Inositol–Vitamin B8–has been found to reduce depression, hostility, tension and fatigue. It is a folk remedy for anxiety and sadness. Inositol has been shown in very small studies to be helpful for depression and panic disorder, and promising for treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder, eating disorders and bipolar disorder. Research has not yet shown any adjunctive benefit when inositol is used with psychotropic drugs. Inositol is a part of our diet, and supplementation seems benign. The risk is minimal.
Inositol may help balance important chemicals in your brain, including those believed to affect your mood, such as serotonin and dopamine. Interestingly, researchers have found that some people with depression, anxiety and compulsive disorders have lower levels of inositol in their brain. Though more research is needed, several studies suggest that inositol has the potential to be an alternative treatment for mental health conditions. It also seems to have fewer side effects than traditional medications. Health Benefits
Health Benefits
Proponents believe that inositol supplements can be beneficial in treating a wide range of health conditions. Some therapeutic approaches are better supported by research than others. Among the conditions for which inositol may be useful are:
Acute respiratory distress syndrome
Anxiety
Depression
Diabetes
High cholesterol
Metabolic syndrome
Panic disorder
Polycystic ovary syndrome
In addition, inositol is believed by some to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and prevent certain cancers. Some people also use inositol to promote hair growth or overcome insomnia.
Dosage and Preparation
Inositol supplements are usually provided in a tablet or capsule formation. There is no standardized dosing schedule, but manufacturers will recommend different doses for different conditions. They can range from 2 gram twice daily to treat metabolic syndrome and PCOS. Lithium-related psoriasis may require up to 6 grams once daily, while some doctors will prescribe up to 12 grams daily to treat extreme anxiety, including panic attacks. For infants with ARDS, an intravenous dose of 80 to160 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) has been used.