What it is

Inositol is a compound that is classified as a member of the B-vitamin family. It is found naturally in a variety of plant and animal sources, including fruits, beans, grains, and meats. Inositol has been used as a dietary supplement for over 100 years, with its earliest recorded use dating back to the late 1800s. At that time, inositol was extracted from wheat bran and used as a treatment for a variety of conditions, including depression, anxiety, and constipation. In the 1950s, researchers discovered that inositol was a key component of the phospholipids that make up cell membranes. This finding led to a renewed interest in the potential health benefits of inositol supplementation. In the 1980s, inositol was found to be effective in the treatment of panic disorder and other anxiety disorders, and it has since been studied for its potential benefits in a variety of other conditions as well.

Today, inositol is widely available as a dietary supplement, and it is often marketed as a natural alternative to prescription medications for conditions such as anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Some research suggests that inositol may be effective in reducing symptoms of these conditions, although more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness. In addition to its use as a dietary supplement, inositol is also used in the production of a variety of consumer products, including cosmetics and food additives. It is also used as a feed supplement for livestock and as a component of some fertilizers.

Inositol is a six-carbon sugar alcohol that is classified as a member of the B-vitamin family. It is a compound that is naturally occurring in plants and animals and is found in a variety of foods, including fruits, beans, grains, and meats. Inositol is also produced by the human body, and it is involved in a number of important physiological processes.

Inositol is available in a variety of forms on the market, including capsules, tablets, and powders. It is also found in some multivitamin and mineral supplements. The most common form of inositol is myo-inositol, which is the form found in the highest concentrations in the body. Other forms of inositol include D-chiro-inositol and L-chiro-inositol, which are both found in smaller amounts in the body. Inositol may also be combined with other nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, to create a more comprehensive dietary supplement. Inositol is also available in a synthetic form, which is produced through chemical synthesis rather than being extracted from natural sources.

How it works

Chemically, inositol is classified as a polyol, which is a type of compound that contains multiple hydroxyl groups. It is a white, crystalline substance that is soluble in water and insoluble in organic solvents. Inositol exists in nine different isomeric forms, each with a different chemical structure. The most common isomer is myo-inositol, which is the form found in the highest concentrations in the body. Inositol has several important functions in the body. It is a component of the phospholipids that make up cell membranes, and it is involved in the regulation of intracellular signaling pathways. Inositol is also involved in the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates, and it plays a role in the synthesis of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine.

In addition to its physiological functions, inositol has also been studied for its potential health benefits as a dietary supplement. It has been shown to be effective in the treatment of panic disorder and other anxiety disorders, and it has been studied for its potential benefits in a variety of other conditions, including depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and risks of inositol supplementation.

The pharmacology of inositol is not well understood, but it is thought to exert its effects through its involvement in intracellular signaling pathways. Inositol has been shown to affect the action of several neurotransmitters, including serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which are all involved in mood and cognitive function. Inositol may also affect the action of insulin and other hormones, which may play a role in its potential benefits in conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Inositol has been studied for its potential effects on neurocognition, and some research suggests that it may be effective in improving cognitive function in people with certain conditions. For example, a randomized controlled trial found that inositol supplementation was effective in improving cognitive function in people with Alzheimer's disease. Other research suggests that inositol may be effective in improving cognitive function in people with schizophrenia, although more research is needed to confirm these findings.

Inositol is generally considered to be safe when taken as directed, and it is well-tolerated by most people. However, some people may experience side effects when taking inositol, including nausea, stomach upset, and diarrhea. Inositol may also interact with certain medications, so it is important to talk to a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.

How it is taken

Inositol is available as a dietary supplement and is often taken by mouth in capsule or powder form. The recommended dosage of inositol varies depending on the specific condition being treated and the individual factors of the person taking it, such as age and sex. In general, doses of inositol range from 500 mg to 18 grams per day. It is important to follow the dosage instructions on the supplement label or to consult a healthcare provider for guidance on the appropriate dosage.

There is no specific time of day that is best for taking inositol, as it can be taken at any time. Some people may find that taking inositol in the morning or at bedtime is most convenient, while others may prefer to take it with meals to help reduce the risk of stomach upset. It is important to follow the instructions on the supplement label or to consult a healthcare provider for guidance on the best time to take inositol.

References and further reading:

1. R. J. Baldessarini, "Inositol," in The American Psychiatric Publishing Textbook of Psychopharmacology, edited by S. Hyman and H. D. Meltzer (American Psychiatric Publishing, 2009), pp. 835-839.

2. G. B. Corradi, A. Chiarugi, M. Furukawa, and A. Corradi, "Inositol in the treatment of psychiatric disorders," in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, vol. 89, no. 2 (2009), pp. 256S-261S.

3. J. H. Fava and G. M. Rosenbaum, "The role of inositol in psychiatric illness," in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, vol. 59, no. 6 (1998), pp. 350-357.

4. M. J. P. Deijen and J. W. Van der Schroeff, "Inositol in psychiatric disorders," in The European Journal of Psychiatry, vol. 13, no. 2 (1999), pp. 63-70.

5. A. R. Rossi, J. H. Bechara, and A. M. Kajee, "Inositol in the treatment of psychiatric disorders," in The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, vol. 2 (2001), pp. CD003850.