Inositol instructions for use. What foods contain inositol

Vitamin B8 is scientifically called inositol and inositol. A large amount of it is concentrated in tears, semen, nerve cells and fluid in the lens of the eye. Vitamin B8 enters our body in the form of glucose, and then it is synthesized from it into the final product - inositol.

In experiments on mice, it was shown that in the absence of this water-soluble factor in food, in addition to stopping growth, there is a peculiar loss of hair and fatty liver infiltration with the deposition of cholesterol. The addition of animal liver extracts to food eliminated these phenomena. The medicinal agent was named an anti-alopecia factor and later identified with inositol phosphate ester. Phytin, a salt of inositol phosphoric acid, also has vitamin properties.

Inositol is a cyclic hexahedral alcohol of cyclohexane.

Vitamin is resistant to acids and alkalis. Inactive meso-inositis is the most common. In animals on an iso-deficient diet, in addition to specific baldness, neuro-trophic disorders, impaired coordination of movements, convulsions of the limbs and complete loss of vision are observed. Inositol is involved in the exchange of phosphotides.

A whole group of inositol phosphotides has been identified, the structure and role of which is being studied.

Inositol is found in blood, including in free form, at a concentration of 0.37-0.76 mg / dl. An additional source of it is synthesis in the intestine. Sulfonamides and some other medicinal substances can suppress its formation by microflora. The excretion of inositol in the urine is small - up to 12 mg per day, it sharply increases with diabetes mellitus and chronic nephritis. Inositol in the body is destroyed with the formation of glucuronic acid, followed by its oxidation.

The amount of vitamin B8 required per day

1-1.5 g of this vitamin per day is enough for an adult. The maximum dose of vitamin per day has not yet been determined.

How is vitamin B8 absorbed?

It is known that vitamin B8 is well absorbed together with vitamin E and other B vitamins. Inositol interacts well with choline (vitamin B4) with the subsequent formation of lecithin.

The beneficial effect of vitamin B8 on the human body

Vitamin B8 in the body contributes to the synthesis of fats in the body, the normal passage of nerve impulses. If there is enough inositol in the body, the liver, skin and hair remain healthy. Vitamin B8 also helps dissolve cholesterol, protects the walls of blood vessels from fragility. The motor activity of the stomach and intestines is maintained precisely thanks to inositol. As already mentioned, inositol has a calming effect on the body.

Inositol is found in phosphoglycerols (derivatives of phosphatidic acid), it is a component of phosphatidylinositol. The biological role of inositol is associated with the exchange of phosphoglycerols and the formation of inositol-1,4,5-triphosphate, one of the most active secondary messengers (messengers) of intracellular signals. Inositol has a powerful lipotropic effect, inhibits the development of liver dystrophy in animals on a protein-free diet, and in humans with malignant neoplasms.

Inositol is found in the cerebrospinal fluid, and its content does not decrease with meningitis and epidemic encephalitis. With tuberculous meningitis, its concentration increases. With prolonged inositol deficiency, animals die. Death occurs faster with a simultaneous deficiency in the diet of para-aminobenzoic acid. The lack of inositol in the diet also has a negative effect on the function of the gastrointestinal tract. The motor function of the stomach and intestines is impaired. Inositol is essential for the development of the fetus in early infancy. For lung development in premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome (levels in the first 2 months of life are about 4 times higher than in adults).

Signs of vitamin B8 deficiency

People with a lack of vitamin B8 show insomnia, excessive irritability, they suffer from frequent constipation. Baldness and skin diseases can also indicate a lack of inositol in the body. Stunted growth in children - clear sign vitamin B8 deficiency. Recently, scientists have made a discovery: a lack of vitamin inositol in the body can "disarm" all the other vitamins of the "B" group, that is, due to a deficiency of one vitamin, the rest lose their properties.

Signs of an excess of vitamin B8

An excess of inositol in the body does not manifest itself in any way, except that science still does not know about this.

Factors that can reduce the amount of vitamin B8 in foods

It is known that inositol is very resistant to any temperature changes. Alkaline and acidic conditions also do not affect the amount of inositol contained in food.

Why vitamin B8 deficiency can occur?

Alcohol and, of course, caffeine can destroy inositol in the human body, therefore, in order not to harm your health, you should limit the intake of these two substances.

