Often dubbed as Vitamin B-8, inositol is a naturally occurring carbohydrate predominantly found in fruits, such as cantaloupe and oranges. But don't let its modest sweetness deceive you; inositol's real prowess lies in its diverse biological functions and promising therapeutic potential.
Earth Clinic readers have highlighted the multifaceted benefits of inositol supplementation; noticeable relief from depression, reduced withdrawal symptoms from medications, mitigation of menopausal weight gain, and decreased frequency and severity of hot flashes. Additionally, inositol has been credited for improving sleep patterns in those suffering from insomnia and significantly reducing heavy menstrual bleeding caused by fibroids.
While inositol is naturally present in various foods, especially in fruits, the commercially available inositol supplements predominantly come from manufacturing. The primary source for its commercial production is the phytic acid found in corn. When extracted from corn, this acid undergoes hydrolysis, a chemical process where it's broken down in the presence of an enzyme or acid, releasing inositol. The resultant inositol undergoes further purification and crystallization processes to ensure it meets the stringent quality and purity standards suitable for human consumption. As a result, the inositol produced for supplements is often identical in structure and function to the naturally occurring version, ensuring its effectiveness and safety for consumers.
At the heart of its cellular role, inositol facilitates insulin signal transduction, a pivotal process responsible for insulin release, which is indispensable for blood sugar regulation. Moreover, it strengthens cellular structure and optimizes the blood's metabolism of fats and cholesterol.
Studies indicate that inositol supplementation can lessen the frequency and intensity of panic attacks, fostering better mental equilibrium.1
Inositol has proven beneficial in significantly alleviating OCD symptoms, providing hope to many affected by the disorder. 2
While the research landscape is still evolving, initial findings, complemented by anecdotal evidence, spotlight the prospective advantages of inositol for individuals grappling with schizophrenia and depression.3
Inositol, particularly in myoinositol form, is pivotal in ameliorating PCOS symptoms by enhancing insulin resistance and restoring hormonal harmony.4
Supplementing with inositol has been acknowledged to promote ovarian function and fertility, especially for those with PCOS.5
For individuals experiencing irregular menstrual cycles, inositol might offer a natural solution to establish regularity.6
Supplementing with inositol can alleviate psoriasis symptoms, especially in cases exacerbated by lithium drug therapy.7
Inositol's role in cell function and hormonal balance suggests potential efficacy in managing inflammatory skin conditions, including acne.8
Inositol's contribution to insulin signal transduction augments the body's responsiveness to insulin, which is pivotal for those with type 2 diabetes or those on the cusp of it. 9
Inositol's active role in lipid metabolism aids in breaking down fats, facilitating cholesterol management, and bolstering cardiovascular health.10
Emerging studies suggest that inositol can potentially mitigate nerve complications related to diabetes.11
Inositol's influence on cellular structure may offer cognitive boosts, possibly protecting against neurodegenerative diseases.12
The ideal inositol dosage hinges on individual requirements and specific health objectives. Here's a distilled guideline:
A conservative dose is recommended for best results, gradually incrementing based on bodily responses.
While the health dividends of inositol are extensive, awareness of potential side effects is paramount. This includes symptoms like:
With its vast therapeutic landscape, Inositol has positioned itself as a powerhouse supplement, promising enhanced health across various fronts. While its potential is tantalizing, it's crucial to embrace it with a well-informed approach, heeding individual body responses and professional guidance. As research continues to expand, the horizon for inositol's applications seems limitless.
For those interested, firsthand feedback from individuals who've explored inositol as a supplement is available below. If you have an inositol experience to share, we'd love to hear from you!
1. Inositol and Panic Attacks: Palatnik A, Frolov K, Fux M, Benjamin J. Double-blind, controlled, crossover trial of inositol versus fluvoxamine for the treatment of panic disorder. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2001 Jun;21(3):335-9. doi: 10.1097/00004714-200106000-00014. PMID: 11386498. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11386498/
2. Inositol and OCD: Fux M, Levine J, Aviv A, Belmaker RH. Inositol treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Am J Psychiatry. 1996 Sep;153(9):1219-21. doi: 10.1176/ajp.153.9.1219. PMID: 8780431.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8780431
3. Inositol and Depression: Levine J. Controlled trials of inositol in psychiatry. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol. 1997 May;7(2):147-55. doi: 10.1016/s0924-977x(97)00409-4. PMID: 9169302. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9169302/
4. Inositol and PCOS: Kalra B, Kalra S, Sharma JB. The inositols and polycystic ovary syndrome. Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2016 Sep-Oct;20(5):720-724. doi: 10.4103/2230-8210.189231. PMID: 27730087; PMCID: PMC5040057. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5040057/
5. Inositol and Fertility: Gambioli R, Forte G, Buzzaccarini G, Unfer V, Laganà AS. Myo-Inositol as a Key Supporter of Fertility and Physiological Gestation. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2021 May 25;14(6):504. doi: 10.3390/ph14060504. PMID: 34070701; PMCID: PMC8227031. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8227031
6. Inositol and Regulating Menstrual Cycles: Kachhawa G, Senthil Kumar KV, Kulshrestha V, Khadgawat R, Mahey R, Bhatla N. Efficacy of myo-inositol and d-chiro-inositol combination on menstrual cycle regulation and improving insulin resistance in young women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A randomized open-label study. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2022 Aug;158(2):278-284. doi: 10.1002/ijgo.13971. Epub 2021 Nov 10. PMID: 34624138. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34624138/
7. Inositol for Psoriasis Caused by Lithium Therapy: Allan SJ, Kavanagh GM, Herd RM, Savin JA. The effect of inositol supplements on the psoriasis of patients taking lithium: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Br J Dermatol. 2004 May;150(5):966-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2004.05822.x. PMID: 15149510.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15149510/
8. Inositol for Acne and Inflammatory Skin Conditions: Zacchè MM, Caputo L, Filippis S, Zacchè G, Dindelli M, Ferrari A. Efficacy of myo-inositol in the treatment of cutaneous disorders in young women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2009 Aug;25(8):508-13. doi: 10.1080/09513590903015544. PMID: 19551544. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19551544/
9. Inositol and Insulin: Bevilacqua A, Bizzarri M. Inositols in Insulin Signaling and Glucose Metabolism. Int J Endocrinol. 2018 Nov 25;2018:1968450. doi: 10.1155/2018/1968450. PMID: 30595691; PMCID: PMC6286734.
10. Inositol's Impact On Cholesterol and Fat Metabolism: Tabrizi R, Ostadmohammadi V, Lankarani KB, Peymani P, Akbari M, Kolahdooz F, Asemi Z. The effects of inositol supplementation on lipid profiles among patients with metabolic diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Lipids Health Dis. 2018 May 24;17(1):123. doi: 10.1186/s12944-018-0779-4. PMID: 29793496; PMCID: PMC5968598. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5968598/
11. Inositol and Diabetic Neuropathy: Salway JG, Whitehead L, Finnegan JA, Karunanayaka A, Barnett D, Payne RB. Effect of myo-inositol on peripheral-nerve function in diabetes. Lancet. 1978 Dec 16;2(8103):1282-4. doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(78)92043-3. PMID: 82784.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/82784/
12. López-Gambero AJ, Sanjuan C, Serrano-Castro PJ, Suárez J, Rodríguez de Fonseca F. The Biomedical Uses of Inositols: A Nutraceutical Approach to Metabolic Dysfunction in Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases. Biomedicines. 2020 Aug 20;8(9):295. doi: 10.3390/biomedicines8090295. PMID: 32825356; PMCID: PMC7554709.
