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“Inositol facts”
Interesting facts about inositol:
Inositol is a water-soluble vitamin, which means that it is easily absorbed in the body (as most of the body is made of water and so are most of the foods eaten), but some of it may be lost in cooking.
Inositol is a B vitamin co-factor, which means it is not quite a vitamin, but works with all of the B vitamins to help them perform their activities more effectively.
Inositol is important for the body at the cellular level, as it is very important in ensuring that all cells membranes are healthy and function properly, thus ensuring the contents within the cell are maintained inside it, by ensuring the integrity of the cell membrane. Inositol is especially required to ensure certain cells (brain, bone marrow, eyes, heart and intestines) are at peak health.
Inositol is particularly required to make the cell membrane, which is composed of phospholipids and inositol is needed to make this substance and ensure the cell membranes are healthy, pliable and function properly. It also ensures that the cells are well lubricated and do not get damaged if they move against each other.
Inositol works together with another B vitamin co-factor to help make vitally essential neurotransmitters (acetylcholine) that help the brain function properly.
Inositol is vital for healthy hair as it helps to ensure the hair does not break or fall out, which is needed for people with the hair condition alopecia (hair loss).
Inositol may help to prevent the skin inflammation condition eczema through its actions on the cell membranes - by ensuring the cells are properly formed.
Inositol may help to lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol by helping to metabolise and move fats out of the liver and into areas of the body that they are needed, or to just eliminate them from the body if they are not needed and prevent a build-up of the LDL ("bad") cholesterol.
Inositol may potentially help to relieve constipation, as it has a stimulatory action on the muscles of the large intestines, to help them activate peristalsis, the motion that moves the stools through them to be excreted out.
Inositol is found in plentiful supply in the lens of the eye, as well as the heart, but it is also concentrated in other parts of the body too.
Inositol works closely with another B-vitamin co-factor (choline) as well as with vitamin H (biotin) to help turn the food that is eaten, into energy for the body, through the process of digestion. Inositol also works closely together with choline to maintain and regulate cell membranes.
Inositol can be either obtained from foods eaten, or the body can create it. The food source of inositol is obtained from plant-based foods from phytic acid - a substance found in the fibre of foods and the body converts this into inositol in the intestines, where it is absorbed. Inositol is also found in the form myo-inositol in some foods, which does not need to be converted and can be absorbed and used directly by the body for its various functions.
Disclaimer: The advice on this site should be viewed as a general guideline only and it should not replace the advice of a medical professional. Always consult your medical or health care provider to get the advice and care for your particular and individual health, nutrition, diet and fitness circumstances.