What foods contain B8?

Inositol is widespread in nature. And besides yeast and liver, it is found in fruits, berries, vegetables, cereals, milk, meat, internal organs of animals.
In products of animal origin, inositol is found mainly in the bound form, and in plants in the form of fetin.

Inositol is used medicinally for liver diseases. In medical practice, phytin is used as a source of phosphorus for nervous diseases. It is prescribed orally at a dose of 0.25 - 0.5 g 3 times a day for 6-8 weeks.

A variety of cereals contain a sufficient amount of inositol. Lentils contain 130 mg of vitamin, rice bran can contain up to 460 mg, wheat germ can contain up to 770 mg, oatmeal and barley contains from 270 to 390 mg of inositol. Green peas contain up to 240 mg of vitamin B8, and ordinary roasted peanuts - up to 180 mg. Fruits are foods that contain inositol. Grapefruit, for example, contains up to 150 mg of inositol, and an orange 210 mg. Choose what you like best and eat more often.

Vitamin B8 is the second most important for the body after vitamin B3. The concentration of this bioactive substance in the brain, spinal cord and peri-cerebral fluid is four times higher than the concentration in the blood. This is a reserve stock, which in case of stress will help prevent vitamin deficiency.

Inositol is known as a vitamin for healthy sleep, an elixir of youth and a pregnancy aid. Such a wide spectrum of action is associated with the effect on the central nervous system and participation in metabolic processes.

Opening

Vitamin B8 was discovered two centuries ago by the German chemist Liebig in the course of experiments with the diet of laboratory rats.

As soon as the scientist excluded a new substance from the rat's menu, the experimental began to go bald, growth slowed down, and the level of cholesterol in the blood rose rapidly. With the return of the habitual diet, the symptoms gradually disappeared. As a result, inositol became known as a baldness remedy, and scientists began to comprehensively study its role in the body.

The body's ability to synthesize about 70% daily requirement substance, has given rise to controversy among biochemists about whether inositol is a vitamin or a vitamin-like substance.

Inositol is a white fine powder with a sweetish taste. The body synthesizes inositol from glucose. It is produced in organs and tissues, not just in the intestines. The maximum concentration of the substance is observed in the brain and spinal cord.

The synthesis of inositol slows down in the case of a deficiency of protein, fatty acids, trace elements and vitamins, this impairs the functioning of all body systems. A decrease in the synthesis of a substance as a result of stress, significant stress, changes in the diet, during pregnancy, and strong emotional experiences is possible.
Prolonged vitamin deficiency can cause serious complex diseases, in such cases, vitamin powder or ampoules are usually included in the treatment program.

Action on the body

Nervous system

Vitamin B8 improves the quality of impulse transmission at the neural level. Avitaminosis leads to a decrease in the performance of nerve fibers, as a result of which memorization, concentration and productivity of brain activity deteriorate, and rapid fatigability occurs. Inositol regulates the balance of zinc and copper, which affects the level of nervousness.

With increased excitability, depression, sleep disorders and other nervous disorders, taking inositol tablets is effective due to its natural sedative properties.
Low toxicity makes the substance an optimal sleeping pill during pregnancy, when gentle drugs are needed, which have no pronounced side effects.

Vessels

Vitamin B8 is involved in lipid metabolism, lowers cholesterol levels, improves blood rheology and strengthens the walls of blood vessels and increases the elasticity of arterial walls. A sufficient amount of the vitamin contained in foods and produced by the body provides reliable protection against atherosclerosis.

Reproductive system

The normal functioning of the reproductive system and the onset of pregnancy are possible only with a sufficient amount of inositol in the body. In the female body, B8 is necessary for the division of the egg, in the male - for the reproduction of viable sperm. Lack of B8 is often the reason for the absence of pregnancy against the background of normal health. In this case, a course of vitamin intake in ampoules may be prescribed.

Gastroenterology

Inositol protects the liver from the proliferation of fat cells and reduces the toxic load from alcohol consumption, antibacterial and hormonal drugs.

Skin and hair

Vitamin B8 maintains an optimal balance of calcium salts, while the imbalance leads to early aging of the skin. The effectiveness of the substance in tablets and in cosmetic preparations for external use has been confirmed. This vitamin is also vital for hair, vitamin deficiency is manifested by hair loss and brittleness.

