What does Inositol aid?
Inositol can aid in boosting mood and metabolism. Inositol can also aid balance certain chemicals in the body associated with mental conditions and treat disorders such as:
- Panic disorder
- Depression
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Anxiety
- Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Autism
- Alzheimer’s disease
Inositol may help in the treatment of other health conditions such as:
- Metabolic syndrome in the postmenopausal woman
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Elevated blood fats
- Diabetic nerve pain
- Skin disorder (Psoriasis)
A literature review suggests that Inositol can be helpful in the treatment of PCOS, by improving body response to insulin, controlling hormone levels required for egg production, and managing the level of male hormones in the females.
In the video below, Dr. Eric Berg talks about the 5 benefits of inositol you should know about:
This is our recommended Inositol supplement (Amazon’s Choice):
What is the dose of Inositol for PCOS?
The dose of Inositol for the treatment of PCOS is usually 2-4 grams/ day. However, reports suggest that every pregnancy is different, hence the dosage of Inositol for every individual may vary depending on the condition of the patient.
A study shows that when patients with PCOS were treated with 2 grams of Myo-inositol twice a day along with 2000 mcg of folic acid, the symptoms of PCOS decreased.
The report suggests that with 2 gm dose of Myo-inositol twice a day resulted in an increased fertilization rate and better embryo quality and no side effects were observed even at a 4 gm dose.
Can Myo-inositol be used for fertility without having PCOS?
A report suggests that Myo-inositol should not be used for fertility for patients without having PCOS because it achieves results exactly opposite of what is required for fertility.
A reproductive endocrinologist at the University of California in San Franciso states that there isn’t enough data to support the use of Myo-inositol for fertility in patients without having PCOS.
In a study, when Myo-inositol was tested for fertility in patients without having PCOS, it showed a decrease in the amount of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and a reduction in the total number of mature oocytes.
The FSH is an important hormone playing a role in the control of the menstrual cycle and the growth of eggs in the ovaries.
Can Inositol be used for hair growth?
Inositol can be used for hair growth because it lowers DHT (Dihydroxy testosterone), and encourages hair growth and the health of hair follicles. It also acts as an antioxidant that removes free radicals and helps reduce hair fall.
When taken in the form of a supplement Inositol can decrease hair thinning, and prevent hair loss.
Inositol can help hair growth by:
- Retaining moisture at hair follicles
- Preventing baldness
- By decreasing androgen hormones
- Prevent premature greying of hair
- By boosting the supply of nutrients and blood circulation to the scalp
- By fighting sun damage to the cuticles
Can Myo-inositol delay your period?
A study shows that Myo-inositol does not delay your period but it helps regularize periods in PCOS patients. However, there is not enough data to suggest that Myo-inositol causes period delays in patients without PCOS.
Period irregularity is caused due to the hormonal imbalance in the females. Studies show that Myo-inositol can help improve insulin sensitivity and decrease the level of male hormones in females, which can help restore the period.
Although some females in online discussion forums have experienced delayed periods after taking Myo-inositol, some experts suggest it could be due to the body trying to restore the menstrual cycle.
What are the Inositol benefits for men?
Inositol offers the following benefits for men:
- Act as an anti-oxidant and decrease free radicals
- Regulate blood sugar levels
- It May help with sexual health
- Regulate metabolism
- Studies suggest it may help improve sperm quality with regard to motility, concentration, and morphology
- It may improve male fertility due to increased sperm quality
- Reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression
- Improves skin health
- Lower levels of triglycerides in the blood
Supplementation of Inositol with other antioxidants is becoming a popular strategy to improve male sexual health, through its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and insulin-sensitizing properties it may improve male fertility in men.
Can Inositol and Choline be used for weight loss?
Inositol and Choline supplementation can be used for weight loss because Inositol helps redistribute body fat by breaking it down and Choline helps utilize fat by burning it.
In addition, Choline assists in the dissolution of fat and cholesterol by promoting the development of smaller fat globules. This enables the body to get rid of fat faster by speeding up the process of fat transport from cells.
A study shows that Inositol and Cholin supplementation can inhibit weight gain and decrease liver fat. All these processes combined can help support the weight loss process.
Can Myo-Inositol help in the treatment of acne?
Myo-inositol can help treat moderate acne because it improves insulin response, and decreases levels of androgen and dihydroxy testosterone, the contributing factors to the formation of acne.
A study conducted on females with acne and PCOS showed that inositol supplementation decreased acne and showed improvement of skin as compared to the females who received placebos.
Another study showed that Myo-inositol after 3 months of administration decreased acne in women with PCOS.
Inositol improves insulin response which in turn restores hormonal balance in females, thus decreasing the occurrence of acne.
What is the dosage of Inositol for the treatment of anxiety?
The suggested dosage of Inositol for the treatment of anxiety is 12-18 grams daily.
In a study, a dose of Inositol as high as 18 grams/ day was used to assess the effect on panic attacks. The researchers found the dose effective in decreasing panic attacks, which are a result of anxiety.
However, the form of Inositol should be considered while taking Inositol supplements. Different forms of supplements require different dosages.
- Powder form: 12-18 grams
- Soft gel formulation: 4.2-5.4 grams
Can Inositol be used in the treatment of ADHD?
Inositol can be used for the treatment of ADHD because it stimulates the secretion of serotonin and dopamine, as well as its ability to boost mental alertness, mood, and focus.
Studies show that a chronic deficiency of serotonin and a low level of dopamine may trigger symptoms of ADHD. The optimum levels of these hormones are required for proper brain functioning.
A researcher named Dr. Amen, suggests inositol supplementation for a type of ADHD named over-focused ADD.
