Inositol is a six-carbon sugar alcohol. It is as abundant as glucose in the body, and acts as a precursor of phospholipids in various cell membranes. High levels potentiate glucocorticoid-induced acceleration of pulmonary surfactant production. Breast milk and colostrum are rich in inositol.
In the past, it was considered a member of the B-complex vitamin family, but since it is produced by the human body from glucose, it is not an essential nutrient, but can be considered essential conditioning in certain circumstances. Endogenous inositol is an essential constituent of cell membrane phospholipids.
It has a low lipotropic activity and can be It has a low lipotropic activity and can evacuate fats from the liver and intestines. Inositol is a constituent of the intracellular phosphatidyl inositol secondary messenger system, which is linked to serotonin, norepinephrine and cholinergic receptors, hence its role in mood balance.
Inositol and some of its mono- and polyphosphates are involved in a number of biological processes, including nerve cell orientation. Inositol can reverse the desensitization of serotonin receptors. Limited clinical data suggest that exogenous inositol may have effects similar to those of specific serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in conditions such as panic disorder, stress, anxiety, melancholia, mood disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Inositol and some of its mono- and polyphosphates contribute to the functioning of many signaling and secondary messenger molecules.
Ideal users of Inositol
People wishing to support their liver function or improve their mood.
Complementary products to Inositol
B complex, GABA
Scientific references :
Benjamin J, Levine J, Fux M, et al. Double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial of inositol treatment for panic disorder. Am J Psychiatry 1995;152:1084-6.
Fux M, Levine J, Aviv A, Belmaker RH. Inositol treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Am J Psychiatry 1996;153:1219-21.
Levine J, Barak Y, Gonzalves M, et al. Double-blind, controlled trial of inositol treatment of depression. Am J Psychiatry 1995;152:792-4.
Saeed, S.A., Bloch, R.M., Antonacci, D.J., Herbal and Dietary Supplements for treatment of anxiety disorder. Complementary and alternative medicine. 2007. 79(4) 551-556