Vision

With regular stress on the organs of vision, doctors recommend basing the diet on foods with a high vitamin content and taking inositol additionally, in ampoules or tablet form.

Skeleton and muscular system

Inositol is involved in protein synthesis, so it is important to prevent vitamin deficiency in children, when composing a children's menu, you should remember about the products in which it is contained.

The most important sign of a lack of vitamin B8 in children is growth arrest. In this case, an urgent consultation with a doctor is required, who will select the correct regimen for taking and dosage of drugs that will eliminate vitamin deficiency.

During pregnancy, the body's need for protein also increases, and accordingly the need for inositol also increases.

Products sources

What foods contain the maximum amount of vitamin:

green vegetables
nuts
Sesame oil
legumes
offal
Brewer's yeast
bran.

Dosage

A person should consume 500-1500 mg of vitamin B8 daily. The need varies depending on the state of health, physical and mental stress, diet, psycho-emotional state. In some cases, it is recommended to increase the dose by supplementing the menu or taking vitamin in ampoules or tablets.

When you need it most

The reasons requiring an increase in the dose of inositol in products are:

diabetes
the presence of inflammatory processes
constant stress
fractures, dislocations, bruises
excessive fluid intake
hormonal and antibiotic therapy
alcoholism.

Under unfavorable conditions, vitamin deficiency occurs easily and its consequences for the body are very serious, but you should not worry about an overdose, the natural substance contained in food is non-toxic and its excess will be excreted from the body along with urine in the coming days.

Maintaining adequate levels of vitamin B8 in the body is the key to normal functioning nervous system and effective prevention of any gastrointestinal diseases, cosmetic and endocrine problems.

Oct-8-2016

Vitamin B8

Sleep vitamin discovered! This is how the last Scientific research concerning another vitamin of group B - inositol. The famous American physiologist Robert Atkins is full of enthusiasm: "As a sleeping pill, I prescribe inositol to my patients first." He is echoed by Karl Pfeiffer, head of the world famous Center for Brain Biology in Princeton (USA): "We give patients inositol, and thereby relieve them of fear, tension and even high blood pressure." According to Dr. Pfeiffer, this vitamin works similarly to Valiuad and may even replace this tranquilizer.

So, vitamin B8 (also known as inositol, inositol, inositol droretinol). It was discovered in 1848 by the German chemist Liebig, and in 1928 this substance was included in the classification of vitamins as B8. In its pure form, vitamin B8 is a water-soluble crystalline powder with a sweetish taste. Vitamin B8 is found and used in large quantities in the tissues of the nervous system, the lens of the eye, lacrimal and seminal fluid. It can be synthesized in the body from glucose. It is resistant to acids and alkalis, but when heated, inositol is rapidly destroyed.

Inositol properties

Vitamin B8 normalizes cholesterol levels, participates in metabolic processes in the body, promotes changes in various acids (for example: lactic, grape).
Inositol is able to regulate blood pressure, intestinal motility and neuromuscular excitability.
Vitamin B8 is able to increase the fluidity of the blood, which leads to a decrease in blood clots, and also participates in the balance of zinc and copper.
Inositol plays an important role in the reproductive system, as it is able to activate the reproduction of sperm, and start the processes of egg division. As a result, male and female infertility can be caused by a lack of vitamin B8 in the body.
Also, vitamin B8 is able to improve sleep, stimulate hair growth, fight insomnia, reduce arterial pressure, fight obesity, stimulate brain processes, improve vision, relieve stress from it, and it is also a good tool for the prevention of atherosclerosis. At the same time, it stimulates adolescent growth processes well.

With the exception of niacin (vitamin B3), our body does not need any vitamin as much as inositol. In the spinal cord and brain, as well as in the peri-cerebral fluid, this bioactive substance is stored in a very high concentration - four times more than in the blood. Thus, nature will create a reserve stock in case, as a result of stress, we need a large amount of this valuable substance.

The most important property of vitamin B8 is that, like choline, it is exclusively natural product but works just as reliably as chemically synthesized hypnotics and sedatives, which do more harm than good.

