Inositol – also known as Vitamin B8 –is a widely known supplement for its contribution to the formation of healthy membrane cells in the human body and is present in the brain, heart, and the lens of human eyes.
It is also naturally found in various plants and animals – such as dried beans, many citrus fruits, chickpeas, oats, lecithin granules, nuts, pork, calves’ liver, cantaloupe, and whole grain products.
Reported Effects
1) Calms nerves.
2) Helps in the growth of healthy cells
3) Acts as a fat emulizer.
Reported effects of Inositol include:
Helps in growth of healthy cells – The most wide-known usage of inositol is its involvement in development of new, healthy cells in the eye membranes, bone marrow, and intestine. It works with choline – a supplement usually found in the cell membranes of the human body – to induce the production of healthy cells, thereby retaining proper functioning of the immune system.
Acts as a fat emulizer – Many individuals who want to maintain a proper body weight, especially people like athletes and bodybuilders, use inositol as a lipoprotic agent which breaks down fats into smaller elements and thereby preventing the accumulation of fatty cells in the liver.
Helps with calming the nerves – It has been reported that inositol supplements can smoothen the functioning of neurotransmitters in the body. Neurotransmitters help the nerves to remain calm which in turn facilitates the transmission messages between the nerve cells.
Possibly helps with treatment of cancer – This energy supplement is also reported to be used as one of the key elements for the treatment of cancer patients.
Enhances mental focus – The powdery supplements of inositol are taken to provide maximum energy to the brain cells and therefore are used to increase mental focus, especially for weightlifting and similar exercises.
Widens blood vessels and supports blood circulation – Many people who suffer from proper blood circulation use inositol nicotinate as an extract from niacin and inositol. This extract helps by widening the blood cells which in turn smoothens the circulation of blood in the human body. Weightlifters, bodybuilders, and athletes usually take supplements of inositol for better functioning of the blood circulation systems.
Regulates nutrients – Inositol powder is used as a good supplement for maintaining proper body weight since it regulates the movement of necessary nutrients in and out of the body.
Prevents hair loss – One of the common uses of inositol is its involvement in hair loss and growth of healthy hair.
Possible Dangers
There have been no reported side effects of using inositol supplements.
FDA Approved?
A few inositol supplements and their limited usage are under the evaluation process of the Food and Drug Administration.
Studies
Some scientific studies reported that supplements of inositol helped with reducing the possibilities of various cancers, including colon, breast, and prostate cancer.
As per a study published in the year 2001, inositol showed proven results in combating panic disorders. However, the study reported that there were significant side effects resulting in nausea and tiredness.
In some studies, inositol along with IP6, was shown to be related to reduce the symptoms of cancer in the human body.
In a controlled trial, inositol was also found to prevent symptoms of depression by inducing mental strength in a group of individuals.
In several studies, inositol showed proven and remarkable results in reduction of obsessive-compulsive disorders in human.
Some clinical studies were conducted to experiment the possible effect of inositol supplements in treating panic disorders. These studies showed positive results.
Supplements using this ingredient:
1. Source Naturals Pure Inositol Powder
2. Ultimate Nutrition Super Vitamin B-Complex
3. NOW Phosphatidyl Serine
4. NOW B-100 Cap
5. Optimum Mega Fat Burners
6. NOW Choline & Inositol
7. Universal Super Cuts
8. Solaray B-Complex 100
9. NOW Inositol Powder
10. Health Plus Liver Cleanse
Conclusion
Inositol is used by the human body majorly to form healthy cell membranes and is a useful supplement for people looking for development of mental strength, improve eye vision, induce healthy estrogens, and maintain proper functioning of body metabolism. Various commercial products use inositol as the main ingredient along with another important ingredient known as Echinacea.