Nutrient Database for Deficiency

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Vitamin A
Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin that is essential for an efficient immune system and is important in the eyes, skin, teeth, bones, and mucous membranes. Vitamin A plays a number of vital roles in the human body, including assistance in the synthesis of mucopolysaccharides, maintaining the stability and integrity of lysozomes and cell membranes, and as a precursor of retinene in the retina. The physiological roles of vitamin A include: Maintaining glucocorticoid production, supporting epithelial regeneration, improving the antibody response to T-cell antigens, increasing lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine production, proper mucosal function, proper cellular differentiation, as well as playing roles in maintaining visual and reproductive system integrity.

Vitamin A Storage and Target Tissues
While all tissues contain trace amounts of vitamin A, more than 90% of the body’s vitamin A is stored in the liver (and the kidneys to a lesser extent). Consequently, individuals with poor liver or kidney function are particularly at risk for vitamin A deficiency. Other predisposing factors include alcoholism, pancreatic, gallbladder or respiratory disease, steatorrhea, measles, acute protein deficiency, intestinal parasites, prolonged use of neomycin sulfate and/or cortisone. Children under the age of 6 are also prone to vitamin A deficiency.

Target tissues for vitamin A include the retina, skin, bone, liver, adrenals, germinal epithelium, intestines and salivary glands.

Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin A Deficiency
Vitamin A is involved in a large number of systems in the human body. Consequently, a large number of systems can be negatively affected by vitamin A deficiency. Poor epithelial regeneration can result in skin hyperkeratinization, problems with the genitourinary reproductive system (poor fertility), the gastroenterological/biliary system, the pulmonary system or the digestive tract. The effects of vitamin A deficiency on the retina can result in night blindness and/or epithelial degeneration in the eye. The effect of vitamin A deficiency on the immune system can result in low lymphocyte count and impaired immune response, as well as poor antioxidant function. The developing skeletal system also requires vitamin A, and a deficiency in this nutrient can result in growth retardation as well as abnormal bone development.

Vitamin A Requirements and Replenishment
The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for vitamin A has been based on the amount needed to correct night blindness in people with vitamin A deficiency, and the amount needed to raise plasma vitamin A levels to normal levels in vitamin A deficient individuals. The highest dietary sources of vitamin A are in fish liver oil and animal livers and kidneys. Carrots, tomatoes, orange fruits and green vegetables, palm oil, and dairy products (with the exception of cottage cheese) are also good dietary sources of vitamin A.

Vitamin A Toxicity
Vitamin A is toxic if taken in excess over an extended period of time. Taking more than 30,000 ug RE/day of vitamin A over a prolonged period is generally considered toxic. Pregnant individuals should be particularly careful to avoid excess vitamin A intake (more than 800 ug RE/day), as it is a known morphogen, and can cause abnormal fetal development at dosages above 4800 ug RE/day.

Signs of vitamin A toxicity include peeling/itching of the skin, brittle nails, yellowish skin coloration (carotene only), hair loss (alopecia), anorexia, gingivitis, delayed blood clotting and decreased vitamin K absorption, elevated serum alkaline phosphatase, hypercalcemia, bone/joint pain, hyperostosis, premature epiphysis closure (during growth), osteoporosis and increased risk of hip fractures. Other symptoms include unusual blood pressure in the eyes (papilledema), blurred vision, light sensitivity, headaches, irritability, fatigue, and insomnia.

The first of the B-vitamins to be discovered; water-soluble and like other B-vitamins, it is not appreciably stored and, therefore, must be supplied daily; required by every cell in the body to make ATP - the fuel and energy source for the body; helps convert carbohydrates into energy; produces hydrochloric acid which aids in digestion; metabolizes fats and proteins; plays a major role in the conversion of blood sugar (glucose) into biological energy; necessary for the maintenance of nerve function, nerve tissues and nerve transmission; important for the maintenance of muscular function, especially the heart; and is required for the synthesis of acetylcholine which is the primary neurotransmitter involved in memory and thought processes. In addition, beriberi is the classical B1 deficiency syndrome, resulting from a vitamin B1 deficiency. It is more prevalent in Asian countries where polished rice is the staple diet. When beriberi occurs in the U.S., it is most commonly seen in severely malnourished infants and elderly people.