Inositol is an excellent sleeping pill. It relieves a person of tension and even lowers high blood pressure. Some researchers believe that this vitamin can successfully replace chemically synthesized drugs.

Inositol is an effective remedy for atherosclerosis.

Along with choline, inositol is the most important constituent of lecithin, which is found in all cells of the body. If you mix in equal proportions lecithin and cholesterol, the latter dissolves and loses its danger, while bringing great benefits to the body at the same time. Thus, inositol, along with choline, is a natural remedy for atherosclerosis. It is not necessary to buy ready-made lecithin from the pharmacy. It is found in high concentration in peanuts, soybeans, peas, lentils, nuts and in general in all seeds, shoots and sprouts. Diabetics have high blood sugar, which prevents the penetration of inositol into the cells of the brain and nerves. This is also accompanied by a deficiency of vitamin B8 in the muscles, which manifests itself in movement disorders typical for diabetics. They are caused by the accumulation of sorbitol in the muscles, an intermediate during the breakdown of glucose. Lack of muscle inositol can also arise from poor nutrition.

This B vitamin is also necessary for the reproduction of sperm. 100 g of semen contains 53 ml of inositol. A deficiency in this substance can lead to infertility. Also, inositol is absolutely essential for the development and maintenance of the viability of spinal cord cells. It also stimulates hair growth and can prevent hair loss.

Inositol's ability to prevent and relieve constipation is due to its stimulating effect on the muscles of the digestive tract. This vitamin normalizes mildly high blood pressure caused by stress. According to recent reports, it regulates the balance of copper and zinc in the body. Too high a concentration of copper in the scraps of the brain leads to constant nervousness, aggressiveness, irritability up to mental breakdowns. Ground grain kissel, which contains zinc, corrects this imbalance and soothes the nervous nerves within 4 hours. Vitamin B8 is actively involved in this process. Since European soils contain almost no zinc, inositol is especially important for our health.

One of the latest discoveries of biochemists is of great interest. We all know that the first spring tan is especially effective. It seems that all cells of the body are filled with life-giving, vitality. The reason for this is the staining of the skin of the body with the enzyme tyrosinase, which contains copper. Within a few hours, the copper that is tearing our nerves, under the influence of the sun's rays, is removed from the cells and concentrated in the skin. That's why we feel so good after the first tan.

Vitamin B8 regulates the balance of copper and zinc in brain cells. Too high a concentration of copper in the body leads to nervousness, aggressiveness, irritability, and nervous breakdowns.

For many years, biochemists and physiologists considered inositol to be of little interest to study. Today, when it has become possible to examine blood and tissue samples weighing only quadrillion fractions of a gram, this B-group vitamin demonstrates its unique capabilities as one of the most important substances for the functioning of nerve cells. Recently, it has become one of the most popular medications that, without a shadow of a doubt, doctors prescribe to their patients.

According to the latest research, vitamin B8 is extremely important for the functioning and growth of nerve cells.

Lack of inositol

Lack of vitamin B8 in the body is extremely rare.

Signs of a lack of this substance in the body can be the following problems:

insomnia;
increased irritability;
frequent constipation;
hair loss;
eye diseases;
skin diseases, the development of eczema;
the occurrence of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and liver;
stopping growth.

The brain, liver, pancreas, kidneys, thyroid and thymus glands cannot work without inositol.

For what reasons can there be a lack of inositol in the body, because it is present in a considerable number of foods?

Inositol destroys excessive consumption of caffeine and alcohol, as well as estrogens and sulfa drugs. And, of course, excessive heat treatment.

If you are a coffee lover, or by occupation or inactivity, you have to consume a large amount of alcohol, then you need to prevent a lack of inositol - take vitamin B8 in combination with other B vitamins. Combining its intake with vitamin B4 (choline) is especially effective.

The need for inositol

For inositol, as well as for its "twin" choline, there are no (yet) recommended doses. As already mentioned, the daily requirement, depending on the impact of stress, is 4-8 grams.

Approximately 3/4 of this amount is produced by the body, but only if the mucous membranes of the stomach, kidneys, liver, nerve and brain cells are healthy and are adequately supplied with nutrients.

