Inositol is a water soluble member of the vitamin B complex. It is not a true vitamin because the body can manufacture it.

Oranges, beans, nuts, wheat and cantaloupe are common dietary sources of inositol. Most people, who do not suffer from depression, consume enough naturally occurring inositol and do not need to take supplementary inositol, although diabetics and others with increased excretion may benefit from inositol supplementation.

Numerous double-blind studies have shown inositol to be an effective and safe treatment for depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

To quote the Curr Psychiatry Rep 1999 Dec;1(2):141-147: ''Inositol is a simple polyol precursor in a second messenger system important in brain myo-insitol, the natural isomer, which has been found to be therapeutically effective in depression, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder in double-blind controlled trials.''

Doctors often suggest 500 mg twice a day for depression.

Inositol also helps to remove fats from the liver and is vital in the formation of lecithin and the proper maintenance of cholesterol levels. It can be helpful with eczema, psoriasis, cardiovascular disease, cirrhosis of the liver and obesity.

The pregnant, and people with renal problems, should consult a physician before taking inositol, which is otherwise safe.