Myo-Inositol

What is it?

Myo-Inositol is a naturally occurring carbohydrate and a form of inositol, a vitamin-like substance that is part of the B-vitamin complex. It is found in many foods and is also produced by the human body. Myo-Inositol is particularly important for cellular signaling and the regulation of insulin and reproductive hormones.

How does it work for medicinal purposes?

Myo-Inositol works by influencing various biochemical pathways, including insulin signaling, neurotransmitter function, and cellular communication. It helps improve insulin sensitivity, regulate hormone levels, and support mental health. Myo-Inositol is often used to treat polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), improve fertility, and manage mental health conditions like anxiety and depression.

What are the active ingredients that are important for its medicinal properties?

The primary active ingredient in Myo-Inositol supplements is Myo-Inositol itself. It acts as a precursor to various signaling molecules that play crucial roles in cellular function and metabolic regulation.

What forms does it come in?

• Capsules
• Tablets
• Powder
• Liquid

What if I have an imbalance or deficiency?

A deficiency or imbalance in Myo-Inositol can lead to insulin resistance, hormonal imbalances, and mental health issues. Supplementing with Myo-Inositol can help restore normal levels, improve insulin sensitivity, regulate hormones, and support overall mental health.

When was it first used for medicinal purposes?

Myo-Inositol has been studied for its health benefits since the mid-20th century. Its use in treating PCOS and improving fertility became more widely recognized in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

What does Myo-Inositol help with?

Myo-inositol is a sugar-like compound that your body makes on its own. It also turns up in foods such as beans, grains and fruit. Most people take it as a supplement for PCOS, cycles, fertility or blood sugar.

• PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome)
  Strong evidence — one of the most studied natural products in PCOS, with repeated human trials. In trials in women with PCOS, myo-inositol was linked to more regular cycles. Studies also found lower androgen levels and better ovulation rates. Researchers think it helps the ovaries answer FSH, the hormone that starts egg growth; low inositol activity in ovary tissue is the proposed gap it fills.
  Evidence grade A · Traditional tier T0
• Lowering the risk of diabetes in pregnancy
  Strong evidence — clinical trials in pregnant women at higher risk. In clinical trials, women at risk who took myo-inositol in pregnancy went on to develop gestational diabetes less often. Trials rated it well tolerated in pregnancy. Talk to your midwife or doctor before you start anything while pregnant.
  Evidence grade A · Traditional tier T0
• Periods that come at odd times
  Good evidence — clinical studies of cycle regularity, mostly in PCOS. Clinical studies found real gains in cycle regularity within 3 to 6 months. Most of this work was done in women with PCOS. The proposed path is better ovary response to hormone signals, plus lower androgens.
  Evidence grade B · Traditional tier T0
• Egg quality and getting pregnant
  Good evidence — trials in women having IVF and in women with PCOS. In women going through IVF, supplementation was linked to better egg quality. In women with PCOS, studies reported more ovulation without drugs. Myo-inositol sits in high amounts in the fluid around growing eggs, and higher levels there track with riper eggs; that link is observed, not proven cause.
  Evidence grade B · Traditional tier T0
• Insulin resistance and prediabetes
  Good evidence — human studies of fasting glucose and post-meal insulin, largely in PCOS. In human studies, myo-inositol lowered fasting glucose. It also blunted insulin spikes after meals. Its role in the insulin signal inside cells is established cell biology, not a result from these trials.
  Evidence grade B · Traditional tier T0
• High testosterone in women (extra hair, acne, thinning hair)
  Good evidence — PCOS trials that measured free androgen levels in blood. In PCOS trials, free androgen levels dropped. The proposed path is better insulin sensitivity, since high insulin pushes the ovaries to make more androgen. Most of these trials tracked blood levels rather than skin or hair changes.
  Evidence grade B · Traditional tier T0
• OCD symptoms
  Early evidence — a small body of randomised trials at 18 grams a day. Small randomised trials found fewer OCD symptoms with 18 grams a day. That is far more than the usual dose used for hormones. The proposed path is an effect on serotonin signals in the brain.
  Evidence grade C · Traditional tier T0
• Anxiety and panic attacks
  Early evidence — early clinical trials in panic disorder and general anxiety. Early clinical trials found fewer and milder panic attacks. Some of those trials put it side by side with medicines used for panic. The change was gentle and built over several weeks.
  Evidence grade C · Traditional tier T0
• Metabolic syndrome markers
  Early evidence — studies in women with PCOS and metabolic problems, modest results. In women with PCOS and metabolic problems, studies found modest gains. Triglycerides and fasting glucose moved the most. Other parts of the cluster shifted less.
  Evidence grade C · Traditional tier T0

