Overview

Inositol nicotinate is a compound made of niacin (vitamin B3) and inositol. Inositol occurs naturally in the body and can also be made in the laboratory.

Inositol nicotinate is used for blood circulation problems, including a painful response to cold, especially in the fingers and toes (Raynaud syndrome). It is also used for high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Classification

Is a Form of:

Compound made of Niacin

Primary Functions:

Blood circulation problems

Also Known As:

Hexaniacinate d'Inositol, Hexanicotinate d'Inositol, Hexanicotinate de Meso-Inositol

How Does It Work?

Inositol nicotinate releases niacin, or vitamin B3, when it is processed by the body. Niacin can widen blood vessels, lower blood levels of fats such as cholesterol, and break up a protein needed for the clotting of blood.

Uses

• Painful response to cold especially in the fingers and toes (Raynaud syndrome).Some research shows that taking a specific product of inositol nicotinate (Hexopal) by mouth for several weeks modestly improves symptoms of Raynaud syndrome.

Recommended Dosing

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

BY MOUTH:

• Painful response to cold especially in the fingers and toes (Raynaud syndrome): 4 grams daily has been used. It might take several weeks before effects are seen.

Inositol Nicotinate Supplements Frequently Asked Questions

What is inositol nicotinate used for?

Inositol nicotinate is used for blood circulation problems, including a painful response to cold, especially in the fingers and toes (Raynaud syndrome). It is also used for high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Is niacin and inositol the same thing?

Inositol nicotinate, also known as Inositol hexaniacinate/hexanicotinate or "no-flush niacin", is a niacin ester and vasodilator. It is used in food supplements as a source of niacin (vitamin B3), where hydrolysis of 1 g (1.23 mmol) inositol hexanicotinate yields 0.91 g nicotinic acid and 0.22 g inositol.

What is the best form of inositol?

D-chiro-inositol, inositol hexaphosphate (often referred to as "IP6") and the compound myo-inositol are the most widely used inositol supplements. They are generally considered safe if taken appropriately.

Is inositol good for the liver?

Inositol also helps maintain healthy serotonin metabolism, and by so doing helps treat many conditions that involve poor serotonin function. Inositol promotes liver health, and works especially well when taken along with phosphatidyl choline.

Does inositol cause liver damage?

When taken by mouth: Inositol nicotinate is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people. It can cause some side effects such as stomach upset, intestinal gas, and nausea. It might also cause liver damage like other niacin products in some people.

What is inositol side effects?

Side Effects and Interactions

Inositol supplements seem to be well-tolerated by most people. However, mild side effects have been reported with doses of 12 grams per day or higher. These include nausea, gas, difficulty sleeping, headache, dizziness and tiredness ( 36 ).

Does inositol help with anxiety?

It is a folk remedy for anxiety and sadness. Inositol has been shown in very small studies to be helpful for depression and panic disorder, and promising for treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder, eating disorders and bipolar disorder. ... Inositol is a part of our diet, and supplementation seems benign.

When should I take inositol?

Inositol works best in your system when it's taken regularly! Begin taking it daily to start getting the brain chemicals to balance out. The typical dose ranges anywhere from 500 mg to 2000 mg, which is . 5 grams to 2 grams per day, and it's best to take it at night a few hours before you go to bed.

Where is inositol found naturally?

Inositol is a substance found naturally in cantaloupe, citrus fruit, and many fiber-rich foods (such as beans, brown rice, corn, sesame seeds, and wheat bran).

How long can you take inositol?

Also, a product containing 4 grams of another form of inositol (isomer myo-inositol) plus 400 mcg of folic acid has been taken daily for up to 6 months. A combination of 550 mg of myo-inositol and 150 mg of D-chiro-inositol has also been taken twice daily for up to 12 weeks.

Does inositol make you gain weight?

Inositol has been examined for several other health benefits, including: Weight loss: This supplement may cause a small degree of weight loss in women with PCOS ( 28 , 29 ). Blood lipids: Some improvements in blood lipids like cholesterol have been reported ( 10 , 30 ).

Does inositol increase estrogen?

Myo-inositol lowers testosterone, FSH, LH, cholesterol, and insulin resistance. ... Total testosterone, FSH and LH concentrations decreased while estrogen concentrations increased.

Does inositol make you sleepy?

Why does it help with sleep? Inositol helps promote a feeling of calmness and peacefulness, which are the main factors in helping someone get a good night of sleep. Inositol can help improve communication throughout the brain, which is done by improving communication and releasing chemicals like serotonin.

Does inositol cause bloating?

Inositol supplements seem to be well-tolerated by most people. However, mild side effects have been reported with doses of 12 grams per day or higher. These include nausea, gas, difficulty sleeping, headache, dizziness and tiredness ( 36 ).

What causes inositol deficiency?

Increased urinary excretion significantly contributes to depleting inositol, and may represent an independent relevant cause of inositol deficiency during both renal failure and diabetes.

Does inositol lower testosterone?

Taking either D-chiro-inositol or myo-inositol by mouth seems to lower triglyceride and testosterone levels, decrease blood pressure, and improve the function of the ovaries in overweight or obese women with PCOS.

What are the benefits of taking inositol?

Here are 5 evidence-based health benefits of inositol.

• May Reduce Anxietyby Affecting Serotonin.
• May Aid Blood SugarControl by Improving Insulin Sensitivity.
• May Improve Fertilityin Women With PCO
• May Reduce Symptoms of Depression.
• Good Safety Record With No to Few Side Effects.

Does inositol help with weight loss?

Myo-inositol is a supplement that may lead to weight loss in women with PCOS. Inositol is a compound related to B vitamins that helps improve insulin sensitivity. ... Summary Myo-inositol and carnitine supplements may help women with PCOS lose weight and control certain symptoms.

Does inositol increase serotonin?

Summary Inositol can affect the neurotransmitters in your brain, including serotonin. High doses may be beneficial for treating some forms of anxiety disorders, such as panic disorders.

Can I take inositol?

It appears to be safe for most people and cause only mild if any side effects in daily doses up to 18 grams. While your diet likely contains small amounts of inositol, taking a supplement may prove beneficial for some. Always discuss the use of supplements with your healthcare provider first.

Clinical Studies