Inositol Side Effects (Top 8)
Inositol is a chemical compound, which is carbohydrate, but not a classical sugar. Inositol has sweetness, which is half the sweet taste of table sugar. Inositol plays an important role in the structural basis of secondary messengers of the cells. Inositol was considered a part of the vitamin B complex.
Inositol Side effects
Since inositol is found naturally just like aloe vera (which have limited Aloe vera juice side effects), it seldom causes inositol side effects. However, mild inositol side effects may occur especially in individuals that are sensitive to inositol. Mild inositol side effects include:
1. Headache and dizziness
Headache and dizziness are initial inositol side effects during the start of therapy as the body adjusts with increased inositol in the blood.
2. Nausea
Nausea is also a common inositol side-effect as a result of feeling of dizziness that may lead to feelings of being nauseated. This inositol side effect eventually fades as the person is used to inositol use.
3. Fatigue
Fatigue may also be a possible initial inositol side effect as one starts inositol therapy. Just like other mild inositol side-effects, fatigue may eventually disappear as the body is accustomed to it.
4. Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a possible side effect of taking too much inositol as the body tries to eliminate anything in excess through the GIT.
5. Flushing of the skin
Inositol has the tendency to cause vasodilatation. When the blood vessels dilate, it causes increased blood flow to the area leading to redness and warmth of the skin.
6. Appetite loss
There could also be possible loss of appetite as the GIT gets accustomed to inositol. This should not produce significant weight loss. After starting the therapy, appetite is usually regained.
Inositol may also cause potentially serious side effects that should be reported to your physician in order to prevent further problems. More serious inositol side effects include:
7. Worsening of bipolar disorder
One incidence of worsening of bipolar disorder was documented with the use of inositol combined with caffeine and taurine. Although the exact cause is unknown as to whether inositol caused it or the other ingredients, patients with bipolar disorder should be cautioned in the use of inositol and other beverages containing it.
8. Allergic reactions
Allergic reactions are other serious inositol side effects. The symptoms of allergic reactions are due to the release of histamine in the blood because of the presence of allergens in the body in the form of inositol. Allergic reactions of inositol will include:
- Itching
- Rash
- Hives
- Wheezing
- Angioedema or swelling of the throat and mouth
- Difficulty breathing
Those taking inositol should observe for possible inositol side effects in order for you to inform your physician as soon as possible. Despite these inositol side effects, inositol is still essential for the body in order to improve the cell membranes and benefit from its advantages.
Uses of Inositol
Inositol is used for the following indications:
- Diabetic nerve pain
- Panic disorder
- Depression
- High cholesterol
- Schizophrenia
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity disorder
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Autism
- Hair growth promotion
- Psoriasis
- Treatment of lithium side-effects
- High blood pressure
- High testosterone levels
The main mechanism of inositol is it balances the chemicals in the cells that may help treat the above conditions, especially those affecting the neurologic system. It focuses on the synthesis of phospholipids that are used in various cell processes.
Inositol is also responsible for the metabolism of cholesterol as well as preventing the accumulation of fats in the liver. When inositol is given together with lecithin, it prevents hardening of the arteries from cholesterol known as atherosclerosis. It also stimulates the normal production of cells in the bone marrow, eye and intestines. Because of the improvements in the cellular process, it also aids in maintaining normal hair growth as well as nerve conduction. It is also important in gene expression thereby a possible prevention of cancers.