| Inositol, is often called to as
"vitamin B8," and it is present in all animal tissues, with the
highest levels in the heart and brain. It is part of the membranes of all cells,
and aids the liver process fats as well as contributing to the function of
muscles and nerves. Inositol may also be involved in depression. People who are
depressed often have much lower-than-normal levels of inositol in their spinal
fluid. In addition, inositol participates in the action of serotonin, a
neurotransmitter known to be a factor in depression. (Neurotransmitters are
chemicals that transmit messages between nerve cells.) For this reason, inositol
has been proposed as a treatment for depression, and preliminary evidence
suggests that it may be helpful. Inositol has also been tried for other
psychological and nerve-related conditions.
SOURCES
Inositol is not thought to be an essential daily nutrient. However, nuts, seeds,
beans, whole grains, cantaloupe, and citrus fruits supply a substance called
phytic acid, which releases inositol when acted on by bacteria in the digestive
tract. The typical American diet provides an estimated 1,000 mg as daily
supplemental level.
THERAPEUTIC DOSAGES
Experimentally, inositol dosages of up to 18grams daily have been tried for
various conditions.
THERAPEUTIC USES
Preliminary double-blind studies suggest that high-d inositol may be useful for
depression, panic disorder, Alzheimer's disease, a obsessive compulsive
disorder, and attention deficit disorder. Inositol is also sometimes proposed as
a treatment for the complications of diabetes, specifically diabetic neuropathy,
but there have been no placebo-controlled studies, and two uncontrolled studies
had mixed results. Finally, inositol has been recommended for bipolar disorder
although there is no scientific evidence to support this use.
WHAT IS THE SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE FOR INOSITOL?
Depression Small double-blind studies have found inositol helped for
depression. In one such trial, 28 depressed individuals were given a daily dose
of 12g of inositol for 4 weeks. By the fourth week, the group who were receiving
inositol showed a significant improvement compared to the placebo group.
Panic Disorder - People with panic disorder frequently develop panic attacks,
often with no warning. The racing heartbeat, chest pressure, sweating, and other
physical symptoms can be so intense that they are mistaken for a heart attack. A
small double-blind study (21 participants) found that people given 12g of
inositol daily had fewer, and less severe, panic attacks as compared to the
placebo group.
SAFETY ISSUES
No serious ill effects have been reported for inositol, even with a therapeutic
dosage that equals about 18 times the average dietary intake. However, no
long-term safety studies have been performed.
Inositol, is also known as:
vitamin B8
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