Micro Nutrients Part 8, Vitamin B8 (Inositol)
Inositol is no longer considered a vitamin due to the fact that it can be manufactured by the body, and deficiency is extremely rare. Symptoms can include nerve disorders, and intestinal problems.
Inositol affects your blood cholesterol levels, the transport of fat from the liver, and is a vital component of cell membranes and nerve coatings (known as myelin). Other functions include insulin signal transduction, intracellular calcium control, and serotonin modulation.
There is no recommended minimum dosage, though the average diet supplies about 1000mg worth.
There is no known maximum intake or toxic side effects.
Common food sources include: Citrus Fruits, Cantaloupes, Melons, Whole Grains, Seeds, Nuts, and Beans
Very few studies have covered the results of inositol supplementation, though there is some evidence that it can be useful in treating depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and insulin resistance. Dosages were pretty high (measured in grams), and little long term evidence is available. At this time I don’t recommend bothering to supplement with Inositol, though I don’t see any danger in doing so, especially in any dose of less than one gram per day.
Tags: Diet, Nutrition, Supplements, Vitamins