Inositol (Vitamin B8)
Vitamins
Nutritional Enhancers
87-89-8
C₆H₁₂O₆
$5.29 ~ $7.94
Food
Free sample from 100g(NF)
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Product Info
What is Inositol (Vitamin B8)?
Inositol, a type of sugar alcohol grouped with B vitamins, is widely utilized as a nutritional supplement for cellular function and as a stabilizing additive in the food and beverage industry.
How is Inositol (Vitamin B8) made?
| Step No. | Production Stage | Key Action | Control Point & Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hydrolysis | Extract phytin (calcium magnesium phytate) from a natural source like corn steep liquor. Hydrolyze the phytin using acid or enzymes under heat and pressure to split it into inositol and inorganic phosphate. | The completeness of the hydrolysis reaction is critical for yield. Key parameters are temperature, pressure, pH, and reaction time. The quality of the raw material directly impacts final product purity. |
| 2 | Neutralization & Filtration | Neutralize the acidic reaction mixture with a base, typically calcium hydroxide (lime), to precipitate the phosphate as insoluble calcium phosphate. Filter the slurry to separate the crude inositol solution from the solid precipitates. | Precise pH control is essential for maximum precipitation of impurities. The efficiency of the filtration step determines the purity of the solution moving to the next stage. |
| 3 | Purification & Decolorization | Pass the crude inositol solution through beds of activated carbon to remove color and organic impurities. Further purify the solution using ion-exchange chromatography to remove residual mineral salts and other charged impurities. | This is a critical purification step. The flow rate through the columns and the regeneration cycle of the ion-exchange resins must be strictly managed to ensure removal of contaminants like heavy metals. |
| 4 | Concentration | Evaporate excess water from the purified, dilute inositol solution under vacuum to form a concentrated syrup. | Using a low-temperature vacuum evaporator is crucial to prevent thermal degradation and discoloration (browning) of the inositol. The target concentration (Brix) must be achieved for efficient crystallization. |
| 5 | Crystallization | Cool the concentrated syrup under highly controlled conditions to induce the formation of pure inositol crystals. | The cooling profile (rate of temperature drop) and agitation speed are key parameters that dictate crystal size, purity, and yield. Seeding with existing crystals may be used to initiate uniform growth. |
| 6 | Centrifugation & Washing | Separate the solid inositol crystals from the remaining liquid (mother liquor) using a high-speed centrifuge. Wash the crystals with purified water to remove any surface impurities. | Ensure the centrifuge removes the maximum amount of mother liquor. The volume and temperature of wash water must be controlled to clean the crystals effectively without significant product loss due to dissolution. |
| 7 | Drying | Dry the washed, wet crystals in a controlled environment, such as a vacuum or fluidized bed dryer, to remove residual moisture. | Drying temperature must be kept below the melting point of inositol. The final moisture content is a critical quality specification for product stability and to prevent caking. |
| 8 | Sieving & Packaging | Sieve the dried inositol powder through specific mesh screens to achieve a uniform particle size. Conduct final quality analysis and package the finished product in sealed, food-grade containers. | Particle size distribution is controlled by the sieve mesh size. Final QC testing confirms purity (e.g., via HPLC), microbiological safety, and absence of contaminants. Packaging must occur in a hygienic, controlled environment to prevent contamination. |
Technical Specifications
| CAS Number | 87-89-8 |
| Chemical Formula | C₆H₁₂O₆ |
| Solubility | Freely soluble in water (14 g/100 mL at 25 °C), slightly soluble in ethanol/acetic acid, insoluble in ether/chloroform |
| Storage Conditions | Store in sealed container at room temp (2–25 °C), dry, protected from moisture |
| Shelf Life | 36 Months |
Applications & Usage
Common Applications:
Food fortification
dietary supplements
nutraceuticals
cosmetic formulations
Mechanism of action:
| Parameter | Inositol (Vitamin B8) |
|---|---|
| Functional Category | Nutrient; Humectant; Bulking Agent; Taste Modifier |
| Key Ingredients | Myo-inositol (Cyclohexane-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexol) |
