The nutritional importance of inositol and the phosphoinositides
Article Abstract:
Inositol is an important component of the human diet. A research study found premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome who receive supplementary inositol are more likely to survive without problems with lung and bronchial development. Studies in laboratory animals have found that inositol may prevent hair loss, accumulation of fat in the liver and fat metabolism disorders. Adults ingest an average of one gram of inositol a day in plant and animal products. It is present in high concentrations in breast milk, and the body can synthesize it from glucose (sugar). Inositol exists in several different forms in mammals, and phosphoinositides in cell membranes are important in many different physiological and biochemical processes. Dietary supplementation with inositol may be beneficial to diabetics, kidney disease patients or infants with respiratory distress syndrome.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1992
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Clinical importance of caffeine withdrawal
Article Abstract:
Individuals who quit using products containing caffeine may suffer from symptoms such as headache, drowsiness, fatigue, decreased performance, nausea and vomiting. These symptoms, or the caffeine withdrawal syndrome, begin within 12 to 24 hours of the last ingestion of caffeine and can last as long as one week. Scientists do not know the neurochemical cause of the caffeine withdrawal syndrome. A research study found that individuals who consume mild to moderate amounts of caffeine experience headaches and depression when they stop using caffeine. These symptoms may strong enough to interfere with their life and may require medical treatment. Caffeine may be considered a drug of dependence because discontinuation of use causes a withdrawal syndrome. Other factors also contribute to the classification of a substance as a drug of dependence.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1992
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