Written By Go Vita
Inositol Benefits
Learn about inositol, how to use it and where to find it
It's no secret that inositol has a plethora of health benefits. In this blog, we'll explore why you should consider adding it to your daily diet and where to find it!
Inositol is considered a non-essential nutrient since it can be synthesised in your digestive system by good bacteria. It works closely with choline and combines with it to form lecithin. Inositol is vital for healthy nervous system function and plays a role in neurotransmitter activity.
What is Inositol?
Let's start with the basics. Inositol is a natural carbohydrate found in many plant and animal sources. It has been used for centuries to treat a variety of medical conditions, including depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Its primary benefit is that it helps increase the body's levels of serotonin - a neurotransmitter responsible for regulating mood, sleep patterns, appetite, and other functions. Inositol also plays an important role in nerve cell communication and is involved in the formation of phospholipids, which are essential for proper cell membrane function.
Why you may need inositol
Inositol can help improve insulin sensitivity in people with Type 2 diabetes by reducing fasting glucose levels. It may also help reduce PCOS symptoms such as irregular menstrual cycles, acne, hirsutism (excessive hair growth), and infertility by balancing hormonal levels. Additionally, Inositol has been found to be effective in treating anxiety and panic disorders due to its ability to increase serotonin levels in the brain.
It may also help with Panic disorder and agoraphobia (fear of public and open spaces) – studies have found that taking inositol for 4 weeks reduced the severity and duration of panic attacks and the severity of agoraphobia. People with a high cholesterol may also benefit with a diet reach in inositol as it is a component of the phospholipid, lecithin, which is important for the metabolism of fats.
Overall, isonitol offers numerous health benefits that make it an attractive supplement for those looking to improve their overall wellbeing. For best results, consult your doctor or healthcare provider before taking any supplements or medications.
How much do you need?
Currently there is no recommended daily allowance (RDA) for inositol. However people may take inositol supplements on high and low dosis depending of each individual needs.
High doses (usually in the 12-18g range) are required for any neurological effects while lower doses (2-4g) are sufficient for fertility and insulin sensitising effects. Please refer to this reserach for more information about inositol.
While inositol it is usually a very safe supplement to ingest, side-effects may occour from high doses including mild gastrointestinal distress, (nausea and gas), difficulty sleeping, headache, dizziness and tiredness. So, always make sure you consult your doctor or healthcare provider when taking inositol supplements to help treat a condition.
Symptoms of deficiency
Deficiency maybe associated with:
- Hair loss,
- Constipation,
- High cholesterol
- Skin problems such as eczema (extremely dry, itchy skin)
- Mental health symptoms such as troubles with sleep, mood, anxiety.
Where to find it?
While inositol can be added to your diet as a supplement there are many foods that are a good source of inositol. These include:
- Beans,
- Banana,
- Rockmelon,
- Citrus fruits,
- Bell peppers,
- Tomatoes,
- Potatoes,
- Asparagus and green leafy vegetables, corn grains, legumes and sprouts,
- Meat, eggs and organs,
- Nuts and seeds are also a good source of inositol.
Other reasons why you may need more
Excessive alcohol, lactation, diabetes, and stress can increase your demand for inositol.
Information presented is for information purposes only and is not intended to replace advice or treatment from qualified healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to treat or diagnose. Always consult your healthcare professional before taking nutritional or herbal supplements. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have any allergies or diagnosed conditions, or are taking prescription medications, always consult your healthcare professional before taking nutritional or herbal supplements.
Go Vita Loves...
Take a look at our favorite products that contain Inositol.
- NutriVital Mega B High Potency contains vitamins B1, B6, B12, Inositol with calcium pantothenate and nicotinamide to maintain nervous system function.
- NutriVital Activated B Complex contains B group vitamins plus inositol to support energy levels and maintain nervous system health.