Inositol is a type of sugar that has a different chemical structure than glucose. It is a basic part of cell membranes, and is important in nerve, brain, and muscle function. It is found in many foods that come from plants, and is being studied in the prevention of cancer. Inositol occurs naturally as phytic acid in the fiber component of numerous plant foods, especially whole grains, citrus fruit, nuts, and seeds, and as Myoinositol in meat. In the intestinal tract, bacteria break down phytic acid into bioavailable inositol that is easily absorbed via the intestinal epithelium. Inositol is primarily used in the treatment of liver problems, depression, panic disorder, and diabetes. It also aids in the breakdown of fats, helps in the reduction of blood cholesterol, and helps to prevent thinning hair. A diet low in Inositol may result in deficiency symptoms that culminate in high blood cholesterol, constipation, eczema, and hair loss. Neurotransmitters such as seratonin in the brain depend on Inositol to function properly.Low levels of this nutrient may result in depression and some research has shown that increased levels of Inositol appear to be a promising treatment for depression.
Inositol is a vitamin like molecule, water soluble, and often is considered a member of the B complex family of vitamins. It is not considered essential to life, but performs important functions in the body. It nourishes brain cells and helps metabolize fats and cholesterol. It also may improve the transmission of nerve signals. It helps mobilize fat from the liver and around the internal orgains in weight loss. It plays an important role in nourishing brain cells. It most likely participates in controlling the action of some chemical messengers in the individual cells and it may improve the transmission of electrical nerve signal in people with diabetic nerve damage and numbness. Myo-inositol may have antidepressant and antianxiety activity. Myo-inositol, the major nutritionally active form of Inositol, is vital to many biological processes of the body, participating in a diverse range of activities.
References:
Nutri Herb. http://www.nutriherb.net/inositol.html
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0ISW/is_255/ai_n6211958
National Cancer Institute. http://www.cancer.gov/Templates/db_alpha.aspx?CdrID=44134
PDR Health. http://www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/nmdrugprofiles/nutsupdrugs/myo_0145.shtml
