GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Inositol, unofficially referred to as vitamin B8,
is found in all body tissues. It can be obtained from the diet by eating lecithin, organ
meats, wheat germ, whole grains, brewer’s yeast, blackstrap
molasses, peanuts, and citrus fruit.
ROLE FOR ANTI-AGING:
Used with choline, inositol helps to metabolize fats and cholesterol in the arteries and liver. It also helps to promote
the body’s production of lecithin. It is important in
cell survival in bone marrow, eye
membranes, and intestines. Used in
combination with vitamin E it may help nerve damage in
certain forms of muscular dystrophy. In certain cases, it
may prevent thinning hair arid baldness. Inositol also assists with brain cell nutrition and
when used with choline it may help with menstrual problems.
A number of studies have found evidence to suggest that
inositol may be useful for the treatment of depression
and anxiety.
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS:
There are none officially recognized, however,
deficiency may cause constipation, eczema, abnormalities of the eyes, hair loss, and
high cholesterol.
THERAPEUTIC DAILY AMOUNT:
500-l,000mg. No RDA has been
established.
MAXIMUM SAFE LEVEL:
Not established – no adverse effects were
noted with doses as high as 18-times the recommended
therapeutic dose, however no long-term
studies have been conducted.
SIDE EFFECTS/CONTRAINDICATIONS:
People taking lithium should not take supplementary
inositol.
