Inositol

WHAT IS INOSITOL?

Inositol is a chemical compound that is found in nature in nine, more or less, identical forms. Inositol is a form of sugar (more specifically an alcohol sugar), that occurs naturally in foods such as grains, beans, nuts, fruits, and vegetables. The body can also produce inositol from the carbohydrates we consume. Though it does not meet the specifications to qualify as a vitamin, inositol is often referred to as vitamin B8.

Inositol is quickly broken down by the body and used as an energy source. As a supplement, inositol offers a diverse range of benefits including: proper formation and integrity of cell membranes, naturally increasing insulin sensitivity; making it ideal for those with insulin resistance, hypoglycemia, central obesity, metabolic syndrome, and those with prediabetes and diabetes.

In addition, inositol functions as a secondary messenger in the central nervous system, which helps bolster the effects of key brain neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. This is why inositol has been shown to benefit conditions such as; mood disorders, anxiety and PMS symptoms (including severe forms of PMS). Some studies, in fact, have shown that inositol may be as supportive as other medications in a range of mood-based conditions.

BENEFITS of INOSITOL

• Helps Normalize Menstrual Cycle
• Increases Insulin Sensitivity
• Enhances Cognitive Health
• Supports PCOS Symptoms & Improves Fertility
  
  

WHO NEEDS INOSITOL?

While inositol may be recommended in a variety of different applications, the most common of these is support for polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a common condition that affects upwards of 20% of women, and features infrequent periods, an excess of male hormones, and polycystic ovaries. PCOS causes hormone imbalance and leads to irregular periods, weight gain, elevated glycemia, high cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as infertility. A number of high-quality trials have shown that inositol supplementation can restore spontaneous ovulation and improve fertility in women with PCOS.

Inositol is also frequently recommended for insulin resistance, in hormonal disorders, to help balance cholesterol and optimize blood lipid profiles, as well as to help improve/reverse conditions associated with blood sugar metabolism issues.

INOSITOL POTENCY, FORMS & FORMATS

Inositol Potency

Inositol supplements may be purchased in a range of potencies, typically between 250 and 2,000 mg, the most common being 500 mg. The required daily dose; however, will vary according to the intended use and can be anywhere from 1 to 18 g daily.

Inositol Forms

Inositol comes principally as Myo-inositol (MI), and D-chiro-inositol (DCI). Supplements also sometimes combine IP6 along with inositol (as inositol hexaphosphate), which seems to multiply the effects. Both MI and DCI have been shown to be effective at improving ovarian function and metabolism in women with PCOS; however, MI seems to have the most important effect on metabolic profile, whereas DCI is more effective at improving hyperandrogenism.

Inositol Formats

Inositol supplements are primarily available in tablets, capsules, softgels, powders, as well as frequently added to multivitamin blends and B-Complexes.

GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR INOSITOL SUPPLEMENT

If you are following a low carb diet, or a keto meal plan, inositol, as a carbohydrate, is prohibited.

Inositol is frequently combined with choline in supplements because together they have been found to facilitate fat burning (thermogenic effects). The combination of choline and inositol has also been shown to prevent abnormal accumulation of cholesterol and triglycerides in the liver.