If the body lacks vitamins, trace elements, protein or high-quality fatty acids, then the synthesis of vitamin B8 stops. Inositol's worst enemy is caffeine. These substances absolutely do not get along with each other. Unfortunately, inositol is less persistent than caffeine. The first cup of strong coffee in the morning or afternoon is still neutralized by the immune systems of the gastrointestinal tract or cells. The second cup is more dangerous, not to mention the third or fourth. She can destroy a quarter of the daily diet. of this vitamin... Those who drink too much water (more than two and a half liters per day) also lose inositol excreted in their urine. Destroy inositol and medicines, especially sulfonamides. Due to their effect, the normal concentration of vitamin B8 in the blood (0.7 mg per 100 ml) can be halved. They have a particularly negative effect on the content of inositol in the peri-cerebral fluid (2.7 mg per 100 ml). From this fluid, the brain cells metabolize important nutrients.

Vitamin Inositol in Food

Inositol, unlike choline, is found in both animal tissues and plants. In animal tissues, it is an integral part of compounds containing phosphorus, fatty acids and nitrogen. In plant cells, it activates phytic acid, which is capable of converting calcium, magnesium, iron or zinc into indigestible salts, thus removing them from metabolism. Vitamin B8 is found primarily in meat, milk, fruits, nuts, cereal seeds and vegetables. However, this vitamin can also be synthesized in the brain, partly in the liver, and probably in other tissues. Each person needs three to five grams of this vitamin per day, and under stress - double the amount. But only a perfectly functioning intestine has the ability to absorb inositol from food. This requires a large amount of the enzyme phytase, which is contained in gastric juice and in the intestinal folds. Improper nutrition in most cases leads to a violation of the microflora in the intestine and thus to a deficiency of inositol.

This is even more pronounced if preference is given to pre-cooked meals in tableware and food heated in microwave ovens. In this case, only pitiful crumbs remain from vitamins. The supply of vitamin B8 to the body stops, and irritated nerves and brain cells in vain cry for help.

Inositol is found primarily in meat, milk, fruits, nuts, seeds, and vegetables.

Sources of vitamin B8:

sprouted wheat - 770 mg%

rice bran - 460 mg%

cereals (rice, barley (390 mg%), oatmeal (270 mg%))

peas - 240 mg%

oranges - 210 mg%

peanuts - 180 mg%

grapefruit - 150 mg%

lentils - 130 mg%

raisins, melon - 120 mg%

peach - 96 mg%

white cabbage - 95 mg%

potatoes - 66 mg%

watermelon - 64 mg%

Harm of inositol

Water-soluble vitamin B8 is one of the few substances that are practically unable to harm the body. As numerous experiments have shown, an overdose of inositol is almost impossible. Of course, if we are not talking about the injection of a dose that is hundreds of times higher than the permissible rate.

B8, being a non-toxic element, does not cause pathological changes in the body or poisoning even in rather large portions. The maximum possible harm from inositol is an allergic reaction manifested by urticaria.

Allergy symptoms disappear along with the removal of excess B8 from the body. However, inositol belongs to those substances that do not accumulate for a long time in cells and tissues - it lingers only for a while, and after fulfilling its function, it is excreted.

Vitamin B8 (inositol, inositol) is a vitamin-like substance synthesized from glucose in the tissues of the body. Inositol in its pure form is a white crystalline powder, sweetish in taste. Like other B vitamins, inositol is soluble in water and is destroyed by high temperatures. The body synthesizes about 3/4 of the daily value of vitamin B8, the remaining 25% must be replenished in the body from the diet.

Vitamin B8: the biological role of the substance

Vitamin B8 was discovered in 1848 by the German chemist Liebig, and in 1928 this substance was included in the classification of vitamins as B8. In the course of research, the role of the vitamin in the human body was established. Vitamin B8 ensures the normal course of metabolic processes, being a part of many enzymes, activates lipid metabolism (which contributes to active weight loss), regulates cholesterol levels, thereby helping to prevent the development of atherosclerosis, obesity and other diseases provoked by overweight.

Vitamin B8 is one of the most important vitamins groups. Its deficiency can lead to disruption of many processes in the body. Inositol stimulates the activity of the brain, improves concentration, stimulates mental activity, reduces brain fatigue, and increases its ability to memorize information.

