| 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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