Inositol

Introduction

Inositol is a compound that has been known about for a long time, but it wasn’t until 1940 that scientists first realized that it was an essential nutrient. In fact, this sugar-like substance is one of the water-soluble B vitamins. In humans, it’s found in the liver, kidney, skeletal system and heart muscle. It is also present in the leaves and seeds of many plants.

One form of inositol, inositol hexaniacinate, has been used to support circulatory health because it functions like niacin in the body. For more on the potential benefits of inositol hexaniacinate, consult the section on niacin (vitamin B3).

The richest plant sources of inositol are seeds such as beans, grains and nuts. The richest animal sources are organ meats. Inositol is also produced by intestinal bacteria.

Dosage Info

Dosage Range

100-1,000mg daily. Dosages in the range of 12-18 grams daily have been used for certain conditions such as panic disorder. (1)

Most Common Dosage

250mg, 2 times a day.

Dosage Forms

Tablets and capsules.

Interactions and Depletions

Interactions

Depletions

Reported Uses

Clinical applications for inositol are mostly related to treatment of mental conditions. Studies suggest that inositol is as effective as one prescription medication in treating depression. (2) Meanwhile, it may be useful in the treatment and prevention of neurological disorders associated with diabetes. (3) It may also provide support for people with obsessive compulsive disorder and for those who experience panic attacks. (4) , (5) , (6)

Toxicities & Precautions

Introduction

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General

This dietary supplement is considered safe when used in accordance with proper dosing guidelines.

Pregnancy / Breast Feeding

To date, the medical literature has not reported any adverse effects related to fetal development during pregnancy or to infants who are breast-fed. Proper nutrition is essential during pregnancy for the healthy development of the fetus. Numerous vitamins and minerals are a vital part of proper nutrition. If you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breast-feeding an infant, talk to your healthcare professional about supplementing your diet with appropriate vitamins and minerals.

Age Limitations

To date, the medical literature has not reported any adverse effects specifically related to the use of this dietary supplement in children. Vitamins and minerals are an essential part of proper growth and development. Talk to your healthcare professional about the appropriate use of vitamins and minerals in children. Do not use any vitamin or mineral in children under 2 years of age unless first discussed with your healthcare professional.

References

  1. View Abstract: Palatnik A, Frolov K, Fux M, Benjamin J. Double-Blind, controlled, crossover trial of inositol versus fluvoxamine for the treatment of panic disorder. J Clin Psychopharmacol. Jun2001;21(3):335-9.
  2. View Abstract: Benjamin J, et al. Inositol Treatment in Psychiatry. Psychopharmacol Bull. 1995;31(1):167-75.
  3. View Abstract: Salway JG, et al. Effect of Myo-inositol on Peripheral-nerve Function in diabetes. Lancet. Dec1978;2(8103):1282-84.
  4. View Abstract: Fux M, et al. Inositol Treatment of Obsessive-compulsive Disorder. Am J Psychiatry. Sep1996;153(9):1219-21.
  5. View Abstract: Benjamin J, et al. Double-blind, Placebo-controlled, Crossover Trial of Inositol Treatment for Panic Disorder. Am J Psychiatry. Jul1995;152(7):1084-86.
  6. View Abstract: Carey PD, Warwick J, Harvey BH, Stein DJ, Seedat S. Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) in obsessive-compulsive disorder before and after treatment with inositol. Metab Brain Dis. Jun2004;19(1-2):125-34.