Myo-Inositol
Inositol is a vitamin-like compound that was previously referred to as vitamin B8 until it was discovered that the human body can produce it from glucose. Although inositol is no longer considered a vitamin, it is still vital for important functions in the body.
Inositol exists in the form of 9 different isomers; they differ only in the spatial arrangement of their atoms. The two most well-known inositol forms are myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol.
Choline
Choline was long counted among the B vitamins as vitamin B4. Today, it is considered a semi-essential vitaminoid since the body can cover part of the requirement through self-synthesis from glutamine and ornithine.
Choline plays an important role in a number of bodily functions. In the fat metabolism of the liver, it supports its enzyme system and is an important component of bile secretion. It also has an important transport function in fat metabolism: as a component of VLDL (Very Low Density Lipoproteins), it transports fat and cholesterol from the liver to other bodily tissues that need these compounds. Choline also plays a role as a methyl group donor. Just like betaine, vitamin B12, folate and S-adenosylmethionine, it helps to regulate homocysteine levels.
According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA):
Choline contributes to:
- Normal homocysteine metabolism
- Normal lipid metabolism
- Maintaining normal liver function
