Generic Name: Inositol Monophosphate
Brand Names: Ovasitol, IP6 Gold
Other Name: Vitamin B8
Available Dosage forms: Oral Tablets
What is Inositol?
Inositol (commonly known as Vitamin B8) is a carboxylic sugar that aids in cell transduction and plays a role in osmoregulation. It is an essential precursor to the phosphatidylinositol cycle.1 Various isomer (forms) of inositol helps in a range of biological mechanisms. The two most evident forms are the d-Chiro Inositol and myo-Inositol.
Most mental disorders result from dysregulation of monoamines (serotonin, norepinephrine, glutamine, etc.). The hypothesis on the involvement of inositol states that it mediates the neurotransmission of the monoamines without direct activation of the postsynaptic receptor.
Aberrations in the phosphatidylinositol system (PI) can lead to the development of the following mental abnormalities:
– Major depressive disorder 2
– Obsessive-compulsive disorder
– Post-traumatic stress disorder
However, intake of Inositol alone without a combination of psychotherapy and proper medications does not guarantee an improvement in the condition.
Other pathologies that are affected by the PI system include:
– Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
– Pregnancy Diabetes
How to use Inositol?
Foods rich in inositol include grains, nuts, beans, oats, citrus fruits apart from lemons, etc. Inositol supplements should only be administered after recommendation by your physician.
These supplements are available in the form of tablets and powder. Both are consumed orally. Tablets can be taken with or without food. Visit your doctor in case you experience any allergic symptoms.
What are the side effects of Inositol?
Inositol is safe, but common side effects include:
– Nausea, stomach upset
– Headache, dizziness
– Tiredness
Who should not use Inositol?
Scientific evidence to fortify the safety of inositol is not enough. Therefore, safety precautions must be taken for:
– Pregnant and breastfeeding women
– Infants
– Immunocompromised patients
– People with associated health conditions
References
- Silverstone PH, McGrath BM, Kim H. Bipolar disorder and Myo-inositol: a review of the magnetic resonance spectroscopy findings. Bipolar Disord. 2005 Feb;7(1):1-10. doi: 10.1111/j.1399-5618.2004.00174.x. PMID: 15654927.
- Mukai T, Kishi T, Matsuda Y, Iwata N. A meta-analysis of InositolInositol for depression and anxiety disorders. Hum Psychopharmacol. 2014 Jan;29(1):55-63. doi: 10.1002/hup.2369. Epub 2013 Dec 3. PMID: 24424706.
