Inositol Uses – Lower Cholesterol, Better Mood, Healthier Hair

Some of the most common supplemental Inositol uses include balancing the mood, enhancing energy, improving memory capacity, and promoting hair health.

The wide range of Inositol uses speaks to how important this compound is throughout the body and brain.

Previously, Inositol was classified in the B Vitamin family and was sometimes referred to as Vitamin B-8, because it shares some similarities with the B-complex vitamins. However, it is actually a carbohydrate that has half the sweetness of table sugar (or sucrose), and is closely related to glucose.

This article will discuss how this compound works in the body, some of the most common Inositol uses, taking Inositol together with Choline, and some common dosages of this 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

Top Inositol Products* ❯

View User Ratings* ❯

How the Body Uses Inositol

Inositol and its associated phosphates are found in a variety of foods.

Many of these sources tend to be fruit, especially cantaloupes and oranges.

It also occurs in a number of plant derived substances like lecithin with choline (in this form it is also well-absorbed and relatively bioavailable).

From a technical standpoint, Inositol is a naturally occurring glucose isomer that helps the body to transport fat and aids neuron signaling transduction.

Humans need Inositol in order to produce the glucose that is used to fuel activities in the body, but especially in the brain. It is estimated that the kidneys are capable of synthesizing a few grams of Inositol every day. Deficiencies are rare under normal circumstances, but are possible in certain situations such as prolonged antibiotic or lithium use. By increasing your dietary inositol food intake or using a supplement you may correct any deficiencies in the body and take strain off the kidneys.

Key Inositol Uses

One of the most popular Inositol uses is in cosmetic products that promote strong and healthy hair. Along with many of the B vitamins, Inositol is necessary for hair to grow long and strong. There is even some interest in studying Inositol use as a hair regrowth therapy for balding individuals.

When Inositol combines with Choline, they produce phospholipids which make up the membranes of hair follicles. Inositol may further prevent hyperandrogenism which is a key cause of hair loss.

Research has also shown individuals with low Inositol levels are at higher risk of suffering depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, mood swings, and other mental disorders. As a treatment option, Inositol is thought to work by aiding Serotonin production throughout the brain and nervous system. This could lead to mood stabilization by balancing hormone levels in the brain.

This supplement may even be helpful in treating babies with respiratory problems. This was the finding of a study published in the late 1990’s, showing that Inositol significantly reduced the number of deaths and disabilities caused by breathing difficultuies. It helped to lower rates of lung complications, brain bleeding, and eye problems – especially in premature babies – all with no serious side effects.

Inositol uses also offer relief for individuals diagnosed with Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes. Diabetic Neuropathy is one of the most frequent complications of diabetes. The decrease in nerve function normally comes down to a loss of Inositol in the cells.

Restoring these levels helps to fight the pain and loss of overall function that comes with this condition. Although it is not a cure, it causes a significant reduction in pain symptoms especially when combined with other treatments.

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.

Using Inositol & Choline

Inositol also helps to transport fats (or lipids) throughout the body where they can be put to use as part of cell membrane structures.

Inositol also has the added effect of lowering cholesterol levels. When this supplement is combined with Choline they together produce phospholipids also known as lecithin. This compound is essential for breaking down fats within the body.

Together, Inositol and Choline prevent fat build ups in the cell walls of the heart, arteries, and brain by breaking down these fatty deposits. Less dangerous fat in your arteries means less cholesterol and improved vascular function.

How Much Inositol to Use?

Proper dosage is dependent on many different factors. The following dosage recommendations are general guidelines only, and your personal dosage may differ.

For most Inositol uses, it is common to take between 100 mg and 500 mg per day. Some individuals who are deficient in this nutrient may be recommended to use a higher dose per day.

You should seek and listen to the advice of a qualified physician or health care provider before adding a new supplement to your routine. In most cases, it is best to avoid dosages above 500 mg as they may have the effect of reducing the body’s ability to absorb minerals like iron, calcium, and zinc.

Whatever reason you have decided to use Inositol for, this supplement is considered to be quite safe and it is found naturally as a carbohydrate in a number of fruits and vegetables we consume on a regular basis.

The only reported side effects of taking Inositol capsules or powder are dizziness, nausea, tiredness, and diarrhea. These effects have only been reported when very high dosages were taken. There is also no known level of toxicity from Inositol and very few, if any, negative drug and supplement interactions.

Inositol uses may provide a number of health and brain-boosting benefits for almost anyone, and it is a good supplement to ask your doctor about trying.

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