolis Beta Glucan Beta Carotene Betaine HCL Bifidobacterium Bilberry Biotin Bitter Melon Black Cohosh Bladderwrack Boron Boswellia BCAAs Brewers Yeast Bromelain Burdock Calcium Calendula Carnosine Cartilage Cascara Sagrada Cats Claw Cayenne CMO Chamomile Chasteberry Chitosan Chloride Choline Chondroitin Chromium Citrulline Coenzyme Q10 Coleus Colostrum Comfrey CLA Copper Cordyceps Cranberry Creatine Cyclo Cysteine Cystine Dandelion Leaf Dandelion Root Deer Antler Velvet DHEA Devils Claw Digestive Enzymes DMAE DMG DHA Dong Quai Echinacea EPA Elder Eleuthero English Ivy Ephedra Eucalyptus Evening Primrose Feverfew Fiber Fish Oil Flaxseed Fluoride Folic Acid FOS GABA GLA Gamma oryzanol Garcinia Garlic Ginger Gingko Glucosamine Glutamic Acid Glutamine Glutathione Glycine Goldenseal Gotu Kola Grapefruit Seed Grape Seed Extract Green Tea Guggul Gymnema Hawthorn Histidine Hops Horse Chestnut Horsetail Huperzine A Inositol Iodine Iron Isoleucine Kava Lactobacillus Acidophilus Larch Arabinogalactan L-Carnitine L Dopa Lemon Balm Leucine Lecithin Licorice Lutein Lycopene Lysine Magnesium Malic acid Manganese Mastic Melatonin Methionine MSM Milk Thistle Minerals Molybdenum NAC NADH Noni Olive Leaf Omega 3 Omega 6 Oregano Panax ginseng Passion Flower Pau Darco Peppermint Oil Phellodendron Phenylalanine Phosphatidylcholine Phosphatidylserine Phosphorus Phyllanthus Picrorrhiza Policosanol Potassium Proline Psyllium Pygeum Pyruvate Quercetin Red Clover Reshi Rhodiola Rosacea SAM-E Saw Palmetto Schisandra Selenium Serine Shiitake Silicon Sodium Soy Isoflavones Spirulina Sterols Stinging Nettle St Johns Wort Sulfur Taurine Tea Tree Oil Theanine Threonine Tocotrienols Tryptophan Turmeric Tylophora Tyrosine Uva Ursi Valerian Valine Vanadium Vinpocetine Vitamin A Vitamin B1 Vitamin B2 Vitamin B3 Vitamin B5 Vitamin B6 Vitamin B12 Vitamin C Vitamin D Vitamin E Vitamin K Yarrow Zeaxanthin Zinc Subscribe to our Newsletter:   Free health information emailed to you daily.   Name: Email: Sponsors:

Copyright  - All Rights Reserved - www.supplementnews.org DISCLAIMER: The information contained within this page should not be used to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease.

Recommended Resources | Link to Us