How Inositol Affects Dopamine and Serotonin Neurotransmitters

The relationship between Inositol, Dopamine, and Serotonin is well researched and documented.

Inositol functions as a secondary messenger for the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin.

The brain is the regulatory center of control for the body. It is directly responsible for controlling sleep patterns, setting body temperature, controlling the appetite, coping with stress, cognitive activity, regulating emotions, accommodating locomotion, and setting metabolism.

In order to efficiently and effectively perform all those functions, special hormones, known as neurotransmitters, are required. These hormones send signals back and forth between the brain and the various bodily systems.

Some of the primary signaling chemicals are the neurotransmitters Serotonin, Dopamine, Norepinephrine, and Acetylcholine. These primary messengers can only send signals to postsynaptic neurons. They transmit messages from one neuron to receptors on another neuron, but they rely on secondary messengers to complete the signal and relay information within the cells.

Inositol is one of the key secondary messengers needed to accommodate the successful signaling of these profoundly important neurotransmitters. Inositol, Dopamine, and Serotonin work together to maintain consistent hormonal balances within the brain. Low levels of inositol may disrupt the function of Dopamine and Serotonin, resulting in mood disorders and more.

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Brain Health

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How It Works:

• Supports brain & liver health
• Involved in mood regulation & nerve signalling
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Dosage:

Between 500 mg - 18 g per day

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Rated Possibly Safe

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What is Inositol?

Inositol was previously classified as part of the B Vitamin complex, and was referred to as vitamin B8. More recently Inositiol has been reclassified because while similar to the B vitamins, it is actually a simple alcohol carbohydrate that is more closely related to glucose.

It is found in various plant and animal food sources, especially organs from meat sources. It can also be manufactured naturally by the body, and synthetically fabricated in laboratories.

Because it’s made by the body and also readily available in nature, inositol deficiencies are rare in humans, but can happen under certain circumstances, such as long-term use of antibiotics or lithium.

However, in some instances, higher levels of inositol may improve certain bodily functions. There is major research being conducted concerning the capacity of inositol and its derivatives to combat the symptoms of depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorders, and more.

Inositol is needed as a secondary messenger for Dopamine and Serotonin. If levels are insufficient, then the dopaminergic and serotonergic systems in the brain can be thrown off.

There has also been much clinical evidence that inositol plays a role in the prevention of various preventable diseases like diabetes, heart disease, obesity, liver disease, stroke, cancer, autism and more.

What Is Dopamine?

Dopamine is one of the major excitatory neurotransmitters; chemicals that transmit signals between neurons (nerves). It’s known to affect emotional control, the formation of memories, ability to focus, and muscular contractions.

There are not many neurons that are capable of synthesizing Dopamine in the brain. There is a small number located in the substantia nigra. These Dopamine producers are the same neurons that die with the onset of Parkinson’s.

Other neurons that produce Dopamine are located in the VTA (ventral tegmental area) of the brain. When these Dopamine generating nerves are activated, Dopamine is released.

While Dopamine in the brain is associated with feelings of pleasure and reward, it serves various other purposes throughout the rest of the body. More specifically, Dopamine:

• Acts as a vasodilator,
• Inhibits the release of norepinephrine;
• Increases the amount of sodium eliminated via the urine;
• Reduces gastrointestinal motility;
• Reduces insulin production;
• Protects intestinal mucosa;
• Reduces lymphocytic activity

What Is Serotonin?

Like Dopamine, Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that serves a variety of important psychological and physiological purposes. As a primary brain messenger, it acts to control our moods, appetites, libido, and sleep patterns.

Roughly 90% of human Serotonin is found in the gastrointestinal tract where it acts to regulate peristalsis, the involuntary muscular contractions of the intestines which accommodate digestion.

Because Serotonin plays so many important roles in the body and brain, deficiencies can cause an array of adverse side effects including:

• Carbohydrate cravings;
• Increased sensitivity to pain;
• Impulsive moodiness;
• Irritability, sadness and/or depression;
• Lacking self-confidence;
• Inability to handle stress;
• Insomnia and poor sleep quality

How Inositol Affects Dopamine and Serotonin

Dopamine, Serotonin, Norepinephrine, and all other major neurotransmission systems utilize inositol as a secondary signaling messenger. When a receptor in the brain is triggered by the release of Dopamine or Serotonin, surface proteins and complexes of receptors give their primary signals to inositol.

This message is then relayed by inositol derivatives to be delivered to intended recipients within the cell, like the nucleus. For this reason alone, inositol is one of the most researched nutrients.

Inositol is used to synthesize IP3 (inositol triphosphate) and DAG (diacylglycerol). When IP3 and DAG bind with the appropriate receptors, calcium channels in the endoplasmic reticula of cells are opened. With increased intracellular calcium levels, an array of cellular activities are stimulated.

If levels of inositol are low, then the messages sent by Dopamine and Serotonin will not get through to the nucleus of the cell. This can contribute to problems related to depression, anxiety, insomnia, and more. These conditions are often attributed to low Dopamine and Serotonin levels, but they might also result from low inositol levels.

There are other roles for inositol in maintaining the general health of neurons and their signalling capacities. All brain cells are protected with a bilayer phospholipid cellular membrane. This membrane stabilizes the structure of the cells, and it helps to ensure proper cellular functioning.

Inositol and choline help to generate new phospholipid bilayers, helping to keep the entire CNS healthy and effective.

Natural Inositol and Dopamine Supplements

Using Inositol supplements to support brain activity via efficient neurotransmitter signaling may be effective. Inositol and Dopamine, along with Serotonin and other neurotransmitters, work in conjunction to stabilize moods and increase overall contentment.

Unlike pharmaceuticals, including SSRIs and MAOIs, it has been hypothesized that natural inositol supplements may help to alleviate a variety of symptoms associated with an even wider variety of health conditions – and do so without a long list of possible side effects.

Even though inositol has been proven in clinical trials to be safe, you should always consult with your doctor before beginning any supplementation program. Inositol is available as a dietary supplement only, and the FDA has not approved Inositol as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions.

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