Inositol

About Inositol

Inositol is a carbocyclic sugar alcohol, a six carbon ring bearing six hydroxyl groups, with nine stereoisomers, of which myo inositol is the most common in nature and in the body. It was once called vitamin B8, but because the body synthesizes it from glucose 6 phosphate, it is not considered a vitamin. Myo inositol is a structural part of phosphatidylinositol, and inositol phosphates such as inositol trisphosphate act as second messengers that release calcium within cells in response to hormones and neurotransmitters. An epimerase converts myo inositol into D chiro inositol, and both take part in insulin signaling. Phytic acid, or inositol hexakisphosphate, is the main storage form of phosphorus in seeds. Food sources include citrus fruits, beans, grains and nuts. Myo inositol and D chiro inositol have been studied in polycystic ovary syndrome, where trials report improvements in insulin sensitivity and ovulation, and in the prevention of gestational diabetes. Small trials have examined it in panic disorder and depression with mixed results.