Myoinositol; Mesoinositol; Cyclohexitol; Cyclohexanhexol

Natural product from and isomer of glucose, found in cereals, fruits, nuts and legumes, as well as animal viscera and milk. It is metabolised to glucose. Considered as part of vitamin B (Bh) with no clear evidence of vitamin B activity or deficiency. It is being used in polycystic ovary syndrome, PCOS. ^{(Lete 2024, Greff 2023)}

At the date of the last update we found no published data on its excretion in breast milk.

It is found naturally in breast milk, in higher concentrations than in cow's milk, goat's milk and commercial infant formulas. ^{(Bakshi 2023, Huisman 1996, Pereira 1990, Jenness 1979)}

There are higher concentrations in newborn plasma than in the plasma of their mothers ^{(Pereira 1990)}. Breastfed infants increase their plasma inositol levels more than those fed with formula or parenteral nutrition. ^{(Pereira 1990)}

Inositol contributes to neural development and interconnection and, together with folic acid, prevents neural tube defects during pregnancy. ^{(Chade 2024, Bakshi 2023, Paquette 2023)}

It is used in the neonatal period to treat lung problems and retinopathy associated with prematurity ^{(Bakshi 2023, Fang 2016, Brown 2009, Hallman 1992)}, although there is no consensus on its effectiveness and possible side effects. ^{(Howlett 2019, DU 2019, Phelps 2016)}

There are no clear therapeutic indications and no known cases of poisoning due to overdose of this product. A maximum daily amount of inositol (hexaphosphate) of 2,000 mg is acceptable from a safety point of view for use as a food supplement. ^{(AESAN 2012)}