September 29, 2022 2 min read
Though often classified as a “B vitamin,” inositol is not a B vitamin… in fact, it’s not even a “vitamin,” hence why it’s sometimes referred to as a “pseudovitamin” or “vitamin-like.” In truth, inositol is a carbocyclic sugar that’s structurally similar to glucose, the body’s primary food fuel for producing ATP energy, the body’s primary unit of cellular energy. Found in various plants and animals, inositol comes in many forms, or isomers; however, the two most common are myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol.
And... Inositol tastes like powdered sugar! 😊
Inositol (i.e., myo-inositol) has been a game changer for my energy levels and that’s why I include it in Strate Superfuel. ~Matt Tanner, Strate Fuel
Though technically a carbohydrate, inositol is considered “vitamin-like” (the unofficial “vitamin B8” of the B-vitamins) for its unique, life-essential biomechanisms. Whereas many carbohydrates simply provide food fuel for mitochondria to convert into ATP energy, inositol plays a direct role in many other bodily processes.
A few key biomechanisms of inositol:
PIP Synthesis – inositol is one of the precursors for the synthesis of phosphatidylinositol polyphosphates (PIPs), important biomolecules required for several cellular functions.
Glucose Uptake – as a secondary messenger for insulin signaling, inositol plays a key role in insulin activity and, thus, glucose uptake.
Cell Membrane Formation – inositol is required for the formation of cell membrane phospholipids and permeability of cell membranes.
Neural Support – in addition to facilitating cell membrane formation, inositol may also aid with the process of neurogenesis, or the creation of neurons.
These biomechanisms spell out the metabolic and cognitive benefits of inositol, which amount to direct and indirect improvements in brain health, energy, sexual health, and skin health.
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September 25, 2023 3 min read
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