DOES IT EXIST?

Vitamin B8

❓ So, What Is Vitamin B8?

The name “Vitamin B8” has been used in the past, but today it’s not officially recognized as a vitamin by modern nutritional science.

However, it usually refers to:

👉 Inositol

A naturally occurring sugar-like compound involved in cell signaling and fat metabolism.

Some older European texts and supplements still call it Vitamin B8, but in modern terms, inositol is considered a vitamin-like compound, not an essential vitamin—because your body can make it.

🧬 What Does Inositol (aka B8) Do?

🧠 1. Supports Brain & Mood Health

  • Involved in neurotransmitter signaling (especially serotonin and dopamine)

  • May help reduce symptoms of:

    • Anxiety

    • Depression

    • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

🔄 2. Hormone & Blood Sugar Balance

  • Often used in PCOS treatment to improve insulin sensitivity and menstrual regularity

  • May support healthy blood sugar levels

❤️ 3. Fat Metabolism

  • Helps transport fat in and out of cells

  • May play a role in liver function and reducing fatty liver

⚠️ Is Inositol Deficiency a Problem?

It’s not considered essential, so clinical “deficiency” is rare—but low levels may affect:

  • Mood and mental health

  • Insulin function

  • Reproductive hormone balance (especially in PCOS)

🌰 Where Can You Get B8 (Inositol)?

✅ Natural Food Sources:

Food Notes

Whole grains Especially oats and bran

Citrus fruits Oranges, grapefruits

Beans and legumes Lentils, chickpeas

Nuts and seeds Almonds, sunflower seeds

Cantaloupe & bananas Fruits with modest amounts

Organ meats (liver) Small amounts

💊 Supplements:

  • Often labeled as myo-inositol or D-chiro-inositol

  • Commonly used for:

    • PCOS management

    • Anxiety and panic disorders

    • Insulin sensitivity

  • Typical doses: 500 mg – 4,000 mg/day (varies by purpose)

🛑 Is Too Much Harmful?

Inositol is generally well tolerated. Very high doses (e.g., over 12g/day) might cause:

  • Nausea

  • Gas or bloating

  • Dizziness

🧠 Final Thoughts

Vitamin B8 might not be a “true” vitamin, but inositol is still an amazing tool—especially for mental health, hormonal balance, and metabolic support.

So, while you won’t find it on official nutrition labels as "B8," it’s absolutely worth knowing and using when appropriate.