Inositol is classified as a carbohydrate though it is not a classical sugar and has the sweetness of approximately half a tablespoon of sugar. As a component of the popular Inositol Hexaphosphate (IP6) product available in stores, it is found in many plants particularly fruits like oranges and cantaloupes. It is produced by your body in small amounts and thus is not an essential nutrient; however, in certain circumstances, it can be beneficial to take inositol supplements. 

Inositol Supplement Uses & Key Health Benefits

It is mainly used in the body for signalling and secondary messaging. Specifically, it is used for insulin signal conduction, cell wall assembly, nerve guidance, intracellular calcium concentration control, cell membrane potential maintenance, the breakdown of fats and reduction of cholesterol, and gene expression.

Psychiatric Conditions - studies show that Inositol supplements can be used for psychiatric conditions such as eating disorders, depression, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Hormonal Disorders, Infertility and Diabetes - double-blinded studies have shown Inositol to be effective in the treatment of Polycystic Ovarian Disorder (PCOD), hyperandrogenism, oligo-amenorrhea, and insulin resistance – all implicated in infertility.

Blood Pressure, Lipid Metabolism, Cholesterol and Metabolic Disorders in Women – studies showed Inositol supplements are effective in helping reduce high diastolic (the second number in blood pressure readings) blood pressure, increase good HDL cholesterol and lower triglycerides.

It has also been used for diabetic nerve pain, insomnia, Alzheimer’s, ADHD, Autism, hair growth, and psoriasis.

Understanding How Inositol Works Inside Your Body

Psychiatric Conditions - All of the neurotransmitters use Inositol as part of their messaging and communication systems, including the signal conduction pathway for dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin, and acetylcholine. Producing better communication is one-way Inositol helps many psychiatric conditions.

Insulin Resistance Hormonal Disorders - Inositol works on making Insulin receptors on cells more receptive to Insulin, which in turn reduces the development of insulin resistance and the development of Diabetes, PCOS, infertility related to PCOS and other Insulin-related hormonal disorders.

Cholesterol - Inositol is a lipotrophic agent. This means it reduces fat accumulation in our livers by liquefying it and shutting it away from our livers and arteries thus decreasing the development of fatty liver and clogged arteries. Inositol is usually combined with Vitamin B3 – Niacin – for the treatment of high cholesterol.

Metabolic Syndrome – Studies show the best form of Inositol for treating post-menopausal women suffering from metabolic syndrome is Myo-Inositol. It reduces diastolic blood pressure, increases insulin sensitivity, increases protective HDL cholesterol and reduces triglycerides.

As a strong antioxidant, inositol supplements bind and remove free radicals that are harmful to our body. Some research shows that IP6 slows abnormal cell division and may sometimes transform abnormal cells into normal cells. Supporters claim it effectively prevents kidney stones, high cholesterol, heart disease, and liver disease.

Key Tips For Taking Inositol Supplements

It is available in capsule or tablet form or combination with other nutraceuticals in specific formulations aimed at specific conditions.

Many products combine IP6 with Inositol. Why? The combination has been shown to provide a more powerful immune response than either molecule alone. In addition, the molecule Inositol Triphosphate or IP3 is known to promote and regulate healthy cell growth and division. By combining Inositol with IP6, we are potentially doubling the IP3 content.

Dosage

IP6 appears to have a wide safety range. In one study up to 8.8 grams of IP6 was used safely for 2 years with no reported side effects.

The recommended dosage for IP6 is 2 to 3 gm daily. It is best taken on an empty stomach. There is no Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for IP6.

There is no Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for Inositol and the D-Chiro-Inositol form. Dosages depend on the condition and range from 2 – 18 gms per day.