Inositol is a type of sugar that influences both the body's insulinresponse and several hormones associated with mood and cognition. It's often referred to as vitamin B8, but it is not actually a vitamin.
Inositol is found naturally in cantaloupe, citrus fruit, and many fiber-rich foods (such as beans, brown rice, corn, sesame seeds, and wheat bran). It is also sold in supplement form and used as a complementary therapy to treat a wide range of medical conditions, including metabolic and mood disorders.
D-chiro-inositol, inositol hexaphosphate (often referred to as "IP6"), and the compoundmyo-inositol are themost widely used inositol supplements.They are generally considered safe if taken appropriately.
This article discusses the potential health benefits and uses of inositol. It also covers dosage, preparation, potential side effects, and interactions you should consider before taking this substance.
Commonly Known As
- Inositol
- D-chiro-inositol
- Inositol hexaphosphate (or "IP6")
- Myo-inositol
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Potential Health Benefits of Inositol
Inositol plays an important part in cell growth and functioning. Some research has found that inositol may have a number of health benefits, including:
- Lowering the risk of metabolic syndrome, which is a risk factor for a number of conditions including increased belly fat, high blood pressure, and high blood sugar
- Lowering high cholesterol
- Helping the body regulate and process insulin
- Helping relieve anxiety and symptoms of panic disorder
- Reducing the risk of gestational diabetes
- Relieving symptoms of depression
- Relieving symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
It is important to note, however, that much of this research is preliminary and results are sometimes mixed. For example, one study concluded that while inositol showed some promise for panic disorder, the evidence does not support the use of inositol as a treatment.
Uses for Inositol
What is inositol used for? Alternative health providers recommend inositol supplements for a wide range of health conditions, including mood disorders, anxiety, ADHD, and PTSD.
However, it is important to use caution when evaluating such claims. While there may be some evidence that inositol might benefit certain conditions, more research is needed. Inositol should not be used as a monotherapy or in place of traditional treatments for these conditions.
There is some research that inositol may benefit some disorders, including mental health concerns, PCOS, and metabolic disorders. Here's a closer look at the science behind the different uses of inositol.
Mental Health Disorders
How inositol affects mental health conditions is not clear. Some research indicates that inositol might play a part in the development of certain mental health conditions, although the exact mechanisms are not clear and more research is needed. It has been suggested that inositol might influence depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders by impacting "feel-good" hormones serotonin and dopamine.
A number of studies have investigated the use of inositol as an add-on treatment alongside selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are used to treat a variety of depressive and anxiety disorders. However, results have not demonstrated an antidepressant effect.
Depression
Inositol may have some positive effects for depression, but it is important to note that the evidence remains inconclusive. One study found that myo-inositol concentration in blood might be a reliable marker for clinical depression.
While an earlier double-blind study found that a daily 12-gram dose of inositol improved depression scores compared to people provided a placebo, the results have not been replicated elsewhere.
Panic Disorder
The compound has also been investigated for its potential impact on anxiety conditions. The benefits have mostly been seen in people with panic disorder in whom depression is common. A small study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology investigated the effect of myo-inositol on 20 people with panic disorder.
After being provided a daily 18-gram dose of myo-inositol for four weeks, the participants were given a daily 150-mg dose of Luvox (fluvoxamine)—a commonly prescribed psychiatric drug—for the four weeks. Compared to a matched set of individuals not given myo-inositol, those who were given myo-inositol had an average of 2.4 fewer panic attacks per week.
However, more research is needed to better understand the impact inositol might have on anxiety disorders.
Bipolar Disorder
While research is limited, some studies suggest that inositol might have the potential to reduce symptoms of bipolar disorder. In one study, children affected by bipolar conditions experienced fewer symptoms of depression and mania after taking inositol and omega-3 fatty acids for 12 weeks.
The compound has also been found to reduce psoriasis symptoms in people taking lithium, a drug commonly prescribed to treat bipolar disorder, depression, schizophrenia, and eating disorders. Depending on the usage, lithium-induced psoriasis can affect anywhere from 3% to 45% of people who take lithium.
Recap
How inositol affects mental health conditions is not well understood and more research is needed. Some preliminary evidence indicates it may play a role in the development of depression, but research on its effects as a treatment is mixed. Some research also suggests it may have some benefits for panic disorder and bipolar disorder, but this evidence is limited and further research is needed.
Metabolic Disorders
There is evidence to suggest inositol has benefits for metabolic disorders that contribute to the development of high blood pressure, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.
A 2016 pilot study published in the International Journal of Endocrinology reported that people with type 2 diabetes givenmyo-inositol and d-chiro-inositol daily along with their anti-diabetes drugs had a significant drop in their fasting blood glucose (192.6 mg/dL down to 160.9 mg/dL) and A1C (8.6% down to 7.7%) after three months.
