4 Ways to Use Inositol Powder (Vitamin B8)

Inositol powder may sound a bit unfamiliar, but if you have ever taken a multivitamin, then you have most likely ingested this substance already. More commonly called vitamin B8, inositol is a type of sugar that is necessary for several important functions in the body. Possibly its most important function is influencing insulin distribution, which is an essential hormone for blood sugar control. Studies state that inositol may be useful for addressing a variety of diseases and disorders, in addition to supporting important functions in the body. It is important to note, however, that there is no definitive medical evidence that proves inositol can cure or prevent any disease or disorder. You should check with a doctor before taking any supplements.

What is Inositol (Vitamin B8)?

So what exactly is inositol? Although it is often called a vitamin, inositol is not actually a vitamin. It is a type of sugar that your body uses to regulate the insulin response. It also affects several hormones associated with mood and cognition. It is present in animal tissues, mostly in the heart and the brain. It naturally contributes to muscle and nerve function and helps the liver process fats.

What Foods Have Inositol?

Inositol is a naturally occurring substance in different types of food including:

Whole grains
Melons
Citrus fruits
Wheat germ
Nuts
Beans
Bananas

What is Inositol Powder Used for?

Inositol powder is used to help with a variety of quite important bodily functions. Its natural roles in the body include providing cellular structure, helping maintain insulin production and facilitating chemical messages in the brain. As a supplement, these properties may also help with various aspects of health such as:

Mental health
Sleep
Insulin resistance
Reproductive health

Mental Health

Studies state that inositol may be able to help benefit mental health and address panic disorders including anxiety, depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It may play a role in producing the hormones serotonin and dopamine. Dopamine is the chemical that stimulates the reward center of your brain, to make you feel happy and serotonin is another “feel-good” chemical that aids in social interaction and feelings of contentment. Some studies show that low myo-inositol concentrations in the blood may indicate a higher risk for depression.

Sleep

Its relationship with serotonin may also help promote better quality sleep and address symptoms related to insomnia. Serotonin naturally encourages calm and peaceful sensations that can help induce sleep. Studies point out that an alarming amount of adults experience sleep deprivation or low quality sleep, which may increase the risk for further health issues, including chronic fatigue and trouble with memory and concentration. Inositol may be a helpful tool for combatting this. However, there are no studies stating that inositol can definitely cure any mental health condition.

Insulin Resistance

Inositol is part of the membranes of all cells and the highest levels are found in the brain and the heart. Inositol naturally helps support heart health because of its role on blood sugar and insulin regulation. Insulin resistance is how the body responds to insulin and contributes to metabolic syndrome, a group of conditions that can increase the risk for heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. The body uses inositol to produce molecules that support insulin regulation, so it may benefit insulin sensitivity.

Reproductive Health

Its effect on insulin regulation may also have an effect on reproductive health, specifically with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal imbalance that can occur in the ovaries, disrupting the body’s ability to produce and release eggs. It can cause irregular periods, cysts and infertility (x, x). Studies state that patients with PCOS may often have high insulin levels.

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How to Use Inositol Powder

Inositol supplements may help address a variety of symptoms related to a variety of conditions. The supplements aim to mimic its natural qualities to potentially benefit health. However, it is important to consult a doctor before trying it as a dietary supplement. The recommended serving size for inositol (vitamin B8) powder is 600 mg per day, or following a doctor’s instructions.

What are the Side Effects of Inositol?

Inositol powder is considered a safe supplement to take. However, before you should consult with your doctor before you take it because it can cause side effects in some cases, including:

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Warnings

Unless a doctor directly gives instructions to do so, avoid inositol supplements during pregnancy and breastfeeding. There is not enough research on its safety or what complications it may cause.

Where to Buy Inositol Powder

You can purchase inositol powder at BulkSupplements.com. The company is an industry-leading manufacturer and distributor for pure dietary supplements. BulkSupplements.com is not just a consumer brand. It also supplies pure ingredients to other brands that distribute other food and supplement products. All products at BulkSupplements.com are manufactured and tested according to current and proper manufacturing practices.

Bottom Line

Inositol is a very common supplement in multivitamins. It is also present in all animal tissues, though the highest concentrations are in the heart and brain. You may know it by its more familiar name, vitamin B8, and you’ve most likely taken it before if you’ve ever taken multivitamin supplements. But you can also get it from many different foods such as fruits, vegetables and fiber-rich foods.

Inositol is a natural part of the outer membranes of our cells, which is why it is so common in our bodies and so essential to animal tissues. It is also essential for cellular structure and transmitting chemical messages in the brain. Inositol plays a strong role in helping the liver process fats, contributes to healthy muscle cell function and supports nerve cell transmission. It also participates in the natural transportation of serotonin and dopamine in the brain, two major neurotransmitters associated with mood and sleep. Inositol is an important component in the body for heart and reproductive health and mood.

However, even though it may help improve health, there are no scientific studies that definitively support its role to treat or prevent any disease, illness or health condition. It is not an adequate medical treatment and make sure to consult a doctor before trying inositol powder or any other dietary supplement.