Inositol | Myo-inositol

Inositol | Myo-inositol

Properties: Inositol had been referred to as vitamin B8 for quite a long time. However, this name was proven to be wrong – and it is due to chemical and formal reasons. The more important question is why inositol has been counted among vitamins. Just like other compounds from the vitamin group, inositol can regulate and secure many processes that occur in the body. It’s also present and widely used in the whole organism. There is a difference, though. Our body can only produce little amounts of inositol itself, so it is our responsibility to provide it externally. We should remember that. 

Among the regions of the body where inositol can be synthesized, the brain is one of the most important. You might have guessed that inositol is actually vital for the neural tissue. It helps to cope with stress due to its natural ability to increase GABA activity – an inhibitory neurotransmitter. Additionally, it sensitizes brain receptors to serotonin. Due to this fact, inositol is commonly called the “mood-enhancing vitamin”. However, that is not quite an accurate definition. Inositol is also responsible for the right transmission of signals between neurons and takes part in the process of neural pathways formation. In other words, inositol allows the nervous system to function efficiently and makes it easier to acquire knowledge. 

As these “pseudo-vitamin” molecules constantly circulate through the bloodstream, the fact that they can affect metabolism shouldn’t be surprising. Particularly, people who like to eat a lot will most likely appreciate inositol’s properties. It helps to regulate glucose level in the blood and prevents uncontrolled hunger. Some people claim that inositol is the “fertility hormone”. This name probably doesn’t need a detailed explanation but it’s worth mentioning that little amounts of inositol can be found in sperm.

We should probably mention that inositol is often used in cosmetics because of its anti-aging effect – it reduces wrinkles keeping the balance between relevant elements like copper and iron. At the same time, it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties and also acts as a moisturizer. Due to this fact, it improves skin appearance, its elasticity and also prevents dryness. Inositol regulates skin cells proliferation, their division and exfoliation process. What is more, inositol strengthens the blood vessels, preventing their rupture, so in consequence it eliminates the broken capillaries which are sometimes visible on the skin surface. Because of that, inositol is used in cosmetics for aging, couperose and acne skin as well.  As it accelerates the breakdown of fats, it is also used as an active compound of anti-cellulite creams with lifting properties. The additional advantage of inositol is its ability to strengthen hair follicles. It improves hair follicles’ oxygenation and nourishes the scalp. Simultaneously, it prevents hair loss and their static. Due to this fact, inositol is widely used in shampoos and hair conditioners.

Occurrence: Inositol is a naturally-occurring compound in the human body. It is produced mainly in the brain, liver and kidneys. It’s also present in food. Many products of plant origin serve as a source of this compound. Here, we can mention fruits (citrus, melons, berries, mango and peers), vegetables (like been, aubergine, asparagus, brussels sprouts, spinach, tomatoes), whole-grain products and grains (wheat, rye, rice). Products of animal origin which contain inositol are: milk, yoghurts, meat (mainly beef), eggs, fish, and seafood.

Biochemistry: Inositol (cyclohexanehexol) is an organic compound belonging to the group of cyclic polyhydric alcohols (sugar alcohols). It has got 9 isomers. Among those isomers, myo-inositol (MI) is the most biologically active. Inositol is a fat-soluble compound because of the -OH group presence. It is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract but its absorbability is most efficient in the small intestine and the colon. 

In the organism, inositol is synthesized from glucose in different tissues and organs, mainly in the brain, liver and kidneys. It’s delivered to every body cell with blood, especially to neurons and then it is accumulated in the protective membrane. Inositol affects GABA receptors activity and also the serotonin level. Additionally, it indirectly increases melatonin concentration. 

Inositol belongs to glycolipids – compounds that are the major components of cell membranes. They are an efficient energy source. Inositol helps to control glucose and cholesterol levels in the blood circulation. In addition, it speeds up the fat metabolism in the liver and supports steroid hormone production.

Fun fact: Inositol is sometimes called the “vitamin B8” because originally it was considered part of the B vitamins family. This classification is incorrect as in the course of research scientists discovered that unlike all the B vitamins, inositol is not a nitrogen compound. In addition, the human body naturally produces inositol. From the scientific perspective it is not a vitamin but a vitamin-like substance – a pseudovitamin.