Another small study published in the journal Menopause suggested that myo-inositol may aid in the treatment of metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women. According to the research, women assigned to six months of myo-inositol supplements experienced significantly greater improvements in blood pressure and cholesterol levels than women provided a placebo.
When treated with myo-inositol, women with metabolic syndrome experienced an 11% drop in diastolic blood pressure, a 20% drop in triglycerides, and a 22% increase in "good" high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.
All of these values translate to an improvement of metabolic syndrome as well as a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
D-chiro-inositol may help manage PCOS, according to a small study published inEndocrine Practice. For this study, 20 women with PCOS were given either a placebo or 6 grams of D-chiro-inositol once daily for six to eight weeks.
The results revealed that D-chiro-inositol helped treat several abnormalities associated with PCOS, including high blood pressure and elevated levels of blood fats. In addition, elevated testosterone levels (consistent with PCOS-related hormone imbalances) decreased by 73% compared to 0% for those given a placebo.
Generally speaking, normalization of hormonal balances translates to an improvement of PCOS symptoms.
Recap
Inositol shows promise in the treatment of metabolic disorders and polycystic ovary syndrome. However, further research is needed to recommend the use of inositol as a treatment. Always talk to your doctor first if you are considering taking inositol to treat a health condition.
Possible Side Effects of Inositol
Are there any dangers associated with taking inositol? Inositol isgenerally considered safe in adults. Side effects, if any, tend to be mild and may include nausea, stomach pain, tiredness, headache, and dizziness. Most side effects occur with doses greater than 12 grams per day.
The metabolic effects of inositol may not be appropriate for everyone. Even in people with diabetes, the prolonged use or overuse of inositol may lead to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Although there are some studies to suggest inositol may be helpful in bipolar disease, there is also concern about it possibly causing a manic or hypomanic episode.
There is also some concern that high doses of inositol hexaphosphate may reduce the body's ability to absorb zinc, calcium, iron, and other essential minerals, triggering nutritional deficiencies even if you're eating a balanced diet.
As dietary supplements, inositol products are not tested for safety, and their effect onpregnant people, nursing people, and children has not been established.
Talk to a doctor before trying this or any other supplement or natural remedy. Tell your doctor about any medications, substances, or supplements you are currently taking, since inositol may cause interactions. Do not use inositol in place of proven treatments for a medical or mental health condition.
Dosage and Preparation
Inositol supplements are sold as tablets and capsules. There is no recommended daily allowance for inositol and there is no standardized dosing schedule.
Manufacturers recommend the following doses for supporting individual conditions:
- Metabolic syndrome: 2 grams twice daily
- PCOS: 2 grams twice daily
- Lithium-related psoriasis: Up to 6 grams once daily
- Anxiety and panic attacks: Up to 12 grams daily
What to Look For
Widely available for purchase online, inositol supplements can also be found in natural foods stores and stores specializing in dietary supplements.To ensure quality and safety, always look for products tested and approved by an independent certifying body like the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP), NSF International, or ConsumerLab.
If you decide to take an inositol supplement, speak with your doctor to ensure that it's appropriate based on your health and medical history.
Recap
While inositol is generally believed to be safe for adults, it may cause some side effects, particularly at higher doses. There is also a possibility of drug interactions, so always talk to a doctor before you take inositol.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get inositol from food?
Yes! Foods rich in inositol also offer fiber and nutrients needed for good, long-term health. These include fruits, beans, grains, and nuts. Cantaloupe, oats, bran, and citrus fruits (other than lemons) are especially rich in myo-inositol. Cooking or freezing fruits and vegetables reduces their inositol content. There is very little inositol in milk or yogurt.
Can inositol cure autism?
While inositol is sometimes touted as a treatment for autism, there is no scientific evidence to support those claims. It may, however, help to ease symptoms of anxiety, a common co-morbidity of autism.
Will inositol regrow hair?
The supplement is often touted as a cure for thinning hair and balding, but the research is lacking. There is some evidence that inositol helps to reduce testosterone and balance hormones in people with PCOS, which may help reverse thinning hair associated with the condition.
Does inositol cause weight gain?
Inositol has been shown to help improve glucose metabolism, which may help some people manage their weight more effectively. Some evidence suggests that this supplement may help women with PCOS lose weight.
Who should take inositol?
While more research is needed, some preliminary studies have suggested that this compound could potentially benefit people with metabolic syndrome, diabetes, panic disorder, depression, and bipolar disorder. However, much of this research remains inconclusive. You should always talk to your doctor before taking this supplement.
