Introduction
Inositol is part of the vitamin B-complex. It is required for proper formation of cell membranes.
Where is it found?
Nuts, beans, wheat and wheat bran, cantaloupe, and oranges are excellent sources of inositol. Most dietary inositol is in the form of phytate.
Inositol has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):
Science Ratings - Health Concerns
** - Anxiety
** - Depression
** - Obsessive-compulsive disorder
* - Bipolar disorder/manic depression
* - Type 1 diabetes
* - Type 2 diabetes
*** - Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
Where is it found?
Nuts, beans, wheat and wheat bran, cantaloupe, and oranges are excellent sources of inositol. Most dietary inositol is in the form of phytate.
Inositol has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):
Science Ratings - Health Concerns
** - Anxiety
** - Depression
** - Obsessive-compulsive disorder
* - Bipolar disorder/manic depression
* - Type 1 diabetes
* - Type 2 diabetes
*** - Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
** - Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
* - For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.
Who is likely to be deficient?
Clear deficiency of inositol has not been reported, although people with diabetes have increased excretion and may benefit from inositol supplementation.
How much is usually taken?
Most people do not need to take inositol. In addition, the small amounts commonly found in multivitamin supplements are probably unnecessary and ineffective. Doctors sometimes suggest 500 mg twice per day. For depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, 12–18 grams per day has been shown to be effective in double-blind trials.1 2 3 4
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Toxicity has not been reported, although people with chronic renal failure show elevated levels and should not take inositol, except under medical supervision.
Large amounts of phytate, the common dietary form of inositol, reduce the absorption of calcium, iron, and zinc. However, supplemental inositol does not have this effect.
One review article suggested that inositol may stimulate uterine contractions.5 While no research has demonstrated that inositol actually has this effect, women who are or could become pregnant should consult a doctor before taking inositol.
Who is likely to be deficient?
Clear deficiency of inositol has not been reported, although people with diabetes have increased excretion and may benefit from inositol supplementation.
How much is usually taken?
Most people do not need to take inositol. In addition, the small amounts commonly found in multivitamin supplements are probably unnecessary and ineffective. Doctors sometimes suggest 500 mg twice per day. For depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, 12–18 grams per day has been shown to be effective in double-blind trials.1 2 3 4
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Toxicity has not been reported, although people with chronic renal failure show elevated levels and should not take inositol, except under medical supervision.
Large amounts of phytate, the common dietary form of inositol, reduce the absorption of calcium, iron, and zinc. However, supplemental inositol does not have this effect.
One review article suggested that inositol may stimulate uterine contractions.5 While no research has demonstrated that inositol actually has this effect, women who are or could become pregnant should consult a doctor before taking inositol.
Drug Interactions
Certain medicines interact with inositol: Some interactions may increase the need for inositol (+), other interactions may be negative (-) and indicate inositol should not be taken without first speaking with your physician or pharmacist, others may require further explanation (?). Refer to the individual drug article for specific details about an interaction.
Note: The following list only includes the generic or class name of a medicine. To find a specific brand name, use the Medicines index.
Lithium (+)
Certain medicines interact with inositol: Some interactions may increase the need for inositol (+), other interactions may be negative (-) and indicate inositol should not be taken without first speaking with your physician or pharmacist, others may require further explanation (?). Refer to the individual drug article for specific details about an interaction.
Note: The following list only includes the generic or class name of a medicine. To find a specific brand name, use the Medicines index.
Lithium (+)
Source: www.cncahealth.com