Inositol Deficiency Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

Developing an inositol deficiency is not highly probable for the majority of humans. This pseudovitamin is readily found in both animals and plants.

However, suboptimal levels can impair brain functioning and in these situation supplementation may be beneficial.

Inositol is a carbohydrate alcohol molecule that has various important functions in the body and brain. In the body, Inositol is used primarily as a secondary messenger that accommodates chemical signaling throughout the body.

There are 9 different Inositol stereoisomers (same molecular composition with different orientation of atoms). Some of these stereoisomers include myo-inositol, inositol hexaphosphate, and inositol triphosphate, with myo-inositol being the most widely occurring form in nature (and what is typically just referred to as inositol).

This nutrient previously was included in the Vitamin B family of vitamins and was often called vitamin B8. However it is not considered a true vitamin and is actually a sugar alcohol more closely related to glucose.

Inositol is important for assisting with the functioning of various intra-cellular processes. Inositol is considered conditionally essential, as it normally can be synthesized by the body via intestinal bacteria, from glucose, however under certain conditions this production is not enough for the body’s needs.

In situations where the body’s production and intake from food is inadewuate, Inositol supplements continue to prove promising for improving Inositol deficiency. Inositol supplements are also commonly used for enhancing the mood and improving focus.

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

Top Inositol Products* ❯

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Health Benefits of Inositol

Inositol is found throughout the human body, having its highest concentrations in the brain, eye lenses, and the heart.

It plays important roles in the development and repair of eye membranes, intestines, and bone marrow. Also, along with choline, it is a major constituent of cellular membranes.

Inositol is also effective as a mild fat emulsifier. It is a lipotropic agent that breaks cholesterol and fat molecules apart for more efficient assimilation.

In effect, it is beneficial at reducing unhealthy fatty buildups throughout the body. This is particularly important for the liver as fatty buildups can encourage liver disease and failure.

Inositol is a secondary messenger for neurotransmission. When primary neurotransmitters like Serotonin and Dopamine have signals to send, they may require inositol and other secondary messengers to act on other cellular components and structures. For this reason, many users of inositol supplements report a calming effect.

This is due to enhanced neurotransmission capacity concerning the brain chemicals that dictate our moods (Serotonin, Dopamine, Norepinephrine, Acetylcholine). With plenty of inositol present, neurons are better able to communicate with one another, and hence empower us to better handle the stresses of daily life.

How Inositol Functions in the Body

Inositol plays a variety of very important roles in the body and brain. Here’s a general list of the biological and psychological functions that have been studied:

• Breaks up harmful fats and removes them from the liver;
• Lowers LDL cholesterol levels and helps to raise HDL cholesterol levels;
• Lowers triglyceride levels;
• Improves symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) including weight loss and increased ovulation frequency;
• Promotes strong, healthy hair growth;
• Promotes brain cell health;
• Works together with choline to form lecithin, one of the key builders of cellular membranes;
• Allows synthesis of the myelin sheaths that envelop and protect neurons;
• Enhances the signaling capacity of major neurotransmitters

Clinical Studies on Inositol

Inositol has been scientifically studied for some of its physical and mental effects, including effects on polycystic ovary syndrome, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, and depression.

In one study, taking the isomer D-chiro-inositol orally seemed to derease serum triglyceride and testosterone levels, mildly decrease blood pressure, and induce ovulation in obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

One crossover study found that OCD patients who took Inositol for 6 weeks had significant improvement on their Yale-Brown Compulsive Scale scores compared to when they were given a placebo. However, the trial had a relatively small sample size (13 patients) and larger trials are needed to confirm these results.

In research studies, inositol seems to reduce the severity and rate of panic attacks and the severity of agoraphobia over trial periods of 4 weeks. Some research results even indicate that insitol may be as effective as fluvoxamine (Luvox) for the treatment of panic disorder, but more large-scale trials are needed.

One double-blind study from NYU Langone Medical School determined that inositol supplementation was very promising as a treatment for depression. 12 grams were administered each day to the control group and weighed against the observations of a placebo group. In 4 weeks, the treatment group showed significant improvements while the placebo group showed no observable differences in depression symptoms.

The Natural Medicines database has rated Inositol as Possibly Effective for improving lithium-induced side effects, OCD, panic disorder, polycystic ovary syndrome, and respiratory distress syndrome. While research has been promising, more large-scale double-blind placebo-controlled studies are still needed to confirm the results of smaller studies.

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.

Symptoms of Inositol Deficiency

The body is able to synthesize inositol in small amounts. As well, it is readily available from an array of available dietary choices.

Although deficiencies of inositol are rare in humans, there are some cases where stores can become depleted. For example, excessive long-term use of antibiotics can deplete inositol reserves. Long-term use of lithium can also have a depleting effect, as lithium is known to inhibit an enzyme necessary for inositol synthesis.

Symptoms of inositol deficiency may include:

• Vision and/or eye abnormalities;
• Alopecia (patchy hair loss);
• Fatty liver;
• Loss of memory;
• Constipation;
• High LDL cholesterol levels;
• Eczema
• Atherosclerosis

Increasing Inositol Naturally

Because this vitamin is found in such a variety of food sources, it’s quite simple to obtain ready supplies of it. For those who wish to supplement inositol at higher levels than would be easy to ingest through dietary means, supplements are commercially available.

A suggestion would be to purchase a B-complex multi-vitamin that contains many of the B Vitamins and Inositol in the proper ratio to support better health and brain function.

Others can gain adequate amounts of inositol via their diets by concentrating on the following food types:

• High bran cereals;
• Beans and legumes;
• Bananas, oranges and grapefruits;
• Green leafy vegetables:
• Brewer’s yeast and beer;
• Liver and cabbage;
• Raw molasses;
• Wheat germ and wild rice

There is no standard recommendation from the USDA concerning daily inositol requirements. However, many nutritionists recommend supplementing inositol at 1000 mg per day.

It is always best to consult with your physician before beginning any supplementation program or if you believe you have an inositol deficiency.

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