Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Choline & Inositol Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by NOW

Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Choline & Inositol is a dietary supplement by NOW with 2 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for liver health and fatty liver, brain and memory support, prenatal nutrition and fetal development.Based on those ingredients, 102 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Inositol, Choline. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Choline & Inositol by NOW

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 2 of its 2 active ingredients.
  • “Choline” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label gives one combined amount (250 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

This product contains 2 active ingredients: choline bitartrate and inositol. Choline is a nutrient involved in cell function and brain health, while inositol is a carbohydrate-like compound that plays a role in cell signaling and metabolism.

The capsules also contain inactive ingredients—hypromellose and stearic acid—which are binders and capsule materials.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: brain health and nervous system support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Age-related cognitive decline, Alzheimer disease, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cognitive function, Dementia — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Inositol is rated "Possibly Effective" for Metabolic syndrome (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Inositol is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Anxiety, Depression.
  • Also on file: Inositol is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Bipolar disorder, Infertility.

The evidence for what these ingredients can do is mixed. Inositol has possibly effective ratings for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), metabolic syndrome, and preterm labor, meaning there's some clinical support.

However, for choline bitartrate, the evidence isn't strong: it's rated possibly ineffective for athletic performance, and there's insufficient reliable evidence for it to rate its role in bronchitis, age-related cognitive decline, liver health, hay fever, or Alzheimer disease. Inositol is also rated possibly ineffective for anxiety, diabetic nerve damage, and depression.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Choline Inositol

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 2 of the 2 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 2 of 2.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 2 of 2.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Choline bitartrate is generally well tolerated at normal food amounts, but high-dose supplements can cause side effects. Doses above the daily upper limit of 3.5 grams may cause a fishy body odor, and very high doses (9 grams or more daily) have been reported to cause diarrhea, nausea, sweating, and vomiting.

Inositol is generally well tolerated with mostly mild digestive side effects like diarrhea, gas, and nausea at common doses. For choline during pregnancy and breastfeeding, the safety data rates it as likely safe, but you should use it only as your doctor advises because your choline needs are higher during these times.

Inositol hasn't been studied enough in pregnancy to know if it's safe—if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor before taking it.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Choline Inositol

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 2 of the 2 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Inositol, Choline.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 102 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

If you take antidiabetes drugs, check first—inositol may increase the risk of low blood sugar (this is a Moderate-severity interaction). Atropine users should also check with their pharmacist, as choline may reduce atropine's effects (Minor severity).

If you're on any other prescription medications, use the checker on this page to make sure they're not affected.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Consider this product if you're interested in inositol for PCOS, metabolic syndrome, or preterm labor under medical supervision. If you take antidiabetes medication, atropine, or any other prescription drug, check it against your medications first.

Talk to your pharmacist before starting, especially if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 2 of 2 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jun 20, 2024.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Choline & Inositol, straight from the product label.

Brand NOW
Barcode (UPC) 733739004703
Net contents 100 Veg Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 20, 2024
DSLD ID 313810
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher, Gluten Free, Dairy Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Choline & Inositol by NOW, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Veg Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Veg Capsule(s)
Servings per container
100
UPC/BARCODE
733739004703
IngredientAmount% DV
Choline Bitartrate630 mg--
Choline250 mg45%
Inositol250 mg--

Other ingredients: Hypromellose, Stearic Acid

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Usage: Take 1 capsule daily, preferably with a meal.

Formula

Choline and inositol are members of the B-vitamin family. Choline is necessary for normal synaptic transmission, brain health, and fatty acid metabolism in the liver. Inositol is also essential for brain and nervous system health. Both choline and inositol are essential components of all cell membranes.

Triangle K (Kosher)

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Precautions

Caution: For adults only. Keep out of reach of children.

Consult physician if pregnant/nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.

Not manufactured with yeast, wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish, tree nut or sesame ingredients. Produced in a GMP facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens.

Formulation

Natural color variation may occur in this product.

Nervous system health Supports healthy nerve transmission Assists in fatty acid metabolism

Non-GMO

Vegetarian/vegan

Made and quality tested in the USA with globally sourced ingredients.

Not manufactured with yeast, wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish, tree nut or sesame ingredients.

FDA Statement of Identity

A Dietary Supplement

Seals/Symbols

Triangle K (Kosher)

GMP Quality Assured

General Statements

Vitamins Family owned since 1968.

This bottle is made from 100% PCR (post-consumer recycled) resin.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place after opening.

See for yourself

Choline & Inositol by NOW label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Choline & Inositol by NOW

These are the 2 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Veg Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container100 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Choline

Interacts with
16 drugs
250 mg per serving

Choline is an essential nutrient your body needs for liver function, brain health, and nerve signaling, and many people get enough from foods like egg...

