Inositol is a vitamin-like substance found in some foods. It is also available as a dietary supplement and might be beneficial for people with some conditions. You might want to consider taking inositol if you have an insulin-resistant condition such as pre-diabetes, glucose intolerance, type 2 diabetes, or polycystic ovary syndrome. Inositol might also be helpful for individuals with high cholesterol or blood pressure.
Inositol
Inositol is a naturally occurring compound that is similar in structure to glucose. Although it is not considered to be an essential nutrient, individuals who have diabetes or are insulin resistant might have increased requirements for inositol, which also appears to play a role in the development and quality of human eggs, thus possibly influencing fertility. Many different forms of inositol are available, but myo-inositol is most prevalent in nature. Foods that contain myo-inositol include cantaloupe, grapefruit and some other fruits; beans; peas; and whole wheat bread.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Most of the research on inositol as a dietary supplement has investigated its effects on the features of polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, a condition often associated with insulin resistance and infertility. Overall, studies of inositol supplementation in PCOS have been positive. In one study, published in the journal "Gynecological Endocrinology" in 2008, women with PCOS who took two grams of myo-inositol daily for 12 weeks experienced improvements in their hormone levels, insulin sensitivity and menstrual regularity. Another study published in 2009 had similar results and also reported improvements in blood pressure, triglycerides and total cholesterol in women taking 4 g of inositol daily for six weeks.
Metabolic Syndrome
Although most inositol research has focused on women with PCOS, other uses for inositol supplements are possible. A study published in the journal "Menopause" in 2011 assessed the effects of six months of inositol supplementation combined with a diet regimen in postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome -- which is characterized by abdominal obesity, insulin resistance and high triglyceride levels. The study found that adding inositol to a diet resulted in greater improvements in blood pressure, insulin sensitivity, cholesterol and triglycerides than diet alone.
Supplements
Inositol is sold online and in some natural food stores that carry dietary supplements, typically as myo-inositol or D-chiro-inositol. It is often found in powder form, but might also be sold in capsules. If you decide to take inositol, you should take between 2 and 4 g per day, as this range represents the dosages used in studies. As with any medication or supplement, you should consult your doctor before taking inositol.
References
- "The Vitamins: Fundmental Aspects in Nutrition and Health (second edition)"; G.F. Combs; 1998; p. 438-444
- "European Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Biology"; "Contribution of Myo-inositol to Reproduction"; E. Papaleo et al; 2009
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; "Myo-inositol Content of Common Foods: Development of a High myo-inositol Diet"; R.S. Clements et al; 1980
- "Gynecological Endocrinology"; "Myo-inositol Administration Positively Affects Hyperinsulinemia and Hormonal Parameters in Overweight Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome"; A.D. Gennazzini et al; 2008
- "European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences"; "Metabolic and Hormonal Effects of Myo-inositol in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Double-blind Trial"; D. Constantino et al; 2009
- "Menopause"; "Effects of Myo-inositol Supplementation in Postmenopausal Women with Metabolic Syndrome: A Prospective, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study"; D. Giordano et al; 2011
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