What Myo-Inositol has not been shown to do

• The usual PCOS-sized dose has not been shown to ease OCD; that research used 18 grams a day.
• It has not been shown to cure PCOS, only to shift cycles, ovulation and hormone levels.
• It has not been shown to stand in for prescribed medicine for panic disorder or OCD.
• No human trial on file tested it in people who already have type 2 diabetes.
• For metabolic syndrome, gains in blood pressure and belly fat were less clear than gains in blood sugar and triglycerides.
• No trial on file shows that it brings about pregnancy on its own.

How to read this:

A grade shows how strong the human evidence is, not how strong the effect is. A means several good trials in people agree. B means at least one good trial. C means small or early studies. D means weak or mixed results. Insufficient means no human study yet. This page reports what studies found. It is not medical advice, and it is not a promise of results for you. Talk with your own clinician, above all if you are pregnant or taking medicine.

Which conditions and symptoms does it help prevent?

Myo-Inositol can help prevent:

1. Type 2 Diabetes: Improves insulin sensitivity and helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
2. Hormonal Imbalances: Supports hormonal regulation and prevents related disorders.
3. Metabolic Syndrome: Reduces risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome by improving insulin function.
4. Infertility: Enhances ovarian function and supports reproductive health.
5. Mental Health Disorders: Supports neurotransmitter function and helps prevent anxiety and depression.
6. Gestational Diabetes: Reduces the risk of developing gestational diabetes during pregnancy.
7. PCOS-Related Complications: Manages PCOS symptoms and prevents associated complications.
8. Liver Fat Accumulation: Helps prevent fatty liver disease by improving liver function.
9. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): Prevents severe premenstrual symptoms by maintaining hormonal balance.
10. OCD Symptoms: Reduces the risk of worsening OCD symptoms by modulating serotonin pathways.

Which foods are rich in it?

Myo-Inositol is found in a variety of foods, including:

1. Whole Grains (e.g., brown rice, oats)
2. Citrus Fruits (e.g., oranges, grapefruit)
3. Legumes (e.g., beans, lentils)
4. Nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts)
5. Seeds (e.g., sunflower seeds)
6. Fruits (e.g., cantaloupe, strawberries)
7. Vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, tomatoes)
8. Green Leafy Vegetables (e.g., spinach)
9. Meat and Poultry
10. Fish

What are possible side effects?

Myo-Inositol is generally well-tolerated, but possible side effects include:

• Common (10-30%)
• Mild gastrointestinal issues (e.g., nausea, gas, bloating)
• Less Common (1-10%)
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Rare (<1%)
• Allergic reactions (e.g., rash, itching)

What’s the recommended daily dose?

The recommended daily dose of Myo-Inositol for adults typically ranges from 2 to 4 grams, divided into two doses. Higher doses may be used for specific conditions such as PCOS, but it is important to follow the dosage instructions provided on the product label or by a healthcare provider.

How many days does it take to work?

Some benefits of Myo-Inositol, such as improved mood and reduced anxiety, may be noticeable within a few days to a week. Long-term benefits, such as improved insulin sensitivity and menstrual regularity, may take several weeks to months of regular use to become apparent.

What time of day is best to take it?

Myo-Inositol can be taken at any time of day. It is often recommended to divide the daily dose into two smaller doses, taken in the morning and evening, to maintain consistent levels in the body.

Is it best to take it with or without food?

Myo-Inositol can be taken with or without food. Taking it with meals may help minimize any potential gastrointestinal discomfort. For optimal absorption and efficacy, follow the instructions provided on the product label.