Choline monograph & interactions

Inositol

Interacts with
86 drugs
250 mg per serving

Inositol is a sugar alcohol made naturally in the body and found in many foods, and it is sold as a supplement (often myo-inositol) mainly for PCOS, m...

Inositol monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Hypromellose, Stearic Acid. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Choline & Inositol by NOW Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Choline & Inositol?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
102Drugs
86 Moderate 16 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Choline 16

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Choline & Inositol with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Inositol1 drug type · 86 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking inositol with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Clinical research shows that inositol lowers blood glucose levels and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in patients with diabetes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence A

Choline1 drug type · 16 drugs

Atropine

Theoretically, choline might decrease the effects of atropine in the brain.
Animal research shows that administering choline one hour before administering atropine can attenuate atropine-induced decreases in brain levels of acetylcholine. Theoretically, concomitant use of choline and atropine may decrease the effects of atropine.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Choline & Inositol, from the product label.

NOW

See all NOW products
Name
NOW FOODS
Street Address
395 S. Glen Ellyn Rd.
City
Bloomingdale
State
IL
ZipCode
60108
Web Address
www.nowfoods.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Choline & Inositol by NOW: Common Questions

Does Choline & Inositol by NOW interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Choline & Inositol has a known interaction with 102 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Choline & Inositol contains 2 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Will this help my memory or brain health?
Choline plays a role in brain function, but the evidence we have doesn't show it's effective for age-related cognitive decline or Alzheimer disease. There's simply not enough reliable evidence to rate it for those uses. Inositol also isn't rated as effective for brain-related concerns. Your doctor or pharmacist can discuss whether either ingredient might help with your specific situation.
Is it safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Choline is rated likely safe in pregnancy and is actually important during that time—but use it only at doses your doctor recommends, including prenatal vitamins or supplements they advise. Your choline needs are higher while breastfeeding too, so use supplements only under professional guidance. For inositol, there isn't enough reliable information on safety in pregnancy, so talk with your doctor before taking it if you're pregnant or planning to be.
What side effects might I notice?
Choline can cause a fishy body odor with regular use. At very high doses (9 grams daily or more), you might experience diarrhea, nausea, sweating, or vomiting. Inositol's most common side effects are mild—diarrhea, gas, and nausea. Most people tolerate it well at regular doses. Both ingredients are generally well tolerated when used appropriately.
Can I take this if I have diabetes?
Inositol lowers blood glucose, so if you take antidiabetes medication, you need to check with your pharmacist first. Taking inositol alongside your diabetes drugs could theoretically increase the risk of your blood sugar dropping too low. Your doctor or pharmacist can advise whether it's right for you and if your medication dose needs any adjustment.
Does it work for PCOS or metabolic syndrome?
Inositol is rated possibly effective for both polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and metabolic syndrome, meaning there's some clinical evidence it may help. But if you have diabetes or take diabetes medication, talk with your doctor first because of the blood sugar interaction.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Choline & Inositol is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Choline & Inositol label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Choline & Inositol's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 28 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Choline 14 references
  1. Yates AA, Schlicker SA, Suitor CW. Dietary reference intakes: The new basis for recommendations for calcium and related nutrients, B vitamins, and choline. J Am Diet Assoc 1998;98:699-706. PubMed
  2. Cho E, Willett WC, Colditz GA, et al. Dietary choline and betaine and the risk of distal colorectal adenoma in women. J Natl Cancer Inst 2007;99:1224-31. PubMed
  3. Schmidt, C., Abicht, A., Krampfl, K., Voss, W., Stucka, R., Mildner, G., Petrova, S., Schara, U., Mortier, W., Bufler, J., Huebner, A., and Lochmuller, H. Congenital myasthenic syndrome due to a novel missense mutation in the gene encoding choline acetyl
  4. Tamminga, C., Smith, R. C., Chang, S., Haraszti, J. S., and Davis, J. M. Depression associated with oral choline. Lancet 10-23-1976;2(7991):905. PubMed
  5. Wood, J. L. and Allison, R. G. Effects of consumption of choline and lecithin on neurological and cardiovascular systems. Fed.Proc. 1982;41(14):3015-3021.
  6. Growdon, J. H. and Gelenberg, A. J. Choline and lecithin administration to patients with tardive dyskinesia. Trans.Am.Neurol.Assoc. 1978;103:95-99.
  7. Smith, C. M., Swash, M., Exton-Smith, A. N., Phillips, M. J., Overstall, P. W., Piper, M. E., and Bailey, M. R. Choline therapy in Alzheimer's disease. Lancet 8-5-1978;2(8084):318. PubMed
  8. Morrison, L. M. and W. F. Gonzales. Choline in coronary atherosclerosis. Amer.Heart J. 1950;39:729.
  9. Christie, J. G. Blackburn 1. M. Glen A. I. M. Zeisel S. Shering A. & Yates C. M. Effects of choline and lecithin on CSF choline levels and on cognitive functioning in patients with presenile dementia of the Alzheimer type. Nutrition and the brain 1979;5
  10. Sidhu N, Davies S, Nadarajah A, et al. Oral choline supplementation for postoperative pain. Br J Anaesth 2013;111(2):249-55. PubMed
  11. Wozniak JR, Fuglestad AJ, Eckerle JK, et al. Choline supplementation in children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders has high feasibility and tolerability. Nutr Res. 2013;33(11):897-904. PubMed
  12. Wozniak JR, Fuglestad AJ, Eckerle JK, et al. Choline supplementation in children with fetal alcohol disorders: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2015;102(5): 1113-25.
  13. Ross RG, Hunter SK, McCarthy L, et al. Perinatal choline effects on neonatal pathophysiology related to later schizophrenia risk. Am J Psychiatry. 2013;170(3):290-8. PubMed
  14. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Choline. Dietary Reference Intakes: Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B-6, Vitamin B-12, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, and Choline. Washington D.C.: National Academy Press; 1998:390-422.

