Side Effects of Choline and Inositol
Dietary aides like choline and inositol offer you many health benefits. Yet, those benefits may come at a price as these natural substances can cause side effects.
Choline, which is a component of a neurotransmitter, and inositol, which is a form of niacin, are dietary supplements that may encourage brain, cardiovascular and nerve function. In combination, they theoretically convert to acetylcholine -- a compound imperative in transferring electrical synapses through the nervous system, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. A choline and inositol combo may also promote a healthy liver. Because of the nature of this product, you should always consult your physician before using, as it is not without risks.
Nausea, Vomiting and Appetite Loss
Inositol is part of the vitamin B family and may cause you to feel nauseous, leading to vomiting and appetite loss. Generally these effects are due to the introduction of the supplement and may diminish over time. High doses of inositol, exceeding 400 mg, and choline, exceeding 500 mg, may also lead to these side effects. Since inositol is a type of niacin, you may also experience redness of your skin and sweating -- a common effect of this B vitamin.
Body Odor
Consuming a high amount of choline may cause you to have a fishy body odor, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. Taking an excess of 10 to 16 g a day can cause this undesirable effect and also cause you to sweat and salivate profusely. These conditions are caused by an increased amount of trimethylamine, which is a byproduct of metabolizing choline.
Low Blood Pressure
Taking more than 7 to 8 g of choline can significantly decrease your blood pressure, leading to hypotension. This can cause dizziness and fainting. It is therefore imperative to follow the advice of your physician when taking choline and inositol supplements, as they can quickly complicate preexisting conditions and may even interact with other medications.