Neurotransmitters, or neurotransmitters, are specialized chemical messenger molecules that carry messages across the synapse from one nerve cell to another. Inositol is a nutrient that gets undeservedly little attention—yet it’s essential for the brain’s major neurotransmitters (e.g., dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin, GABA, and acetylcholine) to relay their messages between billions of brain cells.
When the body is deficient in inositol, neurotransmitters cannot effectively perform their functions, which include regulating mood, reducing stress levels, promoting good sleep, curbing cravings and addictions, and much more. Below are 5 mental health issues that inositol supplementation can help treat.
1. Anxiety and panic attacks
Anti-anxiety medications don’t work for everyone and can have unpleasant side effects. Inositol can be a natural aid for anxiety and research suggests it may be helpful for a number of anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and agoraphobia.
A study published in 2001 found that inositol was as effective at reducing panic as the popular drug fluvoxamine. Study subjects taking fluvoxamine experienced nausea and fatigue, while inositol caused no side effects.
2. Depression
Depression is the most common modern mental illness , affecting twice as many women as men. People with depression have lower than average levels of inositol.
A double-blind, controlled study showed that inositol significantly improved depressive symptoms, even after patients had stopped taking antidepressants. Interestingly, the positive effect was stronger in women than in men. A 1997 study found that patients who responded positively to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) were more likely to respond similarly to inositol treatment.
3. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Inositol also shows promise in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder, a type of anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent intrusive thoughts and/or compulsive actions that significantly interfere with the patient’s daily life.
One study found that inositol was as effective as commonly prescribed medication in reducing symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), but without the side effects of medication. Patients taking inositol saw a 50% reduction in their scores on the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale, a measure of symptom severity.
4. Bulimia
Bulimia nervosa is a severe eating disorder characterized by repeated, rapid consumption of large amounts of food (binge eating) followed by purging. Research suggests that high doses of inositol (18 grams) may alleviate depression, anxiety, and binge eating associated with bulimia.
As with depression, the positive effect of inositol is stronger in women in the case of bulimia.
5. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Inositol could easily be a secret supplement for women. As mentioned earlier, it works better in women with depression and bulimia, but that’s not all! It also seems to help ward off the mental symptoms of premenstrual syndrome , or PMS.
Scientific studies have shown that inositol reduces the mood swings, depression, and anxiety associated with premenstrual syndrome. In fact, it has even been shown to be effective in the more severe form of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
