Supplements

Inositol

Inositol is a member of the B complex family, it is water-soluble and a lipotropic (fat-burner). Inositol combines with choline to make lecithin.

This vitamin has a calming effect by relaxing nervous tension and encourages sounder sleep. It helps to alleviate severe anxiety and panic disorders. This vitamin is also helpful in the treatment of agoraphobia, the fear of being in public, because of its calming effects. Doses of 18 grams daily proved safe and effective in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Inositol helps to remove fats from the liver and is vital in the formation lecithin and proper maintenance of cholesterol levels. Supplements of this nutrient can help to trigger the body's metabolism to burn off excess fat and has been helpful for those suffering from obesity. The combination of Inositol, choline, and methionine helps to weaken estrogen effects.

Inositol levels in depressed persons is often lower than average. Dosages of 6-12 grams a day for four weeks, two studies agreed, significantly alleviated a number of depressive symptoms. Lithium, prescribed for manic-depressive disorder, decreases the brain's inositol concentration.

Newborns need inositol and receive it in breast milk, one of the richest natural resources. Most infant formulas do contain inositol, but check the labels. Inositol is critical for a newborn's healthy growth. For premature babies it increases survival rates, prevents vision loss from retinopathy and prevents respiratory distress.

The loss of inositol from nerve cells of people with diabetes is at least partly responsible for diabetic neuropathy (destruction of nerves in the arms and legs that occurs after years of poor blood sugar control). Vitamin C coupled with doses of 1 gram daily of inositol can improve nerve function for persons with neuropathy.

Deficiency: Eczema is considered a sign of inositol deficiency. Sleeplessness, obesity, high cholesterol, diabetic retinopathy, anxiety, baldness, fatty liver, can be signals of inositol deficiency. The consumption of large amounts of caffeine may cause a shortage of inositol in the body.

Depleting Agents: Caffeine, alcohol, insecticides, sulfa drugs, food processing.

Sources: Brewer's yeast, citrus fruits, lecithin, legumes, meats, milk, unrefined molasses, raisins, vegetables, and whole grains.

Precautions: There is no known toxic effect though a few people may experience allergic skin reactions.

Dosage Ranges and Duration of Administration: There are no RDA standards set at this point.

As with choline, six soybean-based lecithin capsules contain approximately 244 mg. each of inositol and choline. It is also available in lecithin powders that mix with liquids. Most B-complex vitamins contain approximately 100 mg. of choline and inositol. Daily doses most often used are 250 to 500 mg.