Is an unofficial B vitamin which functions closely with choline. It is a primary component of cell membranes, as phosphatidylinositol. (Haas 1999)
Food Sources
Citrus fruit, whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes. Fibre component of phytic acid (inositol phosphate). Intestinal bacteria releases inositol from phytic acid.
Main Uses
Liver disorders (100 – 500 mg)
Depression and panic attacks – used in serotonin and acetylcholine, depressed patients show low levels of inositol in cerebrospinal fluid, shown to reduce depression and panic.
Diabetes – neuropathy, decreased nerve function because of loss of inositol from nerve cell.