Inositol is a type of sugar that the body uses to make cell membranes. It also helps regulate insulin levels, which means it may have benefits for people with conditions such as metabolic syndrome and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
There are
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers inositol to be generally safe, but some people may experience mild side effects if they take higher doses.
Read on to learn more about inositol, including what it is and its benefits, side effects, and food sources.
Inositol is a type of sugar similar to glucose. Humans can make it themselves or absorb it through their diet.
The body needs inositol to
There are nine forms of inositol, but the
People take myoinositol supplements for a wide range of health reasons, many of which have supporting evidence. For example, people can use it to:
- Mental Health
- skin health
- reproductive health
- pregnancy health
- metabolic health
Inositol may be especially beneficial for people with certain conditions.
Panic disorder
A
Bipolar disorder
A randomized controlled trial in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry suggests that inositol may help treat bipolar disorder in children. The combination of omega-3 fatty acids and inositol reduced symptoms of mania and depression in children aged 5 to 12.
However, the study had a small number of participants, and researchers excluded children with serious conditions. More research is needed to confirm whether inositol helps people with bipolar disorder.
Psoriasis
A
PCOS
PCOS causes production of the ovaries or adrenal glands excessive levels male sex hormones, which can affect fertility and insulin resistance.
A
- improve ovarian function and fertility
- decrease levels of male sex hormones and thereby reduce the severity of acne and excessive hair growth
- improve metabolic health
- regulate hormones involved in reproduction and ovulation
Additionally, a
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational Diabetes refers to high blood sugar during pregnancy. High blood sugar usually reverses after birth, but it can lead to pregnancy complications.
A
The researchers concluded that myoinositol supplementation in early pregnancy helps reduce the rate of gestational diabetes, premature birth, and high birth weight.
Metabolic syndrome
People with metabolic syndrome have several risk factors for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. These can include obesity, high blood pressure, and high blood sugar. According to a
Additionally, high glucose levels lower myoinositol levels in a person’s tissues. The body breaks down myoinositol faster and the kidneys eliminate it faster, creating a vicious cycle.
The authors of the study highlight the many studies demonstrating the safety of myoinositol. They conclude that doctors should consider it as a treatment for people with metabolic syndrome, as well as those with diabetes.
Many people can take inositol. The FDA classifies inositol as “generally recognized as safe”. However,
Also, clinical trials on inositol tend to last no longer than a year, so it’s unclear if inositol can be taken safely long term.
People should speak with a doctor before trying inositol to verify that it is safe for them.
Clinical trials investigating the benefits of inositol tend to involve doses between
If a person is taking inositol for medical reasons, they should first consult a doctor. The doctor can advise you on the most suitable dosage.
An alternative to inositol supplementation is to get more of this substance from food. Although rare in modern diets, animal products
- kidney
- brain
- blood products
Other foods containing inositol include:
People can also eat foods that contain substances the body uses to make inositol, such as:
Inositol is a type of sugar that helps form the structure of cell membranes. It also regulates insulin and neurotransmitters. The human body can produce inositol, but people can also get it from supplements and certain foods.
Research suggests that inositol may benefit people with certain health conditions, including PCOS and metabolic syndrome. He seems to be generally safebut anyone who wants to try this supplement should discuss it with a doctor first.
