Inositol
February 20, 2002 by Linda Lazarides
Filed under Database
Vitamin-like substance
- Component of cell plasma membranes
- Lipotropic (helps to remove fat from the liver)
- Fat metabolism
- May be involved in neurotransmitter function
Good food sources
- Beans
- Citrus fruit
- Grapefruit juice
- Lecithin
- Liver
- Wheat germ
- Whole grains
Deficiency symptoms
No known specific symptoms of deficiency
Preventing deficiency
As with all other nutrients, a wide variety of foods, preferably for the most part unrefined, is the best health protection. It would be difficult to develop an inositol deficiency without also developing a number of other deficiencies.
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Inositol is found in cereals (particularly the bran portion) and vegetables in the form of phytic acid, a combination of inositol with phosphorus.
SUPPLEMENTATION
In research studies, inositol supplements have been found to:
- Improve diabetic neuropathy
- Reduce symptoms of clinical depression and anxiety
Preferred form and suggested intake
The usual form of inositol supplementation is lecithin, which contains large amounts of inositol. Lecithin can be bought in granules and sprinkled on food or in hot drinks. The usual dosage is 1-2 tablespoons per day.
Cautions
There is no known unsafe dosage of lecithin.
Linda Lazarides is Course Director of the School of Modern Naturopathy and author of eight books on health, nutrition and naturopathy.
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