Inositol Benefits

Inositol is a nutrient and a simple carbohydrate. It is also a lipotropic compound which means it is involved in the breakdown of fat during metabolism in the body. It was at first thought to be a vitamin and so is also known as vitamin B8.

Inositol is produced from glucose in the human body and is metabolized to phosphatidylinositol which is a negatively charged phospholipid and a component of cell membranes. It is stored in the human tissues with the highest in the heart and the brain. You can also get inositol from foods such as beans, brewer's yeast, brown rice, corn, cantaloupe, citrus fruits such as oranges, egg yolk, green leafy vegetables, nuts, peas, sesame seeds, rice bran, wheat germ, other fiber rich foods and most animal tissues.

Inositol comes in nine different forms or types which include myo inositol, inositol hexaphosphate, phytic acid or IP6, scyllo inositol and inositol hexanicotinate.

Inositol benefits No. 1 - Brain and mental health

Inositol and choline are brain boosting substances and are necessary for normal synaptic transmission. Studies revealed that the level of inositol in the brain is decreased when a person suffers from mental health problems. Inositol is a recommended supplement for conditions such as anxiety, mild depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and panic attacks.

It is also referred to as a brain calm nutrient. Even if you are mentally healthy, taking inositol would benefit because inositol provides brain cell nutrition. It helps you stay alert, maintain mental clarity and focus. It also assists in managing stress and nervous tension and puts you in a better mood.

Inositol benefits No. 2 - Liver health

Inositol supports healthy liver function and liver detoxification. Myo inositol is converted to d-glucuronic and l-gulonic acid. Glucuronic acid conjugates with foreign compounds or toxins in the liver and excrete them in the urine. And when combined with choline, inositol assists in metabolism of cholesterol and fat in the liver.

Inositol benefits No. 3 - Healthy cell membranes

Inositol is needed for the formation of cell membranes. It is required in maintaining healthy cells not only in the brain but also other tissues such as the bone marrow, eyes and intestines. Its function also includes liquefying fats for transportation throughout the body.

Other Inositol Benefits

Inositol taken with biotin may reduce thinning hair or hair loss and promote hair growth.

Taking high dosage of niacin, nicotinic acid or vitamin B3 may cause flushing of the skin. The alternative is to take inositol hexanicotinate or referred to flush free niacin because it doesn't cause the skin to turn red and itchy.

Studies are still on going to determine the effects of inositol hexaphosphate, phytic acid or IP6 in the prevention and treatment of tumor growth such as lung cancer. Research indicate that phytic acid is an antioxidant and may help boost the immune system. It also helps in maintaining cardiovascular health.

Inositol Deficiency

Inositol deficiency is rare because it is easily available from the diet. But if it does happen, some of the symptoms include abnormalities of the eyes, eczema and hair loss. Inositol supplements are available in the form of capsules and inositol powder which is best taken with fresh fruit juice.

Inositol Side Effects

There is no recommended dietary allowance or RDA for inositol. People who take inositol for OCD, panic disorder or depression usually take between 6g to 18g per day. There is no known toxicity or side effects associated with taking inositol supplement.

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