According to a study in the British Journal of Dermatology, taking the supplement inositol may help reduce the severity of psoriasis, a common side-effect in people using lithium medication. Lithium carbonate is the most widely used long-term treatment for bipolar affective disorders, but its ability to trigger and exacerbate psoriasis can become a major problem in patients for whom lithium is the only treatment option.
Describing why they initiated their study, researchers reported that “Inositol depletion underlies the action of lithium in bipolar affective disorders and there are good theoretical reasons why the use of inositol supplements might be expected to help this group of patients.”
A member of the B-complex vitamin group, inositol has previously been shown to reduce some negative side-effects of lithium without impeding the benefits.
In the new study 15 patients with psoriasis who were taking lithium took part in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover clinical trial comparing the effect of inositol supplements with those of a placebo. Study subjects were randomly assigned to take six grams of inositol per day or placebo for 10 weeks. Changes in the severity of their psoriasis were measured by Psoriasis Area and Severity Index scores recorded before and after the different courses of treatment.
Researchers found that the group taking inositol experienced a 35% decrease in psoriasis severity, whereas the placebo group’s psoriasis worsened by roughly 60%. They concluded that “the use of inositol supplements is worth considering for patients with intractable psoriasis who need to continue to take lithium for bipolar affective disorders.”
British Journal of Dermatology, 150(5):966, 2004
Designs for Health Inositol powder
Inositol Powder: Inositol is one of the most versatile nutrients for promoting brain wellness, a positive and relaxed outlook, and restful sleep. It also is one of the most crucial nutrients for promoting female hormonal health through its role in supporting optimal liver function. Inositol also helps maintain healthy serotonin metabolism, and by so doing helps treat many conditions that involve poor serotonin function. Inositol promotes liver health, and works especially well when taken along with phosphatidyl choline. Inositol is a pleasant, mildly sweet tasting powder that dissolves instantly in water. Patients love the taste!
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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1 comment:
My name is Jason Gorman and I am 45 years old. My wife was taking 1200mg of Lithium Carbonate daily prescribed by the doctor for over two years. During this time no lab work was ever ordered. It built up in her system over a period of time. She was taken to the ER where she almost died. Her pulse was down to 31 and her blood pressure as low as 43 over 17. She under went kidney dialysis continuously for over 30 hours in ICU. She spent a total of 5 days in the hospital. I strongly recommend against taking Lithium. At least have periodic Lab Work done. Also if you do take this medication look up the side effects on the internet.
My wife has experienced some of these side effects-
Dizziness, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Confusion, Tremors, Muscle Weakness, Loss of Bladder Control, Inability to talk
I hope this information will be useful to others,
Jason Gorman
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