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Inositol

Inositol is water-soluble. Like choline, it is not classified as a vitamin in Germany. In the USA, however, you will find both substances in almost all B-complex preparations and multivitamin formulas and is a component of lecithin. Glucuronolactone can be produced by the body itself in small quantities. Most of the body's own inositol is produced in the brain, the liver and, in men, the testicles. It is very important for our hormones and our nervous system. It is also essential for our heart and muscle tissue. It is involved in the processing of fats and cholesterol. Inositol combines with choline to form lecithin. Inositol has a beneficial effect on hair growth and health. It is involved in fat metabolism and helps with the distribution of body fat. It has a calming effect. It was identified in the urine of diabetics over 100 years ago. The production of inositol requires sufficient amounts of vitamin B3 as niacin and magnesium. The intake of inositol increases the effect of vitamin E.

The active form of inositol is myoinositol.

Although it does not have the status of a vitamin (i.e. an essential substance), a high concentration is found in breast milk. In 1993, the Committee on Nutrition of the American Academy of Pediatrics considered it worth considering adding inositol as a component of artificial breast milk.

Generally recognized (a), proven (n) and suspected (v) effects:

  • Helps lower cholesterol levels.
  • High doses (12 g/day) show antidepressant effects.
  • Helps prevent eczema.
  • Helps in the distribution of body fat.
  • Has a calming effect.

Consequences of deficiency states:

  • Fat storage in the liver and increased blood fat levels
  • Stunted growth in children
  • Hair loss
  • Reddening of the skin
  • Nervous disorders in diabetics

Best natural sources of inositol:

Melon, orange, whole grain bread, grapefruit, nuts, beans and seeds.

Overdose

There have been no reports of inositol overdose in healthy adults. Nevertheless, it is not recommended to take Inositol during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Mode of action

lipotropic, i.e. fat-soluble substances that support fat metabolism in a natural way

Areas of application

To accelerate weight loss during a diet, to increase the ability to concentrate

Need in sport

Choline and inositol are vitamin-like substances that are often referred to as "fat burners" due to their strong lipotropic, i.e. fat-dissolving effect. They act as so-called methyl group donors and have the property of attaching themselves to fat cells, penetrating them and improving fat metabolism in a natural way. Another effect is an increase in concentration and memory. The recommended intake is around 1-3 g, which should be taken several times a day, preferably before the main meals. The total intake of choline and inositol should not exceed 12 g per day. In order for "fat burners" to have an optimal effect, the energy balance should be negative, i.e. you should take in less energy than you need.

This is the only way for the body to mobilize its fat reserves. You will achieve the best results if you reduce your calorie intake by 500 to 1000 kcal per day. As choline and inositol have an extremely strong effect, you should drink plenty of fluids (2-3 liters per day) to flush out metabolic waste products. To achieve optimum results, you should avoid consuming more calories than you actually consume and use Choline and Inositol as recommended. The gelatine capsule should be chosen as the dosage form, as this allows the active ingredient to be absorbed very quickly and completely.

Safety and side effects

Inositol is potentially safe and harmless for most adults. It may cause nausea, fatigue, headaches and dizziness. Inositol may be safe when used in the hospital in premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and lactation: Not enough is known about the safety of Inosit during pregnancy and lactation. For this reason, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid Inosit as a precaution. Bipolar disorders: There are concerns that taking too much Inositol could exacerbate bipolar disorder. There is a report of a man with controlled bipolar disorder who was hospitalized with extreme agitation and impulsivity (mania) and treated for four days after consuming several doses of an energy drink containing Inositol, caffeine, taurine and other ingredients (Red Bull). It is not known whether this incident is related to inositol, caffeine, taurine, another ingredient or a combination of these ingredients.

References

  1. Kitamura H, Yamauchi A, Sugiura T, et al. Inhibition of myo-inositol transport causes acute renal failure with selective medullary injury in the rat. Kidney Int 1998;53:146-153.
  2. Barkai A, Dunner D, Gross H, et al. Reduced myo-inositol levels in cerebrospinal fluid from patients with affective disorder. Biol Psychiatry 1978;13:65-72.
  3. Levine J. Controlled trials of inositol in psychiatry. Eur. Neuro. Psycho. pharmocol. 1997;7:147-155.
  4. Cohen H, Kotler M, Kaplan Z, et al. Inositol has behavioral effects with adaptation after chronic administration. J Neural Transm 1997;104:299-305.
  5. Levine J, Barak Y, Gonzalves M, et al. Double-blind, controlled trial of inositol treatment of depression. Am J Psychiatry 1995;152:792-794.
  6. Levine J, Barak Y, Kofman O, et al. Follow-up and relapse of an inositol study of depression. Isr J Psychiatry Relat Sci 1995;32:14-21.