Inositol

Inositol is a member of the vitamin B group.

The functions of insoitol

Inositol is essential for:

hair growth,
helping to prevent hardening of the arteries, and
the formation of lecithin and the metabolism of fat and cholesterol.

Inositol has a calming effect and has been shown to be very effective in cases where depression is an issue.

The symptoms and signs of an inositol deficiency

A deficiency in inositol can result in:

arteriosclerosis,
constipation,
hair loss,
high blood cholesterol,
irritability,
mood swings, and
skin eruptions.

Food sources of inositol

Inositol can be found in: whole grains, brewer's and nutritional yeast, lecithin, citrus fruits, nuts, seeds, legumes, unrefined molasses, meats, and dairy.

Therapeutic uses

Inositol is used in:

high cholesterol levels,
hair problems,
eczema,
depression and anxiety, and
diabetic neuropathy.

How much do we need?

10-20 mg daily, in divided doses.

As you will have seen if you have looked over each of the B group members, the B complex vitamins are of extreme importance to our health and well being work together as a team. Deficiencies can imbalance the whole B complex and deficiencies such as B-12 can cause severe and permanent damage to the body. It is important that we take steps to supply this important complex of vitamins to our bodies, first through our diets and secondly through proper supplementation.

References

Bland, J. 1996, Contemporary Nutrition. J & B Associates.

Davies, S. and A. Stewart., 1997, Nutritional Medicine. Pan.

Holden, S., Hudson, K., Tilman, J. & D. Wolf, 2003, The Ultimate Guide to Health from Nature. Asrolog Publication.

Pressman, A. and S. Buff, 2000, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Vitamins and Minerals. (2nd Ed.) Alpha Books.

Soothill, R. 1996, The Choice Guide to Vitamins and Minerals. A Choice Book Publication.

Sullivan, K. 2002, Vitamins and Minerals: A Practical Approach to a Health Diet and Safe Supplementation. Harper Collins.