For the proper functioning of the body, a constant supply of vitamins of different groups is necessary. After all, they perform many functions: they 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 thing as inositol: what it is, what benefits it brings to the body and where it can be found. We will also find out if there are medicines 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 be independently produced in the body from glucose, and then accumulate in tissues: the liver, heart, 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 whereaccumulates. The next topical question is: 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 theses.
So what is vitamin B8:
- Lipotropic. Vitamin B8 normalizes the circulation of lipid groups. With a sufficient amount of it in the body, the production of phospholipids is stimulated, which, in turn, take part in the process of removing bad fats from the liver. A lack of inotizole can provoke fatty degeneration of the liver tissue.
- Membrane protector. Vitamin B6 makes the protective membrane of the cell less permeable. As a result, the possibility of its destruction and penetration of harmful substances into the interior is reduced.
- Antiatherosclerotic. Inositol prevents the appearance and fixation of fatty plaques in the vessels due to its interaction with lipid-protein groups in the blood. It helps protect the body from 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 tissues 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, bipolar disorders, persecution mania, as well as during a panic attack or a severe state of shock.
- Osmolyte. Takes part in protein synthesis during stress. In addition, it is able to increase the level of survival and functionality of systems and the organism itself under non-standard physical conditions.
- Cancer cell inhibitor. Inotizol 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 vitamin requirement
As mentioned above, the human body can independently produce inositol from glucose. This replenishes about 75% of the required level to ensure the normal functionality of all systems.
The body's daily requirement for vitamin B8 averages 4-8 grams. It is easy to calculate that from the outside you need to receive an average of 1-2 grams of a 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 the use of the drug will be discussed a little later).
The above norms of vitamin B8 are calculated for a he althy person. In the presence of psychological or physical stress, a doubling of the necessary substance is provided, and during nervous disorders, it is completely calculated individually.
Signs of lack of inositol in the body
Vitamin B8 (inositol) differs from others in that when it is deficient, there are no visual signs of beriberi or hypovitaminosis. The only thing that cantestify to its lack in the body - the appearance of such a skin disease as eczema. Although she may have many and completely different reasons.
However, there are some indications, in the presence of which vitamin B8 therapy is recommended. This occurs in the following cases:
- stress exhaustion;
- Insomnia, which indicates mental or physical disorders;
- increasing cholesterol levels;
- obesity of the liver or the presence of the threat of its occurrence;
- frequent constipation;
- a sharp decrease in visual acuity, which was not provoked by injuries;
- hair loss in excess of the norm;
- discoordination;
- mental disorders;
- decreased reproductive function.
Where is inositol found
It was already mentioned above that the body under normal conditions independently produces 75% of the stock 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 such a substance as inositol. Where is vitamin B8 found and what should be consumed to replenish its reserves?
It is important to include in your diet milk, yogurt, beef liver and beef, pork, egg yolk, sardines, tuna, oysters, wheat germ, barley and oatmeal,fresh peas, peanuts, citrus fruits (except lime and lemon), raisins, melon.
In vegetable products, the concentration of the vitamin is several times greater than in animals. It is important to keep this fact in mind when inositol is deficient. In addition, it is advisable to use them raw, as vitamin B8 dissolves during prolonged heat treatment.
One more important fact should not be forgotten. Studies have shown that alcohol, coffee, tea and drugs with sulfonamides can block the production of vitamin B8 and reduce its absorption. Therefore, people who regularly consume these products are recommended to receive inositol from special vitamin supplements.
Signs of inositol overdose
In cases where the body produces vitamin B8 on its own, an overdose of the substance cannot occur. This is due to a well-established 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.
Overdose is possible only if the vitamin is used for therapeutic, not prophylactic purposes. In this case, diarrhea, insomnia and a state of general nervous excitement, dizziness and increased blood pressure may occur.
It will not be difficult to get rid of the above symptoms. It is enough just to 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 medicaldrugs
When there is a lack of vitamin B8, it is difficult to replenish its reserves with a special diet, since its content in 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, topical products with vitamin B8 (creams and shampoos) are quite effective. Therefore, they can be used both for preventive and therapeutic purposes.
Vitamin complex "Inositol"
The product is available in the form of capsules and is simply an indispensable vitamin for proper metabolism.
How does Inositol work and what does it do? The use of the drug provides:
- activation of fat burning;
- lowering cholesterol levels in the body;
- stimulation of the mental work of the brain;
- improve memory and concentration;
- maintaining he althy skin and hair;
- fight against depression.
In addition, vitamin B8 is used as an auxiliary component in general therapy in the treatment of infertility. The fact is that inositol takes part in the division of the egg and has a positive effect on the reproductive system. Therefore, it will be useful for both women and men.
How should I take Inositol?The instructions for the drug say that only one capsule is enough per day. This should be done with meals.
"Inositol": customer reviews
What do those who have already experienced its effect say about the drug? There are many reviews, and, regardless of the manufacturer of Inosaitol, almost all of them are positive! And this once again confirms how effectively vitamin B8 affects the body.
Customers note the excellent calming effect of the drug. At the same time, there is an improvement in mood, the feeling of unreasonable 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 support the reproductive function of the body and note excellent results.
Only side effects of the drug can be considered cons, which are very rare and appear more likely as a result of the individual characteristics of the organism. There are cases when "Inositol" became the cause of headaches and a state of weakness.
Summing up
So, we "met" such an important substance as inositol. What it is, what functions it performs in the body, what are the signs of its shortage and excess, what foods and preparations it contains - we discussed all these points in detail.
Based on the above, we can draw a few simple conclusions:
- inositol plays a very important rolerole in many biochemical processes of the body;
- its deficiency causes a deterioration in human he alth, in particular, problems with the nervous system appear;
- vitamin B8 helps to get rid of nervous disorders, obesity, infertility, insomnia, atherosclerosis and other diseases;
- substance is present in both food and medicine.
Be he althy!