Inositol information, FAQ and product listing page. This page contains information and frequently asked questions about inositol as well as a complete list of products containing inositol.
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What is inositol and what does it do?
Inositol is a sugar, also known as a simple carbohydrate, that plays a vital role in the chemical reactions in our body that are associated with the production of glucose. Some research has categorized inositol as a B-vitamin, making it apart of the B-vitamin group along with other vitamins such as vitamin B-1, B-2, B-3, B-5, B-6, B-9, B-12, choline, and biotin. On the other hand, some studies have shown that inositol being categorized as a member of the Vitamin-B family is not entirely accurate. Inositol has no nitrogen content and as such is considered a non-vital amine. Additionally, our bodies are able to create inositol.
Inositol is an organic compound of every living creature’s cell membrane. This includes plants, animals, and even people. In plants, inositol can be obtains via phytic acid. It can be found in wheat, brown rice, brewers yeast, cereal, and oat flakes just to name a few. When it comes to fruits and vegetables, you can find inositol in the most abundant amounts in beans, nuts, cabbage, bananas, raisins, oranges, and legumes.
Inositol in animals is part of the phosopholipids. These can be found primarily in the brain in addition to other major systems located in the body. A good source of inositol as a meal would be the heart and liver of an animal, as well as beef brains.
What are the benefits of taking inositol?
Inositol has an effect on nerve transmission, assisting in the transportation of fats with and throughout our bodies. And as mentioned above, it plays a crucial role in the proper development in cell membranes. Isoitol works with the other members of the vitamin-B group including choline and biotin to help minimize the aggregation of fats in the liver. Because of this important attribute, inositol is commonly used to help treat a variety of liver problems.
Inositol is also believed to be able to lower levels of blood cholesterol. And while there is lacking evidence to prove this, it may help reduce symptoms of diabetes, bipolar disorder, anxiety, as well as depression. To help assist with countering depression, inositol is needed for the proper and efficient functioning of serotonin, a brain neurotransmitter that affects moods.
As stated previously, inositol is in every cell membrane. It works as a nutrient and plays a key role in proliferating cells and differentiation, which have an effect on our overall health. Studies that are currently being performed have seen inositol display some anti-cancer properties in their initial results, but more studies are needed.
Who can benefit from taking inositol?
Diabetics may benefit from supplementing inositol, as diabetics have an increased excretion of inositol. Those that are also looking to lose weight can also benefit from inositol.
How much inositol should I take?
Because inositol is not considered to be an essential nutrient for our bodies, there is no Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) set for this nutrient. However, a dosage of approximately 20 milligrams to 75 milligrams seems to be a sufficient amount to take. Be cautious of consuming dosages of an extreme size, 500 milligrams or more as large amounts of phytates could reduce your body’s ability to absorb iron, calcium, and zinc.
Of course, we always suggest strictly following label instructions
Does inositol have any side effects?
As of the date of this writing, there are no reported side effects of toxicity with inositol. The only adverse side effect of taking large doses of inositol involves diarrhea.
References:
Sources used:Larner J (2002). "D-chiro-inositol--its functional role in insulin action and its deficit in insulin resistance". Int J Exp Diabetes Res 3 (1): 47–60.Regulation of chromatin remodelling by inositol polyphosphates" (2003). Science 299 (5603): 114-6.Di Paolo G, De Camilli P (2006). "Phosphoinositides in cell regulation and membrane dynamics". Nature 443 (7112): 651-7.