Vitamin B8 ensures the transmission of impulses between cells, is used in the treatment of disorders of the sensitivity of nerve endings and diseases associated with this disorder. Inositol protects the liver from harmful substances (toxins, alcohol, antibiotics, hormonal drugs). Vitamin-like substance prevents the growth of fatty tissue around the liver. Inositol has an antioxidant effect, neutralizing and removing free radicals from the body that damage cellular structures.

This vitamin plays an important role in maintaining the reproductive function of both the male and female body. Vitamin B8 simulates egg division as well as sperm reproduction. Vitamin deficiency can lead to infertility.

Inositol is found in the blood, which transports this substance to those structures of the body that need it most. The largest number vitamin B8 is consumed by the retina and lens of the eye.

This vitamin is called the vitamin of beauty, as it helps to normalize metabolism, liver function, skin and hair condition.

Vitamin B8 for hair: how to use the vitamin for hair restoration

Vitamin B8 for hair is an indispensable element that helps to strengthen, restore the hair structure, preventing hair loss. This vitamin is found in many cosmetics for skin and hair. Inositol regulates gas exchange in the skin, which helps to maintain moisture in the hair.

To restore damaged hair, vitamin B8 is recommended to be used in a complex manner. Hair loss, dullness is one of the signs of a deficiency of this element in the body. Vitamin B8 is part of vitamin complexes... Regular intake of vitamins will help prevent further hair loss, as well as replenish the vitamin balance of the body. The use of this vitamin for hair will not give instant results.

To achieve an immediate effect, vitamin B8 for hair is recommended to be applied externally. When choosing hair care products, it is necessary to give preference to those that contain vitamins. Vitamin B8 is recommended to be purchased in powder, adding a small portion of the substance to shampoos, balms, hair masks. This will help give your hair extra shine, make it easier to comb, and prevent breakage and shedding. Vitamin B8 also maximizes the potency of vitamin E, another essential vitamin component in promoting hair growth and strengthening. The use of these vitamins in a complex in the form of applications will allow you to quickly restore hair after various types of chemical, thermal damage, stress conditions.

An indispensable source of vitamin B8 for the body is nutrition. If symptoms of a deficiency of this vitamin are found, it is also necessary to revise the diet by adding foods rich in inositol to the diet.

Accumulating in the cell membranes of the spinal cord and brain, inositol is used by the body to eliminate the effects of stress. Any stress negatively affects the condition of the skin and hair. A sufficient supply of vitamin B8 contributes to the rapid recovery of the nervous system, and also prevents such reactions of the body as loss, tarnishing, deterioration of the hair structure, deterioration of the scalp.

For hair restoration, vitamin B8 is recommended to be used for at least 2 weeks, and also to be repeated in courses every 4-6 months, depending on the condition of the hair. External use of vitamin B8 is safe and does not require prior consultation with a doctor.

Vitamin B8 in foods: symptoms of vitamin deficiency and excess in the body

Vitamin B8 is normally synthesized by the body itself. However, additional sources are needed to replenish the daily intake of this substance in the body. For the normal functioning of the body, a person needs from 0.5 to 1.5 g of the substance per day, depending on the state of health, lifestyle, concomitant diseases, physical and mental stress. Also, large dosages of the vitamin are needed during the period of active growth and development of the body, a weakened body after previous illnesses and powerful complex treatment with antibiotics, people who abuse alcohol, coffee and other tonic drinks.

Sesame seeds and sesame oil - the leader in vitamin B8 content (sesame oil is recommended to be rubbed into damaged hair areas);
Whole cereals;
Legumes;
Nuts;
Wheat germ;
Young shoots and sprouts;
Melon;
Citrus;
Cabbage.

Beef heart and brains;
Veal liver, veal;
Pork;
Breast milk;
Fish roe.

By introducing these foods into the diet, you can avoid vitamin deficiency, which is manifested by the following symptoms:

Insomnia, increased anxiety, depression, apathetic states, irritability, fatigue, impaired concentration;
Deterioration of the condition of the skin and hair - lack of elasticity, scaly skin rashes, fragility, dullness, hair loss;
Eye diseases, visual impairment.

Vitamin B8 is harmless to the body. This substance is of low toxicity. An excess of a vitamin-like substance in the body does not lead to the development of pathological conditions. In rare cases, with an overdose, allergic skin reactions are observed.