The suggested dosage of Inositol for the treatment of mental conditions is 12-18 grams in 2-3 daily divided dosage for adults.
What is the dosage of Inositol for the treatment of OCD?
The suggested dose of Inositol for the treatment of OCD is 12-18 grams per day. A controlled trial performed on 13 patients showed that 18 grams of Inositol per day for thirteen weeks reduced symptoms of OCD as compared to placebo.
The research demonstrated the effectiveness of Inositol for the treatment of OCD with no side effects reported.
Since inositol is a natural form of therapy it has become more popular for the treatment of OCD than the conventional form of therapy. And the improving body of research is likely to improve its popularity and use further.
What is the dosage of Inositol for sleep?
The typical suggested dose of inositol for sleep is 0.5 gm to 2 grams per day.
It is recommended to take the dose a few hours before going to the bed. For using Inositol for sleep it is better to take the supplement for a month, taking a pill or powder just on a day is not good enough.
A trial performed by researchers on pregnant women demonstrated that a 2-gram dose of Inositol for 14 weeks, improved sleep quality and sleep duration in the subjects.
By stimulating the release of serotonin and dopamine Inositol promotes the feeling of calmness and peacefulness, the factors contributing to a good night’s sleep.
What are the benefits of Inositol for menopause?
Studies show that Inositol offers the following benefits for menopause:
- Management of metabolic syndrome
- Decrease in the blood pressure
- Improves functioning of thyroid glands
- When taken along with melatonin, Inositol improves glucose metabolism
- To manage complications of diabetes
- To manage Insulin resistance
- Improvement in high-density lipoprotein (HDL)
A growing body of research supports the use of Inositol in the management of various metabolic disorders and complications in menopausal women.
Also, the research suggests its use in various conditions such as thyroid diseases and nephropathy. A deeper understanding of its mechanism of action is bound to increase its use as a supplement in menopausal women.
Is Inositol is same as the Myo-inositol?
Yes, Inositol is the same as Myo-inositol. The term Myo-inositol is used to refer to the most bioavailable form of Inositol. Inositol exists in 9 different forms or isomers. These different forms differ in their function.
The most commonly used forms of Inositol are Myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol.
For example, Myo-inositol is involved in the absorption of glucose, while D-chiro-inositol is involved in the metabolism of glucose. Myo-inositol helps with the activation and use of substances and hormones, and D-chiro-inositol helps in the storage and synthesis.
Is it okay taking Metformin and Myo-inositol together?
Yes, doctors suggest it is okay taking Metformin and Myo-inositol together because the combination works in synergism for the treatment of PCOS.
Myo-inositol decreases blood glucose levels and improves the ovulation process, while Metformin improves insulin sensitivity thus increasing the effects of insulin.
Some common side effects associated with taking Metformin and Myo-inositol together are nausea, altered taste, diarrhea, stomach pain, and loss of appetite.
However, some suggest that Myo-inositol is superior in the management of insulin than Metformin.
When to take Inositol?
As a supplement, you can take Inositol at any time of the day, but some manufacturers suggest taking it in the morning on empty stomach for better absorption. Inositol can be also taken along with meals to make them easier to consume.
- For better sleep and treatment of insomnia- few hours before bed.
- For treatment of PCOS: as suggested by the physician.
- When consuming larger amounts (12-18 grams): 2-3 daily divided dosage.
How long does Myo-Inositol take to work?
Myo-inositol takes a minimum of 4 weeks to work, but the time required to produce desired results may vary depending on the underlying condition.
- For metabolic and hormonal syndrome: 3 months
- For treatment of depression: 4 weeks
- For blood pressure, insulin sensitivity, and cholesterol levels in menopausal disorders: 6 months
- For gestational diabetes in overweight, pregnant women: 10 weeks.
What are the side effects of Inositol powder?
Possible side effects of Inositol powder include:
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Tiredness
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Gas
- Prolonged use of inositol may lead to hypoglycemia in diabetic people.
- A high dose may decrease the ability of the body to absorb certain minerals.
Inositol is considered safe for consumption by adults as well as it is declared as “GRAS”
(Generally Regarded as Safe) by USFDA.
Since Inositol is a dietary supplement, it is not tested for safety and its effects on kids, pregnant and nursing women. Consult your physician before consuming any supplements.
How much Inositol should I take?
Inositol is used for various conditions, so how much Inositol you should take varies depending on the specific condition. The most common dosage of Inositol is 1-4 grams daily.
- For metabolic syndrome: 2 grams twice daily
- PCOS: 2 grams twice daily
- For Lithium-related Psoriasis: Up to 6 grams once a day.
- For mental conditions such as anxiety and depression: up to 12 grams daily.
- For Insomnia and better sleep: 2 grams daily
- For panic disorder: up to 18 grams per day
- For OCD: 18 grams per day
- For blood sugar control in gestational diabetes: 2 grams per day
- For sugar control in type 2 diabetes: 1 gram per day
- For mood disorder: less than 4 grams per day
Can I use Myo-inositol while pregnant?
Yes, you can use Myo-inositol while pregnant if you are experiencing mental health issues, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, or have PCOS.
Numerous studies have been carried out regarding the supplementation of Inositol in pregnant women for the treatment of various conditions. No adverse effects or events have been reported in the literature when Myo-inositol was given to pregnant women. Studies have shown that dosages up to 4 grams a day have been well tolerated by pregnant women without any adverse effects.
Current research shows that Myo-inositol is safe for most pregnant women and may also decrease the risk of some pregnancy-related complications.
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Sources
This article makes use of information from the U.S. National Library of Medicine under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
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