Inositol is a naturally occurring nutrient that is usually classified as a carbocyclic polyol. The most common form of inositol is sometimes referred to as myo-inositol. In the human body, inositol plays a major role in preventing the collection of fats in the liver, as well as promoting healthy hair growth. The presence of the nutrient also aids in efficient processing of nutrients into the conversion of energy, which in turn helps the body to maintain a healthy metabolism. Inositol also can be considered brain food, as the nutrient is necessary to properly nourish the brain.
The sweet nature of inositol comes in part from the properties that make up the nutrient, in particular the component of cyclohexanehexol. While still a form of sugar, inositol works differently from glucose. The main information about inositol in the body has more to do with what happens when there is a deficient amount present. A lack of inositol in the system can lead to such conditions as constipation, high cholesterol, problems with vision and general health of the eyes, and hair loss.
While there is no doubt that inositol is helpful to the normal operations of the human body, studies continue to be conducted to determine if there is any definitive proof that adding more inositol to the diet will reverse any major health issue. Some studies indicate that inositol may impact illnesses like depression and cancer. Some researchers believe that inositol can work in conjunction with other nutrients to provide some recovery from an illness or health condition.
A number of foods contain at least trace amounts of inositol. Cereals with a high bran content are relatively good sources of inositol. Red beans, and in particular kidney beans, are also good sources. Among fruits, oranges and cantaloupes tend to have higher amounts of inositol present, although most fruits do have at least a small amount. Many of the currently popular energy drinks, sometimes referred to as boost drinks, will note that their formula contains inositol.
It should be noted, however, that there does not appear to be any energy drink on the market that contains more than a minute amount of the nutrient. In fact, one estimate is that it would take in excess of 300 standard sized energy drinks consumed in one twenty-four hour period to reap any type of benefit at all. Inositol is more easily obtained by eating a sensible and balanced diet each day, and not from any type of quick fixes.
Inositol, which also goes by the name cyclohexane, is a glucose isomer, which has an important role to play in the body. It is found in nine possible stereoisomers. Out of these, the most prominent form of inositol is known as "myo-inositol" and it is widely available in nature. It is said to be a member of vitamin B complex. Myo-inositol is used by the body to form phospholipids, which are incorporated into the brain and other tissues. Other than these inositol benefits, inositol also helps metabolites facilitate communication between nerve cells in the body and also helps in transporting fats throughout the body. There are many inositol benefits and side effects but right now we will concentrate on the benefits.
The beauty of vitamin B is, that they are water soluble vitamins, hence, are not stored in the body. Inositol is one of the many B complex vitamins. It has an important function to play in the formation of Lecithin, which protects cells from oxidation and is an important factor in building of cell membranes. It also has a metabolic effect on the body, in that, it prevents fat from being stored in the liver. Hence inositol vitamin is also called lipotropic and also plays an essential part in maintaining good health of the individual.
If you suffer from hair loss, there is a chance you may need to avail of one of the many inositol benefits. Hair loss can occur when the levels of inositol in the body get depleted. This deficiency is also known to lead to thinning of hair and baldness, both in men and women. Therefore, inositol is considered vital for proper hair growth.
Inositol also helps in treating anxiety and depression. Hence, it is one of the anxiety cures and is also used for treating depression, where it may be prescribed as inositol powder. Inositol powder benefits can be attributed to the fact, that inositol contains vitamin B and it makes for an important part of a healthy nervous system. It also has a calming effect on the nervous system and hence, is also used in the treatment for nerve related illnesses like Alzheimer's disease.
People suffering from high blood cholesterol, who are at a risk of developing heart diseases, are also prescribed inositol. Choline inositol benefits can be seen in controlling cholesterol levels in the body and thereby, reduce chances of heart diseases. It also prevents hardening of arteries and thus, protects not only the heart, but also other vital organs in the body, namely the kidneys and liver.
Premature babies are known to benefit from inositol as well. Inositol is given to babies who show respiratory distress symptoms. It is seen, that inositol reduces disability chances in these babies and it also helps in averting sudden death.
