Inositol

Inositol is the common name of myoinositol, the only form of Inositol utilized by the body as a nutrient. Inositol is a simple carbohydrate involved in the glucuronic acid and pentose phosphate pathways that are responsible for products such as glucose, glucuronolactone and water.

A common biologically active form of Inositol is phosphatidylinositol, a phosphatide found in cell membranes. In the body, Inositol is metabolized into phosphatidylinositol, which then acts as a second messenger system to stimulate the release of calcium from its intracellular storage site in the endoplasmic reticulum. The sugar has also been implicated in improving the transmission of neural signals in individuals afflicted with diabetic nerve damage and numbness.

Usage

Inositol plays an important part in the health of cell membranes especially the specialized cells in the brain, bone marrow, eyes and intestines. A fair concentration of Inositol is found in the lens of the human eye as well as the heart. The function of the cell membranes is to regulate the contents of the cells, which makes effective functioning possible. Inositol affects nerve transmission and helps in transporting fats within the body.

It differs from Inositol hexaniacinate, a form of vitamin B3. Inositol works in conjunction with folacin, Vitamins B-6 and B-12, choline, betaine, and methionine to prevent the accumulation of fats in the liver. It exists as the fiber component phytic acid, which has been investigated for its anti-cancer properties.

Inositol is said to promote healthy hair, hair growth, and helps in controlling estrogen levels and may assist in preventing breast lumps. It may also be of benefit in reducing blood cholesterol levels.

Food sources

Inositol is available from both plant and animal sources. The plant form in which Inositol is available is phytic acid, which can bind with minerals and so affect their absorption negatively.

The body is also able to manufacture Inositol. It is available from wheat germ, brewer’s yeast, bananas, veal, pork, liver, brown rice, and wheat bran, cantaloupe, oat flakes, nuts, unrefined molasses, raisins and vegetables.

Inositol Deficiency

If the Inositol intake is not sufficient, symptoms such as eczema, hair loss, constipation, and abnormalities of the eyes and raised cholesterol may be observed. People with diabetes have increased excretion and may benefit from Inositol supplementation.

Neurotransmitters such as serotonin in the brain depend on Inositol to function properly. Low levels of this nutrient may result in depression and some research has shown that increased levels of Inositol appear to be a promising treatment for depression.

Dosage

Most people do not need to take Inositol. In addition, the small amounts commonly found in multivitamin supplements are probably unnecessary and ineffective. Doctors sometimes suggest 500 mg twice per day. For depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, 12–18 grams per day has been shown to be effective in double-blind trials.

Best used with

Choline should be taken in the same amount as Inositol and the best is to take the entire B group vitamins with it, Vitamin E, vitamin C as well as folic acid and linoleic acid is thought to increase the functioning of Inositol

Why the need for Inositol?

Taking of long term antibiotics may increase the need for Inositol, as well as a lot of coffee consumption. Coffee kills this nutrient.

Toxicity, side effects and symptoms of high intake

Toxicity has not been reported, but diarrhea has been noted with the intake of very high dosage of Inositol. Large amounts of phytate, the common dietary form of Inositol, reduce the absorption of calcium, iron, and zinc. However, supplemental Inositol does not have this effect.

Precautions

• Women who are or could become pregnant should consult a doctor before taking Inositol.
• People with chronic renal failure show elevated toxic levels and should not take Inositol, except under medical supervision.

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