Inositol reduces the level of cholesterol and triglycerides (fats) in the body, is responsible for the proper functioning of the nervous system, has a certain soporific effect, and helps improve the quality of sleep, maintains the strength of hair, preventing hair loss. Helps prevent eczema as well as redistribute body fat.
Inositol belongs to the family of B vitamins, often reviewed as vitamin B8. In chemical structure, inositol belongs to the group of carbocyclic polyols. There are under nine isomeric forms, of which myo-inositol (cis-1,2,3,5-trans-4,6-Cyclohexanehexol) is the most common. Another common stereoisomer of inositol is D-chiro-inositol (cis-1,2,4-trans-3,5,6-Cyclohexanehexol).
The largest amounts in the body are found in the liver, organs of the cardiovascular and nervous systems.
Participates as a component in several important compounds:
- Lecithin – composed of inositol and choline, ensures the transport of fat between cells and the liver. Thus, the vitamin is involved in fat metabolism and prevents the accumulation of cholesterol, so in addition to reducing the total level of fat in the body, it also protects the heart and blood vessels from atherosclerosis.
- Inositol phosphate, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol phosphate – these are three important components in the cell walls, known collectively as phosphoinositides. In these forms, inositol acts as a “secondary messenger” in the cells. These are effector molecules whose biological role is determined by the fact that substances with amine, polypeptide and glycoprotein structure cannot cross the lipid barrier of the cell membrane. Such substances are hormones and mediators such as serotonin, acetylcholine and norepinephrine. They act on the cells by means of receptors located on the surface of the membrane, which in turn activate phosphatidylinositol, responsible for the subsequent initiation of a series of cascade processes, commonly known as signal transduction. The most general meaning of the above is that inositol is part of a system that activates cellular processes in response to external stimuli transmitted by the central nervous and endocrine systems. It is obvious that inositol plays an important role in the function of neurotransmitters that transmit information to the brain (necessary for memory, cognition, stable mood, nervous and muscular activity, etc.).
- Inositol hexaphosphate – known as phytic acid, an extremely important depot for phosphorus in cereals. As such, it is well known for its psychotropic effect, supports thought processes and the proper functioning of the nervous system.
- Inositol hexaniacin – this is a form in which no side effects of niacin are observed when it is necessary to administer it in high doses (1000 mg and more). In some mental illnesses, these high doses of niacin lead to liver damage, diabetes, and an increase in uric acid.
Table of Contents
Beneficial effects of inositol
Inositol is known for its detoxifying effect, thus exhibiting protective properties on the liver. It is a frequently used excipient in the preparation of many drugs, where it performs both structural and hepatoprotective functions.
Method of inositol administration
As a water-soluble vitamin it can be taken in high doses. The average person takes about 1 gram of food a day. There are no data on the toxicity of the vitamin.
Sources:
Inositol in larger quantities is contained in the liver, brewer’s yeast, ripe beans, beef brain and heart, melon, grapefruit, raisins, wheat germ, unrefined molasses, peanuts, cabbage.
What happens in the absence of inositol?
In the presence of insufficient amounts in the body, the following conditions are observed:
- depression;
- obsessive-compulsive disorder;
- panic disorder.
In the above conditions, it is generally believed that 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin), which is a major mediator in the central nervous system, does not perform its normal function due to the lack of sufficient amounts of phosphatidylinositol as a “secondary messenger” in the cell membrane. One of the reasons that drastic diets develop a state of depression is that people cannot get the right dose of inositol. It has been reported for use in the treatment of depressive disorders in doses of 12-18 g. per day, divided into several intakes. The lack of inositol can explain diseases of the liver, cardiovascular system, hair loss, eczema, constipation.
Adverse interactions
Excessive consumption of coffee and alcohol interferes with the absorption of inositol by cells. Drugs containing estrogens and sulfamide groups also adversely affect its quantitative content in the body.
People also look for :
The Laughter The most efficient and easy way to Shut the door of Stress and Disease
Stretching and flexibility Training – Benefits
Do Your Muscles Have a Fever? how to treat it ?
Recovery – Perhaps The most Important and most underestimated training element
