Inositol was once thought to be an essential member of B complex.  Recent research has shown that it is not an essential nutrient, because our bodies can produce it from glucose. In fact, inositol can be considered an umbrella term for a number of different, but related compounds. Two of the most commonly supplemented forms of inositol are myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol (DCI). Inositol is one of the components of lecithin. For more information on lecithin, please click here.

What does it do?
As we all know, normally fat and water don't mix. Inositol is known as a fat emulsifier, which means that it acts like a detergent and breaks fat up into tiny droplets that can become soluble in water. In this way, inositol helps to regulate fat and cholesterol metabolism in the liver and gallbladder. It also breaks fat in the bloodstream and liver down into smaller particles, which makes it easier for your body to expel them in the bile.  Because of this inositol has also been shown to reduce fatty build-up in organs like the liver.

Hair Growth and Mood
In addition to its role in fat metabolism, inositol is also important for healthy hair growth and skin health.  Interestingly, inositol also has a calming effect on the mind by helping to produce brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) like acetylcholine.  Because of this, it is used in the treatment of depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bulimia, anxiety, and panic disorders. Research has also shown the benefit of using inositol in cases of atherosclerosis and eczema.

D-Chiro-Inositol (DCI) – PCOS and Syndrome X
Initial research a few years ago indicated that D-chiro-inositol (DCI) could help to treat polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), particularly the symptoms of: insufficient menstruation, and excess male hormones. Recent research has shown that these effects can actually be attributed to myo-inositol instead. Fortunately, research on DCI continued and instead it was found to play a large role in cell signaling. This is particularly the case with the cell messengers associated with insulin sensitivity of our cells. Because of this, DCI supplementation has been shown to help improve insulin sensitivity, a major symptom of Syndrome X (metabolic syndrome). For more information on Syndrome X, please click here. DCI is found in high concentrations in a common chocolate substitute called carob. For more information on carob, please click here.

Myo-inositol – PCOS, and Fertility
Current research has revealed that part of PCOS results from a deficiency in myo-inositol localized in the ovary. Thus, supplementation with this form of inositol can help to reduce the symptoms associated with PCOS that were previously attributed to DCI. In addition, myo-inositol has been shown to improve the quality of developing eggs in the ovary, and thus may also help to improve fertility. Interestingly, myo-inositol at high doses (18 grams daily) has been shown to treat obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) with equal effectiveness to pharmaceutical medications (SSRI's), but without the side-effects.

How can I get more inositol?
Inositol can be found in a number of different combination supplements for a variety of purposes. It can be found in B complex, and vitamin B3 (niacin) formulas as inositol hexanicinate (for more information on IHN, please click here), and can also be found in targeted formulas for the treatment of mood disorders, hormone balancing, and blood sugar regulation. DCI is found in relatively high concentrations in carob powder. Most supplements contain myo-inositol. Interestingly, oral contraceptives, estrogen, sulfa drugs, food processing, coffee and alcohol deplete inositol, so increased supplementation may be required in these cases. For mental health disorders such as panic disorder and OCD, the recommended dosage is between 12 and 18 grams daily. For hormonal balancing and blood sugar regulation, the dose is between 500 and 1200mg daily.