See these in context on the Choline monograph →

Inositol 14 references
  1. Palatnik A, Frolov K, Fux M, Benjamin J. Double-blind, controlled, crossover trial of inositol versus fluvoxamine for the treatment of panic disorder. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2001;21:335-9.. PubMed
  2. Allan SJ, Kavanagh GM, Herd RM, Savin JA. The effect of inositol supplements on the psoriasis of patients taking lithium: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Br J Dermatol 2004;150:966-9. PubMed
  3. Machado-Vieira R, Viale CI, Kapczinski F. Mania associated with an energy drink: the possible role of caffeine, taurine, and inositol. Can J Psychiatry 2001;46:454-5. PubMed
  4. Kamenov Z, Kolarov G, Gateva A, Carlomagno G, Genazzani AD. Ovulation induction with myo-inositol alone and in combination with clomiphene citrate in polycystic ovarian syndrome patients with insulin resistance. Gynecol Endocrinol 2015;31(2):131-5. PubMed
  5. Matarrelli B, Vitacolonna E, D'Angelo M, et al. Effect of dietary myo-inositol supplementation in pregnancy on the incidence of maternal gestational diabetes mellitus and fetal outcomes: a randomized controlled trial. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2013;26(1 PubMed
  6. Mukai T, Kishi T, Matsuda Y, Iwata N. A meta-analysis of inositol for depression and anxiety disorders. Hum Psychopharmacol 2014;29(1):55-63. PubMed
  7. Farren M, Daly N, McKeating A, Kinsley B, Turner MJ, Daly S. The Prevention of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus With Antenatal Oral Inositol Supplementation: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Diabetes Care. 2017;40(6):759-63. PubMed
  8. Zheng X, Liu Z, Zhang Y, et al. Relationship Between Myo-Inositol Supplementary and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Meta-Analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2015;94(42):e1604. PubMed
  9. Crawford TJ, Crowther CA, Alsweiler J, Brown J. Antenatal dietary supplementation with myo-inositol in women during pregnancy for preventing gestational diabetes. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;(12):CD011507. PubMed
  10. Maurizi AR, Menduni M, Del Toro R, et al. A pilot study of D-chiro-inositol plus folic acid in overweight patients with type 1 diabetes. Acta Diabetol. 2017;54(4):361-65. PubMed
  11. Leppink EW, Redden SA, Grant JE. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study of inositol in trichotillomania. Int Clin Psychopharmacol. 2017;32(2):107-14. PubMed
  12. Lam S, Mandrekar SJ, Gesthalter Y. A Randomized Phase IIb Trial of myo-Inositol in Smokers with Bronchial Dysplasia. Cancer Prev Res (Phila). 2016;9(12):906-14.
  13. Wozniak J, Faraone SV, Chan J, et al. A randomized clinical trial of high eicosapentaenoic acid omega-3 fatty acids and inositol as monotherapy and in combination in the treatment of pediatric bipolar spectrum disorders: a pilot study. J Clin Psychiatry. PubMed
  14. Vitale SG, Corrado F, Caruso S, et al. Myo-inositol supplementation to prevent gestational diabetes in overweight non-obese women: bioelectrical impedance analysis, metabolic aspects, obstetric and neonatal outcomes - a randomized and open-label, placebo-

See these in context on the Inositol monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

Keep exploring