So What is Inositol?
Inositol is a supplement that promotes relaxation. Strangely enough, Inositol is a type of sugar which acts as an alternative energy source for the brain and is usually used widely with nootropics. It is anxiolytic in nature and acts similarly to L-theanine. It is a b-vitamin, and typically b-vitamins give people an alternative energy.
What are the Benefits of Inositol?
It is also known to be antidepressive[1] which is another reason it can be justified as increasing overall subjective well-being. There were no noted adverse side effects noted in the kidneys, blood, or liver in a study done on inositol. It is a very safe compound with low toxicity, and is well-tolerated in the body. However, like many b-vitamins, people will argue that they are unnecessary with an adequate diet because supplements are just that; they supplement an already healthy lifestyle.
In addition, panic attacks were also decreased with those who took inositol over placebo. Also, Inositol was shown to be an effective treatment for OCD (Obsessive-compulsive disorder).[2][3] This doesn’t mean that inositol is only beneficial in those who are already unhealthy (below a “normal” line). Inositol is shown to be calming and can induce an overall positive feeling in the user.
Anecdotally, people have used inositol to calm down the anxiety-inducing stimulants such as caffeine and some racetams. Oftentimes, choline and inositol are paired together because of their synergistic effects. A lot of people take inositol by itself for the removal of brain fog, claiming that it is one of the few compounds that relieves general mental fatigue and clears the mind. There are rarely any adverse side effects, however some users experience nausea, lethargy, headaches, and dizziness.[4]
According to some studies, “Inositol is used for diabetic nerve pain, panic disorder, high cholesterol, insomnia, cancer, depression, schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, autism, promoting hair growth, a skin disorder called psoriasis, and treating side effects of medical treatment with lithium”.[4]
Inositol is a safe addition to a supplement stack and is typically well-tolerated by most. Like any supplement, start at a low dose and work your way up from there. It is fairly mild and might take a few days for desired effects to start appearing but changes should be distinct from placebo.
Sources
[1]: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9169302
[2]: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8780431
[3]: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11172878
[4]: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-299-INOSITOL.aspx?activeIngredientId=299&activeIngredientName=INOSITOL