A vitamin B1 deficiency could be a contributing cause of alcoholism, anorexia, beriberi, chronic dieting, constipation, depression, edema, fatigue, heart palpitation, impaired muscular coordination, indigestion, irritability, loss of appetite, loss of energy, loss of memory, loss of reflexes in legs, mental confusion, muscle weakness, nerve damage (numbness and tingling of the hands and/or feet), psychological stress, rapid pulse rate, sore calf muscles and weight loss. Low blood pressure and dizziness are also possible symptoms of a vitamin B1 deficiency. A U.S. Department of Agriculture study reports that vitamin B1 is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies, with 45% of Americans consuming less than the RDA. In addition, alcohol interferes with the absorption of vitamin B1 and the vitamin is also necessary for the metabolism of alcohol. Severe deficiency associated with alcohol consumption produces a condition known as Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome, with symptoms ranging from mild confusion to severely impaired cognitive function, memory function and coma.

Pharmaceutical drugs that can cause a vitamin B1 deficiency include aminoglycosides, bumetanide, cephalosporins, chlortetracycline, demeclocycline, doxycycline, ethacrynic acid, fluoroquinolones, furosemide, macrolides, minocycline, oxytetracycline, penicillins, phenytoin, sulfonamides, tetracyclines, torsemide and trimethoprim.

Dietary sources richest in vitamin B1 (per serving) include brewer's yeast, enriched grains and grain products, legumes (beans, lentils, peas, soybeans), nutritional supplements, nutritional yeasts, organ meats, pork, rice bran and wheat germ. Excessive ingestion of certain raw fresh-water fish and shellfish, blueberries, coffee, red cabbage and tea should be avoided, as these foods may contain anti-thiamin factors. In addition, vitamin B1 is easily destroyed or lost during cooking because it is heat-sensitive and water-soluble.

Water-soluble and like other B-vitamins, it is not appreciably stored and therefore must be supplied daily; facilitates the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins; combines with phosphoric acid to become part of two important flavin co-enzymes: FAD (flavin adenine dinucleotide) and FMN (flavin mononucleotide); FAD and FMN are known to bind to over 100 flavoprotein enzymes which catalyse oxidation-reduction reactions in cells. These enzymes include the oxidases which function aerobically, and dehydrogenases which function anaeobically; plays a critical role in the conversion of carbohydrates to ATP in the production of energy; in energy production, flavoprotein enzymes function as hydrogen carriers in the electron transport system resulting in the production of ATP and energy within the mitochondria; has important antioxidant activity, both by itself and as part of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase; necessary for growth and reproduction; and necessary for the healthy growth of hair, nails and skin.

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A vitamin B2 deficiency could be a contributing cause of acne, angular stomatitis, blood-shot eyes and an extreme sensitivity to light, burning, itching, reddening and tearing of the eyes; cataracts, chelosis (cracks in the corners of the mouth), chronic diarrhea, compromised immune function, dementia, eyes that tire easily; excessive stress, muscle cramp, sebborheic dermatitis (dry, itchy scaly skin) and scaling eczema of the face and genitals may develop, slow wound healing, and soreness and burning of the lips, mouth and tongue (possible magenta-colored tongue). A vitamin B2 deficiency frequently overlaps with deficiencies of vitamin B3, vitamin B6 and/or iron, and a severe deficiency can also cause depression and hysteria.

Pharmaceutical drugs that can cause a vitamin B2 deficiency include acetophenazine, aminoglycosides, amitriptyline, amoxapine, cephalosporins, chlorpromazine, chlortetracycline, clomipramine, demeclocycline, desipramine, doxepin, doxycycline, fluoroquinolones, fluphenazine, imipramine, macrolides, mesoiradazine, methdiazine, methotrimeprazine, minocycline, nortriptyline, oral contraceptives, oxytetracycline, penicillins, perphenazine, prochlorperazine, promazine, promethazine, protriptyline, sulfonamides, tetracyclines, thiethylperazine, thioridazine, trifluoperazine, trimethoprim and trimipramine.

