From the Guidelines
Inositol is a nonessential nutrient that has been shown to increase the survival of infants with respiratory distress syndrome and lower the subsequent incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) when supplemented at 80 mg/kg/day for 5 days. According to the study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine 1, inositol supplementation has a beneficial effect on infants with respiratory distress syndrome. The study found that supplementation with inositol increased the survival of a group of infants with respiratory distress syndrome and lowered the subsequent incidence of BPD. Some key points to consider about inositol include:
- It is a nonessential nutrient, meaning it can be produced by the human body
- It has been shown to have a beneficial effect on infants with respiratory distress syndrome when supplemented at 80 mg/kg/day for 5 days
- The exact mechanism of action of inositol in this context is not fully understood, but it may play a role in protecting parenchymal tissue or promoting healing of injured tissue. Inositol is not typically considered a essential nutrient, but supplementation with inositol may be beneficial in certain clinical contexts, such as respiratory distress syndrome in infants. It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider before initiating any supplementation regimen, especially in vulnerable populations such as infants or individuals with underlying medical conditions. Some of the key benefits of inositol supplementation include:
- Increased survival in infants with respiratory distress syndrome
- Lowered incidence of BPD
- Potential role in protecting parenchymal tissue or promoting healing of injured tissue. However, the current evidence for inositol supplementation is primarily based on a single study published in 2003 1, and further research is needed to fully understand its effects and potential applications.
From the Research
Definition and Properties of Inositol
- Inositol is a natural sugar-like compound, commonly present in many plants and foods 2
- It is involved in several biochemical pathways, controlling vital cellular mechanisms such as cell development, signaling, and nuclear processes, metabolic and endocrine modulation, cell growth, and signal transduction 2
- Myo-inositol is a common six-carbon sugar with unique biochemical and psychotherapeutic properties, involved in neuronal signaling and osmoregulation 3
Forms and Sources of Inositol
- Inositol exists in nine stereoisomers, including D-chiro-inositol (DCI) and myo-inositol (MI) 4
- Myo-inositol is made available to the brain through three sources: receptor stimulation, de novo production, and dietary intake 3
Biological Functions and Effects of Inositol
- Inositol phospholipids, particularly phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bis-phosphate (PIP2), are linked to a number of brain receptor signaling systems, including serotonergic, muscarinic, adrenergic, and histaminergic systems 3
- Myo-inositol has been shown to have psychoactive effects and may be effective in the treatment of specific mood and anxiety disorders, such as depression, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder 3
- Inositol, particularly MI and DCI, have been classified as insulin-sensitizers and may counteract insulin resistance-related metabolic alterations 4, 5, 6