Insitol Hexa

Inositol hexaniacinate, often referred to as Inositol Hexa, is a variant of niacin (vitamin B3) that is bound with inositol. Inositol is a type of sugar that influences the insulin response and several other body processes. When combined in this form, the benefits of both components can be utilized.

Benefits of Inositol Hexa:

1. Improved Circulation: The primary benefit of inositol hexaniacinate is improved circulation. It’s often used as a vasodilator to increase blood flow, and can therefore potentially aid in conditions where improved circulation is necessary.
2. Lower Cholesterol: Like niacin, inositol hexaniacinate can help regulate cholesterol levels, reducing LDL (bad) cholesterol and increasing HDL (good) cholesterol.
3. Mental Health: Inositol plays an important role in the production of neurotransmitters. Therefore, taking inositol hexaniacinate could have a positive impact on your mental health, potentially helping to alleviate symptoms of depression, panic disorder, and other mental health conditions.

In Europe, it is often prescribed for the symptomatic relief of Raynaud’s phenomenon and severe intermittent claudication. A specific product of inositol nicotinate called Hexopal has been shown to modestly improve symptoms of Raynaud syndrome. Inositol supplements have also been examined for their potential benefits in treating anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

One case study examined the use of IP6 and inositol combination in treating diabetes mellitus, showing that supplementation with IP6 and lower inositols may reduce the risks associated with obesity and other complications of diabetes. Another case study reviewed the use of inositol in treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, showing that gastrointestinal adverse effects have been reported in the literature with an incidence of 5% at doses of 12 g/day or higher.

The recommended dosage of inositol hexanicotinate varies depending on the condition being treated. For Raynaud’s phenomenon and severe intermittent claudication, a specific product of inositol nicotinate called Hexopal is often prescribed. For anxiety disorders, doses of up to 18 grams have been used in clinical studies.

At higher doses of 12-18 grams, some mild side effects have been reported, including stomach pains, upset stomach, and nausea. However, these symptoms can be improved by reducing the dosage. No adverse effects have been observed in clinical trials using inositol hexanicotinate up to 4000 mg daily for 3 months. Inositol hexanicotinate is often described as “no-flush niacin”. There is no genotoxicity data available on inositol hexanicotinate, but there are no safety concerns.

Sources:

1. https://www.news-medical.net/health/Inositol-Hexanicotinate-(IHN).aspx
2. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-742/inositol-nicotinate
3. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/inositol-benefits
4. https://www.icliniq.com/articles/drug-and-supplements/myo-inositol
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7212753/
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7694137/