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Inositol
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Inositol
 

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Inositol




Inositol, (of which the most prominent naturally-occurring form is ''myo''-inositol, '''''cis''-1,2,3,5-''trans''-4,6-cyclohexanehexol'''), is a carbocyclic Polyol that plays an important role as the structural basis for a number of Secondary Messenger s in Eukaryotic Cell s, including Inositol Phosphate s, Phosphatidylinositol (PI) and Phosphatidylinositol Phosphate (PIP) lipids. It is found in many foods, particularly in Cereal s with high Bran content, nuts, beans, and fruit, especially cantaloupe melons and oranges. Inositol is not considered a Vitamin itself because it is not a vital amine (contains no nitrogen) and is synthesised by the body.

Other naturally occurring isomers (though in minimal quantities) are ''scyllo-'', ''chiro''-, ''muco''-, and ''neo''-inositol. Other possible isomers are ''allo''-, ''epi''- and ''cis''-inositol.

''myo''-Inositol is classified as a member of the Vitamin B complex (often referred to as vitamin B8), and is synthesized by the human body.


STRUCTURE