People suffering from diabetes are also known to benefit from inositol. The nerve conduction velocities in diabetics is reduced due to diabetes. Regular dose of inositol helps in improving nerve conduction velocities.
The growth and survival of cells in the intestines, eye membranes and bone marrow are stimulated by inositol. Therefore, it also said to be beneficial in treating cancer. Inositol supplements may be hence, given to cancer patients.
Inositol is also useful in treating constipation, as it helps in stimulating the muscular action of the alimentary canal. Apart from the above mentioned inositol benefits, it also helps in treating skin disorders like eczema. It is also beneficial in treating eye problems.
After reading on inositol benefits, do you wonder how can you get more inositol in your daily diet? There are many foods which are rich in inositol. The common source of inositol are dried beans, cantaloupe, citrus fruits (other than lemon), garbanzo beans (also known as chickpeas), lentils, nuts, oats, pork, rice, whole grain products, etc. There are certain inositol side effects, hence care should be taken while taking insoitol, which should be done only after consulting the physician. It is recommended, that you reduce the intake of caffeine, as it can cause a decrease in the levels of inositol in the body.
Normally people assume that natural products, do not have side effects. However, this is far from true. It is essential to understand, that any product, which has benefits, will have side effects, if taken in inappropriate quantities. Most of the side effects of inositol are fairly common, but they also go away on their own. All the inositol side effects are not yet known, hence it is not advisable to take high dosage of inositol. It is recommended, that inositol supplements should be taken only under strict medical guidance. There have been cases, wherein inositol reacted in undesired manner with other drugs. Let us read on further to find out the other inositol powder side effects.
One of the most commonly seen side effect of inositol is diarrhea, when high dosage of inositol is taken.
Inositol taken in high amount can cause nausea.
Mega doses of inositol, hamper the absorption of iron, calcium and zinc into the bloodstream.
High blood pressure is another side-effect of inositol.
Mega doses of inositol can cause kidney diseases like kidney stones, etc. It is recommended that, people who have kidney problems, should not take inositol, as it can cause complications.
One of the other side effect of inositol is gas.
It can cause contractions in pregnant women. Hence, a pregnant woman should be careful, before taking inositol.
Deficiency of magnesium and potassium are other side effects of inositol.
Some of the other inositol side effects are tiredness, headache, dizziness, hives, itching, wheezing, skin rash, and swelling of the mouth and throat.
Worsening of bipolar disorder is one of the serious side effects of inositol uses.
As we have just seen, what are the side effects of inositol, it is time to find how is inositol good for one. Inositol prevents accumulation of fat in the liver. It helps in metabolism of cholesterol. Inositol together with lecithin protects the arteries against cholesterol and hardening. It helps in production of healthy cells in the bone marrow, intestines and eye membranes. Inositol is important for hair growth. Men, who were taking inositol supplements, reported less hair loss, although clinical trials of it are yet to be carried out. It is given to premature babies, who have respiratory problems, to reduce the chances of death and any kind of disability. A very important use of inositol is prevention and treatment of cancer. It helps diabetic patients to improve nerve conduction. If taken in moderate amount, it helps serotonin, a neurotransmitter, which is important to fight depression.
Deficiency of inositol can cause:
Eczema
Eye problems
Constipation
Dermatitis
Hair Loss
High cholesterol
Fatty Liver
Most of the inositol side effects are caused, when it is taken in large quantities. There are many forms of inositol, hence it is recommended to choose the right supplement contents to avoid any side effects. Inositol is also interchangeably used with other forms of inositol like myo-inositol, inositol hexaniacinate and inositol hexanicotinate,which are inositol compounds.