Dietary sources richest in vitamin B2 (per serving) include avocado, egg, dark green leafy vegetables, enriched grains and grain products, fish (especially salmon and tuna), liver, meats, milk and dairy products, nutritional supplements, nutritional yeasts and oyster. Vitamin B2 is absorbed from the upper part of the small intestine and thus, when repleting the diet with a nutritional supplement, it is best absorbed when taken with food. In addition, vitamin B2 is heat stable but very sensitive to destruction by light. Because it is water-soluble, substantial amounts are lost by leaching into water when cooking. Since B-2 exists in the germ and bran of grains, milling and processing of grains

Niacin-containing co-enzymes NAD and NADP are involved in more that 200 different reactions in the metabolism of amino acids, carbohydrates and fatty acids, making it critical in supplying energy to, and maintaining the function of every cell in the body; important in the oxidation-reduction reaction in the Krebs Cycle involving the production of energy from carbohydrates; reduces LDL (the "bad" cholesterol) and triglycerides, and increases HDL (the "good" cholesterol); has shown to have anti-anxiety activity resembling benzodiazepines; at certain dosages, stimulates histamine release which causes temporary vasodilation and the characteristic "niacin flush"; lowers blood pressure and improves circulation; and helps to minimize hypoglycemic symptoms and can reduce the craving for sweets, as it is part of the glucose tolerance factor of yeast which enhances response to insulin.

A vitamin B3 deficiency could be a contributing cause of anorexia, arthritis, depression, elevated cholesterol, fatigue, glossitis and skin lesions, headache, heart disease, hypertension, hypochlorhydria and other digestive problems, indigestion, insomnia, muscle fatigue, muscular nervousness/anxiety, poor circulation, schizophrenia and sleep disorders. Severe vitamin B3 deficiency is known as pellagra which means "rough skin". Symptoms of pellagra are characterized by the three D's: Dementia, Dermatitis and Diarrhea. In addition, deficiencies of vitamin B1, vitamin B2 and/or vitamin B6 commonly accompany (or can cause) a vitamin B3 deficiency.

Dietary sources richest in vitamin B3 (per serving) include brewer's yeast, enriched grains and grain products, fish, legumes (beans, lentils, peas, soybeans), lean meats, milk, nutritional supplements, nutritional yeasts, organ meats, peanut, peanut butter, potato and poultry. Vitamin B3 is also synthesized by intestinal bacteria.


Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
Required by the body to metabolize proteins, helping to break down and convert amino acids to energy and fatty acids; synthesizes RNA, DNA, hemoglobin, insulin, muscle protein and smooth muscle function; forms antibodies which are essential to protect the body against infection; works with magnesium to prevent the formation of calcium deposits, gallstones and kidney stones; necessary for enzyme activity; essential for the synthesis of tryptophan and the conversion of tryptophan to niacin (vitamin B3); required for the production of neurotransmitters derived from amino acids such as serotonin, GABA, norepinephrine, acetylcholine and histamine; facilitates the conversion of glycogen to glucose for energy production; useful in treating depression (vitamin B6 is involved in the synthesis of serotonin); useful in treating premenstrual syndrome associated with oral contraceptives (estrogens inhibit the absorption of vitamin B6); and lowers homocysteine levels when used in combination with vitamin B12 and folate. Current scientific research confirms that elevated homocysteine levels increase the risk of heart disease by damaging coronary arteries, eventually leading to atherosclerosis and other forms of heart disease.

A vitamin B6 deficiency could be a contributing cause of anemia, anxiety, altered mobility, calcium deposits, carpal tunnel syndrome, convulsions, decreased alertness, depression, dermatitis, gallstones, heart disease, insomnia, irritability, kidney stones, lethargy, nausea, nerve inflammation, premenstrual syndrome, seborrheic dermatitis, sleep disturbances, vomiting and weakness. Vitamin B6 is helpful for women during pregnancy, and when combined with magnesium, reduces symptoms of toxemia. In heart disease, vitamin B6 helps to regulate essential fatty acids, plays a role in regulating the level of fats in the blood, lowers homocysteine levels ¾ reducing the risk of heart disease (when used in combination with vitamin B12 and folate), and may help protect from a heart attack resulting from a clot forming in a damaged coronary artery. Vitamin B6 also reduces birth defects and is used to treat childhood autism. Further, vitamin B6 is an essential co-factor for 5-hydroxytryptophan decarboxylase, an enzyme that catalyses one of the steps in the conversion of tryptophan to serotonin. Thus, a vitamin B6 deficiency can limit the brain's ability to synthesize serotonin. Low serotonin levels are associated with depression.

