INOSITOL

General Description:

• more correctly it is called myo-inositol, which is the form used by the body
• termed a lipotropic agent
• found in virtually every body cell with the heart, brain, and muscles of the skeleton containing high amounts

Actions:

• forms part of lipids in the cell membranes
• essential for normal calcium and insulin metabolism
• provided in food and also made by the body
• vital for hair growth and can prevent thinning hair and baldness
• part of lecithin which decreases cholesterol
• important for healthy heart muscle
• treatment of obesity and schizophrenia

Deficiency:

• no deficeincy syndrome exists
• symptoms: hair loss, constipation, eczema, eye abnormalities, and high blood cholesterol

Interactions and Toxicity:

• doses in the gram range appear to be toxic, but studies have not been done

Sources:

• brewer's yeast, wheat germ, lecithin, unprocessed whole grains especially oatmeal and corn, nuts, milk, crude unrefined molasses, citrus fruits