What is it?
A chemical that is found in brewers yeast and peanuts, inositol is not a true vitamin as it can be made in the body. It is often found in vitamin B complex formulas as it is helpful in improving and treating eczema; lowering cholesterol; preventing hair loss; improving digestion.
Function |
How it helps |
---|---|
Liver support |
Inositol is needed to help manufacture lecithin a compound which prevents the accumulation of fat and cholesterol in the liver. |
Mental function & emotional health | Inositol plays an essential role in the function of the neurotransmitters acetylcholine and serotonin by. making receptors more sensitive to serotonin. Among other things, these chemical messengers are required for proper cognitive function, memory, mental clarity, mood stabilisation and nerve and muscular activity. |
Nervous system health | Inositol is a component of the membranes of nerve cells. This fact, plus its influence on neurotransmitters accounts for much of its requirement in maintaining a healthy nervous system. |
What is it used for?
|
|
---|---|
Liver and gall bladder support |
Obsessive-compulsive disorder |
Panic attacks |
Anxiety-related disorder |
Diabetic neuropathy |
|
General mental function |
Best food sources
|
||
---|---|---|
Citrus fruit (except lemons) |
Cantaloupe melons |
Meat |
Liver |
Nuts & seeds |
|
Whole wheat |
Beans | Lecithin |
Deficiency Symptoms |
||
---|---|---|
Depression |
Panic attacks |
|
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder |
Eye disorders |
Elevated blood cholesterol |
Eczema |
Supplementation dosage range
50-500mg per day
Other information
Too much inositol can lead to diarrhoea.
Cautions
-
No known toxicity for levels found in supplements.
-
If taking anti-anxiety or tranquilising drugs, high-dose inositol should only be used under medical supervision as it may increase the drugs’ effect.
- Do not take inositol if you suffer from kidney problems.
Factors which deplete levels, impair absorption and/or inhibit activity: |
|
---|---|
Coffee, tea, chocolate, cola drinks, guarana |
Pain killers with caffeine in them |
Sulfonamide drugs |
Antibiotics |