Inositol Capsules vs. Powder for Mood, Cholesterol & More

Inositol capsules are natural mood enhancing supplements that some people use for depression, anxiety, OCD, and other mood disorders.

This supplement is also sometimes used for the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), supporting weight loss, improving neural and cardiovascular health, and for potential anti-cancer effects.

Inositol is a type of sugar or simple carbohydrate that plays a vital role in a number of the chemical reactions in the body. It is a naturally occurring glucose isomer and is sometimes used as a no-calorie sweetener.

Previously, Inositol was categorized as a B-complex vitamin and was denoted as Vitamin B8. However, it is no longer considered to be a vitamin as it does not contain nitrogen. Today, it is classified as a non-vital amine.

Inositol is a phospholipid, organic component of the cell membranes of every living creature. In plants, this supplement can be obtained via phytic acid.

It is also found in wheat, brown rice, brewers yeast, cereal, and oat flakes, among many other sources. It abundant in many fruits and vegetables. It is also found in animal sources, particularly organ meats such as heart, liver, and brains.

The human body is capable of manufacturing inositol and true deficiencies are rare. However, there are times where supra-nutritional amounts of inositol may improve mood balance and contribute to health in other ways. In these instances, it may be beneficial to use Inositol capsules or powder as a dietary supplement.

Inositol

Nutrient Supplement

Brain Health

Mood

Weight Loss

How It Works:

• Supports brain & liver health
• Involved in mood regulation & nerve signalling
• Improves insulin sensitivity for PCOS, fertility & weight loss

Dosage:

Between 500 mg - 18 g per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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What Is Inositol?

One of the most important benefits of Inositol is that it helps nerve transmission.

It is involved in the production of certain neurotransmitters like Serotonin and in the action of other neurotransmitters like Acetylcholine. It also acts .

Inositol functions alongside choline – another important phospholipid – to form the cell membranes that protect neurons and insulate nerves in the Central Nervous System.

These two nutrients combine together to produce lecithin which is needed to develop the protective sheath that covers all neuronal pathways in the brain.

By ensuring the brain has enough resources to build healthy cell membranes, users can improve signaling functions and synaptic transmissions between neurons. This can enhancer overall communication between different systems in the brain.

Certain forms of inositol also act as a secondary neurochemical messenger in a number of intracellular signal transduction pathways, triggering the release of calcium within cells. This is important for proper signaling at neuronal synapses.

Inositol Capsules Benefits

Inositol supplements have been used for depression, OCD, mood swings, other mental disorders (such as bipolar disorder), and generally improving the mood. Inositol is thought to increase levels of Serotonin in the brain to enable mood stabilization. Research also indicates that people who suffer from mental illnesses tend to naturally have low levels of this compound in their systems.

Studies have demonstrated that Inositol may have a calming effect on the mind when administered in therapeutic dosages. It has been seen to prevent symptoms of anxiety, panic attacks, and obsessive-compulsive disorder when used in various research studies.

In one study, depressed patients given 12 g of Inositol powder every day for four weeks showed significant improvements in mood compared to the control group that were given a placebo.

Inositol has also been shown to lower the levels of cholesterol within the blood and arteries. It is a lipotropic agent that helps to emulsify and break down fats. Inositol capsules may improve the transportation of fats through the body and improve lipid metabolism to a degree, which could support weight loss. This also prevents the build-up of fats in the arteries and organs, such as the liver.

By breaking down fat into small particles that can be removed easily, it is thought that Inositol can help lower levels of harmful LDL cholesterol. In research it has also been shown to raise levels of good HDL cholesterol.

Inositol is also thought to help promote strong and healthy hair, skin, and nails. Taking this supplement in combination with a high quality B complex vitamin and a source of choline may help improve the results.

There have also been studies showing Inositol may improve symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and fertility in women. In one trial, taking D-chiro-inositol orally seemed to decrease serum triglyceride and testosterone levels, modestly decreased blood pressure, and induced ovulation in obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

There have even been premilinary studies showing that some forms of Inositol may exhibit anti-cancer effects, although research is limited and on-going. Taking Inositol capsules with Phytic acid is believed to enhance the effectiveness.

The Natural Medicines database has rated Inositol capsules as Possibly Effective for improving lithium-induced side effects, OCD, panic disorder, PCOS, and respiratory distress syndrome in premature infants. Most research on inositol has had positive results, however more more large-scale studies are still needed to confirm the results of smaller trials.

At this time, Inositol is available as a dietary supplement only, and the FDA has not approved Inositol as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions.

Inositol Capsules vs. Powder

Inositol capsules come in a number of different dosages sizes. Active doses ranging from between 200 mg up to 1000 mg can be found in most nutritional supplement stores.

For mood enhancement and therapeutic use in the treatment of depression, doctors will generally recommend between 1,000 to 2,000 mg per day.

However, some trials have seen better results with much higher dosage quantities. It is best to consult with your doctor to determine how much you should use for best results and to avoid side effects.

While Inositol capsules are readily available online, many people prefer to buy it in bulk powder form. This makes it easier for administering larger dosages and the cost tends to be significantly cheaper.

The powder can be mixed into a smoothie or milk to be administered. Inositol powder has a sweet taste and is generally well tolerated as an oral supplement. Few side effects are associated with Inositol use, though some individuals report headaches, dizziness, gastrointestinal discomfort, and diarrhea when first using this product.

Inositol and Choline Stack

In order to improve the effectiveness of Inositol, many people use it in a supplement stack with Choline. These two ingredients exist in nature together in the form of lecithin. Choline is a closely related compound that works together with Inositol to emulsify fats in the body and to form cell membranes.

Users who take inositol with choline frequently state that they experience greater benefits than when taking either of these compounds on their own. Using Choline and Inositol capsules together may result in better mood control, regulation of cholesterol levels, and improved brain cell health.

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