Inositol is a naturally occurring molecule in the body, which is manufactured by the body from glucose. However, it can also be synthetically manufactured. Inositol supplements are prescribed to people suffering from lack of focus, mental clarity, etc. It's water-soluble, hence in case of mega-doses, it is most likely that it would not accumulate in the body. Side Effects of Inositol Most of the side effects of inositol are fairly common, but they also go away on their own. It is recommended that inositol supplements should be taken only under strict medical guidance. There have been cases, wherein inositol reacted in undesired manner with other drugs. Common side effects triggered by inositol are as follows: • One of the most commonly seen side effect of inositol is diarrhea, when high dosage of inositol is taken. • Inositol taken in high amount can cause nausea and vomiting. • Mega doses of inositol, hamper absorption of iron, calcium and zinc into the bloodstream. • High blood pressure is another side-effect of inositol. • Mega doses of inositol can cause kidney diseases like kidney stones, etc. It is recommended that, people who have kidney problems, should not take inositol, as it can cause complications. • One of the other side effect of inositol is gas. Therefore, people with high blood pressure and heart problems will have to take inositol under medical supervision, as gas formation can prove to be harmful to them. • It can cause contractions in pregnant women. Hence, a pregnant woman should be careful, before taking inositol. • Deficiency of magnesium and potassium are other side effects of inositol. • Worsening of bipolar disorder is one of the serious side effects of inositol uses. Therefore, people with bipolar disorder should be careful, if they are taking inositol. • Some of the other side effects include:

• Tiredness
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Hives
• Itching
• Wheezing
• Skin rash
• Swelling of mouth and throat

What is Inositol Good for? Inositol prevents accumulation of fat in the liver. It helps in metabolism of cholesterol. Inositol together with lecithin protects the arteries against cholesterol and hardening. It helps in production of healthy cells in the bone marrow, intestines and eye membranes. Inositol is important for hair growth. Men, who were taking inositol supplements, reported less hair loss, although clinical trials of it are yet to be carried out. It is given to premature babies, who have respiratory problems, to reduce the chances of death and any kind of disability. A very important use of inositol is prevention and treatment of cancer. It helps diabetic patients to improve nerve condition. If taken in moderate amount, it helps serotonin, a neurotransmitter, which is important to fight depression. Signs and Symptoms of Inositol Deficiency Deficiency of inositol can cause:

• Eczema
• Eye problems
• Constipation
• Dermatitis
• Hair Loss
• High cholesterol
• Fatty Liver

Most of the inositol side effects are caused, when it is taken in large quantities. There are many forms of inositol, hence it is recommended to consult your health care professional for the right supplement contents to avoid any side effects. Inositol is also interchangeably used with other forms of inositol like myo-inositol, inositol hexaniacinate and inositol hexanicotinate,which are inositol compounds. If you observe any kind of reaction after you start taking inositol, discontinue the supplement and consult your health care professional immediately. Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.