Pharmaceutical drugs that can cause a vitamin B6 deficiency include aminoglycosides, bumetanide, cephalosporins, chlortetracycline, demeclocycline, diethylstilbestrol, doxycycline, estrogens (conjugated and esterified), ethacrynic acid, fluoroquinolones, furosemide, hydralazine, hydralazine and hydrochlorothiazide, hydrochlorothiazide, isoniazid, macrolides, minocycline, oral contraceptives, oxytetracycline, penicillamine, penicillins, quinestrol, raloxifene, sulfonamides, tetracyclines, theophylline, torsemide and trimethoprim.

Dietary sources richest in vitamin B6 (per serving) include bananas, brewer's yeast, enriched grains and grain products, legumes (beans, lentils, peas, soybeans), meats and meat products (particularly organ meats, and especially liver), nutritional supplements, nutritional yeasts, potato and wheat germ.


Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)
Works with folate in the metabolism of amino acids and the synthesis of proteins; required for DNA metabolism and the formation of red blood cells; helps maintain the central nervous system; essential for the metabolism of folic acid and iron; prevents certain types of anemia; and lowers homocysteine levels (when used in combination with vitamin B6 and folate), reducing the risk of heart disease. Current scientific research confirms that elevated homocysteine levels increase the risk of heart disease by damaging coronary arteries, eventually leading to atherosclerosis and other forms of heart disease.

A vitamin B12 deficiency could be a contributing cause of bursitis, calcium bone spurs, confusion (especially in the elderly), depression (especially in the elderly), dermatitis, easy bruising, elevated homocysteine - increasing the risk of heart disease, fatigue, insomnia, loss of appetite, macrocytic anemia (abnormally enlarged red blood cells), memory loss (especially in the elderly), nausea, peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage), pernicious anemia, poor blood clotting, shortness of breath, skin sensitivity, tongue and mouth irregularities, vomiting and weakness. A substance known as "intrinsic factor" (produced in the lining of the stomach) is needed to absorb vitamin B12. Many people do not produce enough intrinsic factor, particularly people who have had stomach surgery or who have other stomach problems, and research shows that many elderly people do not produce enough intrinsic factor and are frequently found to be vitamin B12 deficient.

Pharmaceutical drugs that can cause a vitamin B12 deficiency include aminoglycosides, cephalosporins, chlorotrianisene, chlortetracycline, cholestyramine resin, cimetidine, colchicine, colestipol, co-trimoxazole, demeclocycline, famotidine, fluoroquinolones, lansoprazole, macrolides, metformin, minocycline, neomycin, nizatidine, omeprazole, oral contraceptives, oxytetracycline, penicillins, phenytoin, potassium chloride, ranitidine bismuth citrate, ranitidine hydrochloride, sulfonamides, tetracyclines, trimethoprim and zidovudine.

Vitamin B12 is produced by microbial synthesis in the digestive tract of animals; it does not occur in fruits, vegetables, grains or legumes. Thus, dietary sources richest in vitamin B12 (per serving) include organ meats, followed by beef, cheese, chicken, egg, fish (clam, oyster), milk and nutritional supplements.

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Biotin
Essential for the activity of many enzyme systems; biotin-containing enzymes play a vital role in the production of energy from the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats, and are also involved in the manufacture of fats and the excretion of by-products from protein metabolism; biotin-containing enzymes participate in (a) carboxylation reactions, adding CO2 to acceptor molecules, (b) decarboxylation reactions where CO2 groups are removed, and (c) deamination reactions where NH2 groups are removed from certain amino acids; contributes to the overall health of skin, hair, nails and the cardiovascular system; and many other B-vitamins cannot function optimally without the presence of biotin.

A biotin deficiency could be a contributing cause of anorexia, cardiac irregularities, dermatitis, fatigue, hair loss, irritability, lesions on the nose and mouth, loss of hair color, mild anemia, mild depression, muscle pain, nausea, numbness and tingling of the extremities, and premenstrual syndrome. Long-term antibiotic use can also cause a biotin deficiency. Some diabetics may have an abnormality in the biotin-dependent enzyme pyruvate carboxylase which can lead to dysfunctions of the nervous system.

