Inositol ( vitamin Bh)

Inositol or vitamin Bh is often referred to as myoinositol. The body utilizes this as a form of nutrient. A sugar related to the group of glucose inositol finds its place as a natural occurring nutrient in the body as it is present in almost all the food stuff the body takes in. C6O6H12 is the chemical formula which was associated with vitamin B. The basic function of inositol is eukaryotic metabolite a major component of phospholipids membranes and another form of inositol is used for the support of the proper circulation of the blood in the body.

Inositol hexaphosphate or phytate is present in almost all cereals, seeds and grains and also in plant fiber; it also finds its place in our regular diet in the form of myo-inositol. Nearly 80% of Inositol hexaphosphate is stored as phosphate which is found in legumes and cereals.

What are the benefits, functions and uses of Vitamin Bh?

The most essential ingredient of the cell membrane inositol helps in the proper functioning of the nerve cells, muscles and the brain. It is also essential for the co-ordination of nerve impulse in the body as it helps the nerves to communicate with each other in the body which is referred to as cell signaling.

They work as neurotransmitters wherein the nerves release chemicals and hormones for cellular action in the body. Inositol along with choline helps in the metabolic activities wherein the fats and cholesterol are burnt in the arteries and liver. It has been found that deficiency of inositol leads to depression.

Inositol is used to treat people suffering from depression, diabetes, liver problems and panic disorder. It also helps in the breakdown of fats in the body thus helping reduce the cholesterol level in the blood and also helps prevent hair loss and thinning of the hair. Inositol also helps protect the body against atherosclerosis and has shown to help reverse the effect of nerve damage due to diabetes.

Myo-Inositol finds it usefulness in treating patients with liver dysfunction, diabetic neuropathy, panic disorders, depression, respiratory tract diseases and it is also used to treat the side effects caused due to lithium. As an anti-depression medication it has also helped calm the central nervous system thus helping relieve problems due to insomnia.

Though inositol deficiency is rare it has been recommended in a few cases and the normal dosage comes in the form of supplements which can be taken in small amounts of around 500mg/day. The dosage is around 12 to 18 grams/day for treating patients with depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and anxiety.

Inositol is readily available in both plants and animals; this includes brewer’s yeast, wheat germ, liver, bananas, brown rice, liver, nuts, vegetables, oat flakes, unrefined molasses, raisins etc. Inositol along with six other phosphates is found in both animal and plant sources and these clubbed together are known as anti-nutrient phytic acid. Phytate a form of inositol is found in plant fiber which has antioxidant properties.

Deficiency of inositol may leads to memory loss, hair loss, increase in the level of cholesterol, hair loss, constipation, eczema, liver ailments, anxiety and panic attacks etc. Increase in the level of cholesterol leads to obesity.