Chapter 22

Safety of Inositol and Inositol Phosphates

A.K.M. Shamsuddin and Guang-Yu Yang

Abstract

Owing to the various health benefits of inositol and inositol phosphates, especially InsP<sub>6</sub>, and their availability as nutritional supplement for human consumption, it is imperative that their safety be addressed. The safety of myo-inositol has not been an issue, however, there have been lingering doubts in some quarters about the safety of InsP<sub>6</sub>. There had been some unsubstantiated concerns in the past regarding the intake of foods high in InsP<sub>6</sub> that might reduce mineral bioavailability; recent studies using extracted salts of InsP<sub>6</sub> have refuted those. Both inositol and InsP<sub>6</sub> have been listed as “generally recognized as safe” by the US FDA. There should therefore be no concern for their consumption as appropriate.

Total Pages: 275-282 (8)

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