Pharmaceutical drugs that can cause a biotin deficiency include aminoglycosides, carbamazepine, cephalosporins, chlortetracycline, demeclocycline, doxycycline, fluoroquinolones, macrolides, minocycline, oxytetracycline, penicillins, phenytoin, primidone, sulfonamides, tetracyclines and trimethoprim.

Dietary sources richest in biotin (per serving) include banana, egg yolk, fish, grapefruit, legumes (beans, lentils, peas, soybeans), liver, nutritional supplements, nutritional yeasts, peanut, rice bran, royal jelly, soy flour, strawberry, watermelon, and whole grains and grain products.

Folate (Folic Acid)
Like vitamin B12, folate is intimately involved in the synthesis of DNA and RNA, and the metabolism of all amino acids; vital to producing red blood cells (erythrocytes) which carry oxygen from the lungs to the tissues, and carbon dioxide from tissues to the lungs; when a folate deficiency is present, it can result in anemia and reduced tissue oxygenation, which, in turn, results in a condition known as megaloblastic anemia; essential for the healthy maturation of red and white blood cells; essential for the health of the fetus in preventing spina bifida (neural tube defects) and other birth defects; may protect against certain types of cancers including bronchial squamous metaplasia in long-time heavy cigarette smokers, dysplasia associated with ulcerative colitis and colon cancer, and precancerous cervical dysplasia in women (especially those who take oral contraceptives), and has been shown to prevent and reverse cervical dysplasia; required for the conversion of homocysteine to methionine and thus, lowers homocysteine levels (when used in combination with vitamin B6 and vitamin B12), reducing the risk of heart disease (research confirms that elevated homocysteine status increases the risk of heart disease by damaging coronary arteries, eventually leading to atherosclerosis and other forms of heart disease).

A folate deficiency could be a contributing cause of anorexia, cancer, cervical dysplasia, chronic fatigue, constipation, diarrhea, elevated homocysteine, glossitis, gum disease, hair loss, headache, heart disease, hypersegmentation of neutrophils and with severe deficiency- intestinal lesions, increased infections, insomnia, megaloblastic anemia (identical in appearance to a vitamin B12 deficiency), memory impairment, nausea, neural tube defects and other birth defects, paranoia, and restless legs. Folate deficiency also harms DNA metabolism which caused abnormal cellular development, especially in cells with the most rapid rates of turnover (epithelial cells of the stomach, intestine, vagina and uterine cervix, leukocytes and red blood cells).

Further, individuals at highest risk for a folate deficiency include alcoholics, anti-convulsant therapy (barbiturates, phenytoin, primidone), vitamin B12 deficiency, elderly, folate antagonist therapy (5-fluorouracil, methotrexate, pyrimethamine), increased rate of cellular division (burns, haemolytic anemia, malignancies, trauma), infants, inherited folate disorders, malabsorption, malnourished, oral contraceptive users, pregnant and lactating women, sulfasalazine therapy, tuberculosis therapy (isoniazid plus cycloserine).

Pharmaceutical drugs that can cause a folate deficiency include aspirin, barbiturates, carbamazepine, celecoxib, cholestyramine resin, choline magnesium trisalicylate, choline salicylate, cimetidine, colestipol, corticosteroids, cycloserine, ethosuximide, famotidine, 5-fluorouracil, fosphenytoin, hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene, indomethacin, isoniazid, methotrexate, methsuximide, nizatidine, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, oral contraceptives, phenytoin, primidone, pyrimethamine, ranitidine bismuth citrate, ranitidine hydrochloride, salsalate, sulfasalazine, triamterene, trimethoprim and valproic acid and derivaties.

Dietary sources richest in folate (per serving) include beet, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cantaloupe, cauliflower, egg, dark green leafy vegetables, legumes (beans [particularly kidney and lima], lentils, peas, soybeans), liver, nutritional supplements, nutritional yeasts, nuts, orange juice, seeds, wheat germ, and whole grains and grain products. Folate is easily destroyed by heat, light and oxygen, and substantial losses occur in cooking and storage.

