For the proper functioning of the body, the constant intake of vitamins of different groups into it is necessary. After all, they perform many functions: take part in metabolic processes, increase the activity of enzymes, trace elements and amino acids, and so on.
In the article, we will talk about such a concept as inositol: what it is, what benefits it brings to the body and where it can be found. We also find out if there are medications with this component as an active substance.
Inositol: what is it?
Inositol is nothing more than Vitamin B8. Although in the medical classification it is considered to be a vitamin-like substance.
Inositol is able to independently be produced in the body from glucose, and then accumulate in the tissues: liver, heart, on the retina, in the male seed, as well as in the brain and bone marrow.
The effect of inositol on the body
We learned the following information about the substance "inositol": what it is, how it is produced, and where it accumulates. The next topical question: why does the body need it at all and what functions does it perform? It will be most convenient to consider this issue in the form of small abstracts.
So, what does vitamin B8 serve as:
- Lipotropic. Vitamin B8 normalizes the circulation of lipid groups. With its sufficient amount, the body stimulates the production of phospholipids, which, in turn, take part in the process of removing bad fats from the liver. The lack of inotisol can provoke fatty degeneration of liver tissue.
- Membrane Protector. Vitamin B6 makes the cell membrane less permeable. As a result, the possibility of its destruction and penetration of harmful substances inside decreases.
- Antiatherosclerotic. Inositol prevents the appearance and consolidation of fatty plaques in blood vessels due to its interaction with lipid-protein groups in the blood. This helps protect the body against atherosclerosis, hypertension and obesity.
- Regulator of minerals responsible for the state of the nervous system. These include zinc and copper.
- Anxiolytic and antidepressant. Vitamin B8 contributes to the process of restoration of nerve tissue in the spinal cord and brain. At the same time, it improves the quality of sleep, relieves anxiety and soothes. Inotizole is simply necessary for neurological or mental disorders, such as depression, various phobias, impaired coordination of movements, biopolar disorders, persecution mania, as well as during a panic attack or severe shock.
- Osmolite. Takes part in protein synthesis during stress. In addition, he is able to increase the level of survival and functionality of the systems and the organism itself under non-standard physical conditions.
- Cancer cell inhibitor. Inotizole inhibits their growth in the liver, pancreas, intestines, liver, mammary glands and on the skin.
As you can see, the substance affects many body systems and performs very important functions.
Daily requirement for vitamin
As mentioned above, the human body can independently produce inositol from glucose. This makes up for about 75% of its required level to ensure the normal functionality of all systems.
The daily requirement of the body for vitamin B8 is an average of 4-8 grams. It is easy to calculate that from the outside you need to receive an average of 1-2 grams of the substance per day. This can happen both with the help of food products, and thanks to special vitamin complexes, one of which is Inositol (instructions for using the drug will be discussed a bit later).
The above norms of vitamin B8 are designed for a healthy person. In the presence of psychological or physical stress, the necessary substance is doubled, and during nervous disorders it is calculated individually.
Signs of Inositol deficiency in the body
Vitamin B8 (inositol) differs from others in that when it is deficient, there are no visual signs of vitamin deficiency or hypovitaminosis. The only thing that may indicate its lack in the body is the appearance of a skin disease such as eczema. Although she may have many other completely different reasons.
However, there are some indications, in the presence of which it is recommended that vitamin B8 therapy be given. This happens in cases:
- stress exhaustion;
- insomnia, which indicates mental or physical impairment;
- increase cholesterol;
- obesity of the liver or the presence of a threat of its appearance;
- frequent constipation;
- a sharp decrease in visual acuity, which was not provoked by the injuries;
- hair loss in excess of the norm;
- impaired coordination of movement;
- mental disorders;
- decreased reproductive function.
Where is inositol contained?
It has already been recalled that under normal conditions the body independently produces 75% of the supply of inositol. For this to happen, you need to provide it with the necessary products of plant and animal origin, as well as monitor the condition of the gastrointestinal tract.
