Nootropic profile
Vitamin B8 (Inositol)
Inositol (often called vitamin B8, though technically not a true vitamin) is a carbocyclic sugar that plays a critical role in cell signalling, particularly in the serotonin and insulin pathways. It is widely used for anxiety, panic disorder, OCD, and mood support, with clinical evidence comparable to some prescription medications.
Best for
Educational only: this is not medical advice. Always check with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement.
What is Vitamin B8 (Inositol)?
Inositol is a cyclic sugar alcohol that exists in nine stereoisomeric forms, with myo-inositol being the most abundant and biologically relevant in the human body.
What it does for you
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How to take it
- For anxiety and panic: 12-18 g per day, divided into 2-3 doses (clinical research dose)
- For OCD: 18 g per day (shown effective in controlled trials)
- For general mood support: 2-4 g per day
- For PCOS/insulin support: 2-4 g myo-inositol per day, often combined with D-chiro-inositol (40:1 ratio)
- Timing: Divide doses throughout the day. Can be taken with or without food.
Watch out for
- Side effects: Well tolerated even at very high doses. Mild GI symptoms (nausea, flatulence, loose stools) may occur initially, usually resolving within a...
- Bipolar caution: High-dose inositol has been reported to trigger manic episodes in some individuals with bipolar disorder. Use with caution and medical...
- Drug interactions: May interact with SSRIs, lithium, and anti-anxiety medications. Lithium specifically depletes inositol, which may partly explain its...
- Pregnancy: Myo-inositol is under investigation for gestational diabetes prevention and is generally considered safe. Consult a healthcare provider.
- No upper limit: No UL established, though clinical research has used up to 18 g/day safely.
The science, if you're curious.
- Inositol is a precursor to phosphatidylinositol (PI) and its phosphorylated forms (PIP, PIP2), which are cleaved upon receptor activation to produce IP3 and...
- By maintaining healthy PI signalling, inositol supports the proper function of serotonin receptors (particularly 5-HT2 receptors), effectively making...
- Inositol (particularly D-chiro-inositol) is involved in insulin signal transduction, supporting glucose metabolism in the brain and body.
- Phosphatidylinositol is a component of cell membranes, contributing to membrane integrity and the function of membrane-associated signalling complexes.
Where to find it
- Citrus fruits: Oranges and grapefruits are among the richest fruit sources
- Cantaloupe melon: A good source of myo-inositol
- Beans and lentils: Contain significant amounts (largely as phytic acid/inositol hexaphosphate)
- Whole grains: Brown rice and whole wheat contain inositol
- Nuts: Particularly almonds and walnuts
- Supplements: Available as myo-inositol powder (most common and cost-effective), capsules, and as 40:1 myo-inositol/D-chiro-inositol blends
Frequently asked
Inositol (often called vitamin B8, though technically not a true vitamin) is a carbocyclic sugar that plays a critical role in cell signalling, particularly in the serotonin and insulin pathways. It is widely used for anxiety, panic disorder, OCD, and mood support, with clinical evidence comparable to some prescription medications.
The main benefits people report from Vitamin B8 (Inositol) are: Anxiety & Calm, Cognitive Enhancement, Focus, Mood, Sleep, Stress Relief.
For anxiety and panic: 12-18 g per day, divided into 2-3 doses (clinical research dose)For OCD: 18 g per day (shown effective in controlled trials)For general mood support: 2-4 g per dayFor PCOS/insulin support: 2-4 g myo-inositol per day, often combined with D-chiro-inositol (40:1 ratio)Timing: Div...
Side effects: Well tolerated even at very high doses. Mild GI symptoms (nausea, flatulence, loose stools) may occur initially, usually resolving within a...Bipolar caution: High-dose inositol has been reported to trigger manic episodes in some individuals with bipolar disorder. Use with caution and...
Inositol is a precursor to phosphatidylinositol (PI) and its phosphorylated forms (PIP, PIP2), which are cleaved upon receptor activation to produce IP3 and...By maintaining healthy PI signalling, inositol supports the proper function of serotonin receptors (particularly 5-HT2 receptors), effectivel...
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