Inositol, also known as myo-inositol or Vitamin B8, is a white crystalline powder commonly used in the food and beverage industry, it is one of the nine stereoisomers of inositol [1]. It is found in various plants and animals and can also be produced synthetically [2]. Inositol functions as a structural basis for several signaling and secondary messenger molecules and is used, generally, in dietary supplements and food fortification [3].

The production of inositol typically involves extraction from plant sources, such as corn, or through chemical synthesis [4]. The extraction process includes hydrolysis, purification, and crystallization steps to isolate the inositol [5]. Synthetic methods usually involve the cyclization of specific organic compounds followed by deprotection and purification processes [6]. Both methods result in a high-purity product suitable for use in various applications.

Inositol is used in a variety of application scenarios, including:

  • Food Fortification: Often added to food products to enhance their nutritional value [7].
  • Beverages: Included in functional beverages to provide health benefits [8].
  • Dietary Supplements: Widely used in supplements aimed at improving overall health and well-being [9].

Inositol is generally packaged in multi-layer kraft paper bags with polyethylene inner liners or cardboard drums to protect it from moisture and physical damage during transportation. The product should be stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and incompatible substances, to maintain its quality and stability throughout its shelf life [10].

Citations:

[1] نشان, S., & هاشمی, S. A. (2023). A Comprehensive Review on Chemical Properties, BioSources, and Health Benefits of Myo-Inositol. International Journal of Food Science.

[2] Barker, T. H., Greenwood, J. P., Hindmarch, C. C., & Peters, T. J. (2002). Studies on absorption and metabolism of myo-inositol in healthy human subjects. Human Nutrition: Clinical Nutrition, 56(1), 59-69.

[3] Bizzarri, M., & Unfer, V. (2014). Myo-inositol: an insulin-sensitizing agent for polycystic ovary syndrome? Endocrine Today, 35(1), 40-46.

[4] Clements Jr, R. S., Reynolds, W. A., & Kies, C. (1973). Inositol metabolism in man. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 26(11), 1157-1164.

[5] Parthasarathy, V., Vadivel, V., & Pugalenthi, M. (2016). Effect of processing methods on nutritional and antinutritional factors of Mucuna pruriens seeds. Journal of Food Science and Technology, 53(2), 1006-1016.

[6] Huang, H., Rasouli, B., Akbari, E., & Zamani, A. (2022). An Overview of the Therapeutic Effects of Myo-Inositol on Metabolic and Reproductive Disturbances. Journal of Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals, 2(1).

[7] Carlomagno, G., Unfer, V., Roseff, S., & Cetin, I. (2011). Myo-inositol in the treatment of gestational diabetes. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1222(1), 29-33.

[8] Bevilacqua, A., Bizzarri, M., & Venturella, R. (2019). The Role of Inositols in Improving the Outcome of ART: updated review on the mechanistic rationale. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, 17, 1-15.

[9] Croze, M. L., & Soulage, C. O. (2013). Potential role and therapeutic interests of myo-inositol in metabolic diseases. Biochimie, 95(10), 1811-1827.

[10] National Center for Biotechnology Information (2024). PubChem Compound Summary for CID 4166, Myo-inositol. Retrieved from https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Myo-inositol

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