Infertility, premature aging, diabetes, neurosis, liver disease ... It would seem, what do these pathologies have in common? And the fact that they can be defeated with the help of one vitamin - B8.

What is inositol, or vitamin B8

Vitamin B8 has almost two hundred years of history, but it was only in 1928 that it began to be classified as a vitamin. What is this substance? In scientific words, it is called the hexahedral alcohol of cyclohexane or inositol.

Since our body is able to independently synthesize almost the entire daily rate of inositol, it is customary to call it a vitamin-like substance. This drug is produced in the form of powder, tablets and gelatin capsules.

Due to the various forms of release, inositol can be used by all categories of people.

Useful properties of inositol

The list of "good deeds" of this vitamin is quite extensive:

Vitamin B8 helps relieve headaches due to its calming effect

Vitamin B8 for Women's Health

Vitamins B8 are called "women's vitamin", as it has a beneficial effect on the skin and hair. But its main purpose lies elsewhere.

Vitamin B8 moisturizes skin, improves complexion

It is useful to take inositol during pregnancy (be sure to consult your doctor). This vitamin helps to cope with depression, mood swings and other similar phenomena observed in women who are expecting a baby. It is worth remembering that inositol in large quantities can cause uterine contraction.

As for women's health, inositol is needed at any age. For example, it will help to better cope with the unpleasant phenomena caused by menopause (depression, nervousness, insomnia), keep the skin elastic longer, hair - thick and healthy. In addition, it will help to avoid early menopause, which happens due to ovarian wasting syndrome.

Inositol for children

Vitamin B8 is needed by a child from the time he is in the womb. A useful element significantly reduces the risk of deformation of the fetal neural tube. In addition, it is necessary if the mother has diabetes mellitus.

Vitamin B8 ensures the timely development of the fetus

In babies who were born ahead of time, there is a high risk of developing bronchopulmonary dysplasia and retinopathy (eye disease). However, taking vitamin B8 can protect children from these ailments.

Most infants receive inositol from breast milk. Therefore, it should be borne in mind that if a child is bottle-fed, this vitamin must be present in the mixture.

Inositol is also needed for older children, because it is a growth vitamin. In other words, it promotes bone and muscle growth. Vitamin B8, improving thought processes, is indispensable for schoolchildren.

Vitamin deficiency and excess

Lack of inositol can lead to very serious consequences. Stress, insomnia and other resulting consequences develop. Circulatory problems begin. Cholesterol levels rise. Constipation progresses, because there is nothing to stimulate intestinal peristalsis. Eyesight "sits down", the skin deteriorates, hair begins to fall out, moreover, in whole bunches.

Hair loss is one of the easiest consequences of a lack of vitamin B8

Due to a deficiency of vitamin B8, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, heart, kidneys, lungs, atherosclerosis, diabetes, colon cancer, etc. can begin.

However, an excess of this vitamin is also quite unpleasant for the body. It can cause allergies and slow the absorption of zinc, calcium and iron. Therefore, the balance of inositol in the body is extremely important.

When an additional appointment is required

Despite the fact that most of the daily intake of inositol is produced in the body on its own, for a number of diseases, doctors prescribe an additional intake of this element. Such pathologies include:

depression;
anxious states;
neuroses;
panic attacks;
atherosclerosis;
dyslipidemia;
cirrhosis;
fatty degeneration of the liver;
hepatitis;
diabetic neuropathy;
alcoholic neuropathy;
insomnia;
obesity;
rashes on the skin;
Alzheimer's disease;
muscle dystrophy;
speech disorders;
infertility, etc.

Inositol for beauty and youth

Vitamin B8 is considered a beauty vitamin... This is due to the fact that it helps the liver, and, as you know, the condition of the hair and skin depends on the work of this particular organ.

Inositol is added to various care and decorative cosmetics. It is often found in moisturizers as it improves gas exchange in the skin. For the same reason, inositol is also added to hair masks, as it strengthens the hair follicles and restores the structure of the curls, it restores, and does not mechanically glue tousled scales.

Vitamin B8 turns hair into silk

Home use

Not all cosmetics can be useful: cream often causes allergies, and shampoo - dandruff. Therefore, you can make your own hair and skin products with vitamin B8.