The following reviews have been selected:
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Reason for taking: PCOS
Reviewer: April, 25-34 Female, 3/29/2010 4:16:21 AM
Comment:
I started taking 1/4tsp twice a day of inositol powder along with one multi-vitamin in the morning. I was hoping for just some relief from my pcos symptoms. So far my hair loss has decreased, my skin is clear, and I've lost nine pounds. I have no sugar cravings either. With continued use I might just start having normal peroids. I'm not a doctor but I suggest all women battling with pcos to discuss inosotil with their doctors.
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Helps with OCD, July 14, 2010
By
Mojave Bob (Warsaw, IN United States)
We ran across a couple of medical studies testing the use of Inositol for relieving OCD symptoms, which has been a struggle for a family member. With the cooperation and supervision of our family doctor, we have been using this product, and are seeing some success! Symptoms have decreased on the scale from 24 to 15 over a period of several months.
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Reason for taking: ADHD
Reviewer: OCD and ADHD very helpful, 25-34 Female, 10/10/2009 7:23:47 PM
Comment:
My ADHD and OCD are particularly bad and work against eachother all the time. Starting taking medicine and realized I did not want to take anymore medicine than I was already on (2 pills per day). Began taking vitamins, dietary supplements, herbs and found ways to reduce my stress and get more exercise. Among the 2 dietary supplements I take, this is one of them- 500 mg per day and it's been about 3-4 weeks on it. No side effects and yes, I do believe it works for my pms, adhd, ocd and symptoms of depression. I like it because it is multipurpose and seems to help in several areas. Without taking as many herbs, supplements and vitamins as I do, I do not believe it would be enough to get me through the day by itself but wow, what a difference. More alert, calmer and much easier to focus day to day. Definitely, absolutely notice a difference without it from the before to the after. Still waiting 1 or 2 more weeks before I notice a bigger difference.It is also one of the VERY few natural things made for both adhd and ocd at the same time.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Calming, February 12, 2012
By
Paul N.
Excellent for calming anxiety. Started 15g/day of Inositol for anxiety 5 months ago and all panic attacks have diminished. Each decision made can be made with better clarity and calm.
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Reason for taking: Other
Reviewer: beachwalker, 75 or over Male, 8/15/2009 10:20:15 AM
Comment:
A closed head injury ten years ago left my husband with dementia symptoms. The use of the combination of CHOLINE/INOSITOL has greatly enhanced my husbands cognitive functions and reduced his anxiety and anger levels. There is a dramatic improvement in his social attitude since he has been taking these capsules instead of prescription drugs.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Cheapest bulk inositol, September 30, 2011
By
Tom Carr "Tom Carr" (Atlanta, Ga. USA)
Inositol can have a major positive effect on mood. In one study it had better results than most anti depressants. You have to take large doses to get this effect though. Antibiotics can kill the good bacteria in the gut that extract inositol from many foods, leading to mood swings for many people. Inositol can be the answer. Read about it in wikipedia or do a google on: Anxiety, Depression, Antibiotics Inositol
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Reason for taking: OCD
Reviewer: Dee, 25-34 Female, 9/10/2009 11:28:13 AM
Comment:
I used Inositol for my son who is nine and has mild ocd and a moderate anxiety. It has helped in both areas. He doesn't show any signs of ocd and his anxiety isn't really an issue when he's taking inositol. I highly suggest trying it to see if it works for you. There are no side effects.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars AWESOME!!, January 17, 2012
By
TJ
Was looking for another all natural supplement to help with my anxiety and this is a GREAT calming product! I have little pani attacks here and there and this has alleviated that! I also take a vitamin B complex as well as multi-vitamin. I just took a flight recently and I hate to fly and have full blown panic attacks on flight, I popped one of this and was good to go!! The first 15 mins of the flight the little panic attacks trie to creep in but Inositol kept me nice and calm!
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Reason for taking: Depression
Reviewer: Eddie, 55-64 Male, 12/19/2009 11:03:57 PM
Comment:
... inositol is also a remedy for insomnia in some people. It has really worked well on my insomnia. I learned about the insomnia-inositol connection from "The Edge Effect" by Eric Braverman MD. He specifically recommends inositol as an insomnia remedy in that book.
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