So, it was revealed that the body lacks a substance such as inositol. Where is vitamin B8 contained and what should be consumed to replenish its reserves?
It is important to include milk, yogurt, beef liver and beef, pork, egg yolk, sardines, tuna, oysters, wheat sprouts, barley and oat groats, fresh peas, peanuts, citrus fruits (except lime and lemon), raisins, and melon in your diet.
In plant foods, the concentration of vitamin is several times higher than in animals. It is important to keep this fact in mind with a lack of inositol. In addition, it is advisable to use them in raw form, since during prolonged heat treatment, vitamin B8 dissolves.
We must not forget about another important fact. Studies have shown that alcohol, coffee, tea and preparations with sulfanilamides can block the production of vitamin B8 and reduce its digestibility. Therefore, people who regularly consume these products are recommended to receive inositol with special vitamin supplements.
Signs of an Inositol Overdose
In cases where the body independently produces vitamin B8, an overdose of the substance cannot occur. This is due to a well-tuned system of its work. In the presence of an excessive content of inositol, its synthesis is temporarily stopped, and the excess is excreted through the kidneys.
An overdose is possible only if the vitamin is used for medicinal rather than preventive purposes. In this case, the occurrence of diarrhea, insomnia and a state of general nervous excitement, dizziness and increased blood pressure.
To get rid of the above symptoms is not difficult. Simply drink plenty of fluids (water, coffee, tea, diuretics). As a result, excess inositol will leave the body with urine for several hours.
Vitamin B8 in medicines
If there is a lack of vitamin B8, it is difficult to replenish its reserves with the help of a special diet, since its content in the products is very low. Therefore, special vitamin-mineral complexes were developed. Inositol in a pharmacy can be found under the names "Inositol", or Inositol, "Inositol + Choline" (Inositol + Cholin), "Lecithin".
In addition, funds for external use with vitamin B8 (creams and shampoos) have sufficient effectiveness. Therefore, they can be used both for prophylactic and therapeutic purposes.
Vitamin complex "Inositol"
The product is available in the form of capsules and is simply an indispensable vitamin to ensure proper metabolism.
How does Inositol work and what does it do? The use of the drug provides:
- increased fat burning;
- lowering cholesterol in the body;
- stimulation of brain mental activity;
- improved memory and concentration;
- maintaining healthy skin and hair;
- the fight against depressive conditions.
In addition, vitamin B8 is used as an auxiliary component in general therapy in the treatment of infertility. The fact is that inositol is involved in egg division and has a positive effect on the reproductive system. Therefore, it will be useful to both women and men.
How to take "Inositol"? The instruction for the drug says that only one capsule is enough per day. This should be done with food.
Inositol: customer reviews
What do those who have already experienced their effects say about the drug? There are many reviews, and, regardless of the manufacturer Inosaitol, almost all of them are positive! And this once again confirms how effectively vitamin B8 affects the body.
Buyers note the excellent calming effect of the drug. However, there is an improvement in mood, the sense of causeless anxiety disappears.
In addition, the tool really has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin, hair and even nails. Many use "Inositol" to maintain the reproductive function of the body and note excellent results.
Only side effects of the drug, which are very rare and appear more likely as a result of the individual characteristics of the body, can be considered cons. There are cases when Inositol became the cause of headaches and a state of weakness.
To summarize
So, we "met" with such an important substance as inositol. What it is, what functions it performs in the body, what are the signs of its shortage and overabundance, what foods and preparations it contains - we have discussed all these points in detail.
Based on the foregoing, we can make a few simple conclusions:
- Inositol plays a very important role in many biochemical processes of the body;
- its deficiency causes a deterioration in human health, in particular, problems with the nervous system appear;
- Vitamin B8 helps get rid of nervous disorders, obesity, infertility, insomnia, atherosclerosis and other diseases;
- the substance is present in both food and medicine.
Be healthy!