Pantothenate, Pantothenic Acid (also known as vitamin B5)
Plays a number of essential metabolic roles including the production of some hormones and neurotransmitters; as a constituent of co-enzyme A (CoA), pantothenate participates in a wide variety of enzymatic reactions transferring two-carbon units (acetyl groups) within cells throughout the body; provides an anti-stress effect since CoA is necessary for the synthesis of steroid hormones and proper functioning of the adrenal glands; plays a vital role in energy production from food used in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and protein, and for the synthesis of steroids, cholesterol and bile; strengthens the immune system (the adrenal glands must have vitamin B5 to produce their hormones which help manage stress and resist infection); helps reduce arthritic symptoms of pain and stiffness; helps maintain normal uric acid levels which may help prevent arthritis associated with gout; necessary for the synthesis of acetylcholine, phospholipids and prophyrin in the hemoglobin of red blood cells; helps to detoxify alcohol by participating in the metabolism of acetaldehyde; and has been reported to improve the stress reactions of well nourished individuals and to relieve "burning feet" syndrome.

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A pantothenate (vitamin B5) deficiency could be a contributing cause of arthritis, burning feet, burning/pain of the arms and legs, depression, fainting, fatigue, fertility problems, hair loss, increased heart rate, indigestion, insomnia, irritability, nausea, slow wound healing and susceptibility to infection.

Dietary sources richest in pantothenate (per serving) include egg, chicken, fish, legumes (beans, lentils, peas, soybeans), lean beef, liver, meats, nutritional supplements, nutritional yeasts, nuts, seeds, vegetables (especially broccoli, cauliflower, tomato and white and sweet potatoes), wheat germ, and whole grains and grain products.

Choline
Classified as a member of the water-soluble B-complex vitamin group; the precursor to and a component of the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine; also a part of phosphatydlcholine and as such, choline functions in the metabolism of fat and the transport of fat from the liver; a phospholipid that is a major structural component of cell walls and cellular membranes throughout the body; intimately involved in a wide range of neurological activities including the functions of movement, coordination and stimulation of muscle contraction; plays a critical role in the higher level cerebrocorticol functions of intellect, memory and thoughts; choline is converted to betaine, then functions in transmethylation reactions (methyl donor) in the synthesis of amino acids and proteins; a fat emulsifying (lipotropic) agent, it is involved in the metabolism and regulation of fats and cholesterol; structurally, choline contains three methyl groups which enable it to serve as a methyl donor in many important biochemical pathways; needed for the proper function of the gallbladder, kidneys and liver; contributes to energy metabolism; and is essential for the health of the myelin sheath (the protective coating of the nervous system).

A choline deficiency could be a contributing cause of abnormal platelet aggregation, alcoholism, panic/anxiety attacks, liver disease, memory loss, heart disease (along with B-vitamin deficiencies), and tardive dyskinesia.

Dietary sources richest in choline (per serving) include brain and organ meats, egg yolk, lecithin, legumes (beans, lentils, peas, soybeans), lettuce, liver, nutritional supplements, peanut, potato, soy products and wheat germ.

Inositol
A sugar-like water-soluble substance, inositol is classified as a member of the B-complex vitamin group; found in the heart muscle, kidney, liver and skeletal muscle, and in the leaves and seeds of most plants; similar to choline, inositol is an essential component of phospholipids (phosphatidyl inositols, or "PI") in cellular membranes; phosphatidyl inositols function as cell membrane components and as regulators of cell membrane transport by acting as a calcium-mobilizing system (the "PI" effect) - thus, inositol interacts with a wide variety of hormonal and regulatory events within the cells; lipotropic activity (reduction of blood or tissue lipid levels) of inositol centers around the role of phosphatidyl inositol in lipoproteins; facilitates the production of arachadonic acid (a specialized fatty acid); needed for the proper function of the gallbladder , kidneys and liver; contributes to energy metabolism; enhances brain function due to its importance in transmitting nerve impulses and memory; and is essential for the health of the myelin sheath (the protective coating of the nervous system).

An inositol deficiency could be a contributing cause of abnormal platelet aggregation, alcoholism, heart disease (along with B-vitamin deficiencies), liver disease, memory loss, panic/anxiety attacks, and tardive dyskinesia. Pharmaceutical drugs that can cause an inositol deficiency include aminoglycosides, cephalosporins, chlortetracycline, demeclocycline, doxycycline, fluoroquinolones, macrolides, minocycline, oxytetracycline, penicillins, sulfonamides, tetracyclines and trimethoprim.

Dietary sources richest in inositol (per serving) include cantaloupe, citrus fruits, nutritional supplements, nuts, organ meats, seeds and whole grains and grain products

Reference
http://www.spectracell.com/