| Mechanism of Action | As a humectant, its polyol structure with multiple hydroxyl groups binds free water via hydrogen bonding, lowering water activity (aw). Functions as a non-caloric bulking agent to provide volume and texture. Acts as a nutrient, being a precursor for phosphatidylinositol, a key component of cell membranes. Can also modulate taste profiles, masking bitterness with its mild sweetness. |
| Application Effect in Product | Improved moisture retention and softness in baked goods; enhanced texture and mouthfeel in reduced-sugar foods; nutritional fortification of infant formulas and beverages; masking of bitter aftertastes from other functional ingredients like caffeine or minerals. |
Comparison:
| Product Name | Category/Type | Key Features | Strengths (vs peers) | Weaknesses (vs peers) | Best Use Cases | Why Choose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inositol (Vitamin B8) | Vitamin-like Carbocyclic Sugar | Acts as a secondary messenger in cells; supports insulin signaling and neurotransmitter pathways (serotonin, dopamine). | Excellent safety profile at high doses; strong dual action for both mood disorders (panic, OCD) and metabolic conditions (PCOS, insulin resistance). | Requires very high doses (grams per day) for therapeutic effect, which can cause mild gastrointestinal upset. Slower acting for anxiety than L-Theanine. | Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). | For a well-tolerated, single supplement to address both metabolic/hormonal balance and mood regulation, especially for OCD or panic symptoms. |
| Choline | Essential Nutrient | Precursor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and cell membrane phospholipids; involved in liver function and fat transport. | Crucial for cognitive function (memory, focus) and fundamental for liver health. Essential during pregnancy for fetal brain development. | Less direct impact on mood disorders like anxiety or OCD. High doses can cause a fishy body odor and gastrointestinal distress. | Supporting liver health (e.g., fatty liver), enhancing cognitive function, prenatal support, fat metabolism. | To specifically target cognitive performance, memory, and liver function, or to fill a dietary gap in an essential nutrient. |
| Berberine | Plant Alkaloid | Activates the AMPK enzyme, a master metabolic regulator; improves insulin sensitivity and has antimicrobial effects. | Potent effect on blood sugar and insulin management, often compared to prescription metformin. Also benefits cholesterol levels and gut health. | Commonly causes significant gastrointestinal side effects (cramps, diarrhea). Can interact with many prescription medications. | Managing high blood sugar (prediabetes, Type 2 diabetes), PCOS, high cholesterol, gut dysbiosis. | For powerful, targeted blood sugar and insulin control when its gastrointestinal side effects are manageable and there are no conflicting medications. |
| N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) | Amino Acid Derivative | Precursor to the master antioxidant glutathione; modulates glutamate levels in the brain; acts as a mucolytic (breaks down mucus). | Powerful antioxidant and detoxifying agent. Strong evidence for specific psychiatric uses (OCD, addiction) and respiratory conditions. | Unpleasant sulfurous odor and taste. Can cause nausea and other GI issues. Less direct impact on insulin signaling than inositol or berberine. | Chronic respiratory conditions, antioxidant support, OCD, reducing addictive behaviors, liver protection. | For its potent antioxidant properties, lung support, and targeted use in glutamate-related mental health conditions like OCD or compulsive behaviors. |
| L-Theanine | Amino Acid | Promotes alpha brain wave production; increases levels of calming neurotransmitters like GABA, serotonin, and dopamine. | Fast-acting (within an hour) for acute stress and anxiety relief without causing drowsiness. Synergizes well with caffeine to improve focus. | Effects are more temporary. Not effective for metabolic issues like PCOS or insulin resistance. Primarily for symptomatic relief of anxiety/stress. | Acute stress and anxiety, improving focus and attention, promoting relaxation and sleep onset, mitigating caffeine jitters. | For quick, non-sedating relief from situational anxiety or to enhance mental clarity and focus, especially when combined with caffeine. |
Technical Documents
Available Documentation
COA, Tech Spec, MSDS
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Included
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Quality assurance documentation
Technical Data Sheet
Detailed technical specifications