The easiest way is to simply add liquid inositol to your favorite and proven beauty products. For example, in a regular portion of face cream, it is enough to add 1 drop of vitamin, as well as in a portion of shampoo or hair balm.

Vitamin B8 is added to hair care products to help quickly repair damaged hair

You can add the vitamin to the container of your hair or skin care product in a ratio of about 1:30. However, the bottle or jar will need to be shaken before use.

Massage with inositol in oily form has a wonderful effect on the skin of the face, neck and head. After that, the hair must be washed, and the face and neck must be blotted with a paper napkin.

Anti-dandruff mask

For damaged hair, you can make a mask with inositol and essential oils. It should be noted that some essential oils have a specific smell. Therefore, it is best to choose the ingredients in advance.

You can take burdock or any vegetable oil as a basis.
Add 2 drops of inositol and 1 drop of your favorite essential oil... Rose, lavender, rosemary, cedar, geranium, lavender are best suited for these purposes.
The mask should be left on the hair for at least 40 minutes (you can overnight), best of all under a plastic cap and a towel.
Wash your hair with shampoo.

For minor problems with hair, it is enough to do such a mask once a week, for more serious ones - 2 times. The result is strong, thick hair without dandruff.

Skin moisturizer

There is an excellent remedy for facial skin that can solve a number of problems, regardless of skin type. To do this, mix in equal proportions glycerin, vitamins A, E and B8 (take all the ingredients in liquid form). The resulting product replaces the night cream. Best applied with a cotton pad.

This mixture also affects the eyebrows and eyelashes: they become thicker and shinier.

Video: preparing a hair mask at home

The daily norm of vitamin B8 and the rules of application

75% of the necessary inositol (4–8 g) is produced by the body itself, and 25% must be taken from the outside - from products and preparations.

Inositol is found in most foods we are used to.

Table: daily intake of inositol

When is more vitamin B8 needed?

To determine the content of inositol in the body, you need to take a blood test for vitamins and trace elements and, depending on the results, increase the dosage of the vitamin.

With stress, various diseases, pregnancy, breastfeeding, in old age, the dosage of inositol should be increased. However, before this you need to consult your doctor. Usually the dosage is doubled, but in severe cases it can be increased to 15–20 g.

Admission rules

The duration of the course of taking inositol is selected individually, but it is usually 3 months. Depending on the dosage, inositol is taken 1 to 3 times during or after meals.

Any form of drug release is suitable for adults. For babies and the disabled, vitamin B8 is most often prescribed in the form of a syrup.

Many B vitamins have similar properties, but they are not analogous to each other.

Preparations containing inositol, contraindications and side effects

Inositol is found in the following preparations:

Lycetin;
Liv-Guard;
Colostrum NSP;
Mega-Hel;
Inofert;
Vitazavriki, etc.

When taking medications, it is imperative to monitor the reaction of the body. No contraindications have been identified, but side effects may be (although this is extremely rare):

increased blood pressure;
diarrhea;
insomnia;
dizziness.

The listed phenomena do not cause pathologies and quickly disappear if you drink a lot of fluids so that inositol is washed out of the body.

What foods contain inositol

In order not to resort to taking medications containing vitamin B8, you must definitely eat certain foods:

dairy products: milk, yogurt;
fruits and berries: melon, grapefruit, blackberry, mango, pear, apricot, pineapple, papaya, prune, orange, lime, kiwi, cherry, peach, watermelon, apple;
vegetables and legumes: rutabaga, artichoke, eggplant, cabbage, spinach, pepper, avocado, onion, cucumber, beets, beans, beans, asparagus, greens, tomatoes, pumpkin, lettuce, carrots;
cereals and products from them: wheat, bran, rye, oats, rice, white bread, rye bread, buns, pasta;

Products that enhance and reduce the effect of inositol

It must be borne in mind that certain foods affect the absorption of inositol. Tea, coffee and alcohol stop the production of this vitamin in the body. Therefore, it is necessary to take inositol separately from drugs based on alcohol and caffeine.

Caffeine and alcohol-containing foods cannot be combined with vitamin B8

When vitamin E, phytic acid, melatonin, lithium and vitamin B8 are combined, the effect of all elements is enhanced. If estrogens are prescribed, inositol supplementation can be discontinued.