Inositol For Weight Loss Reviews and Research Studies

Using Inositol for weight loss purposes may be effective, but clinical data is lacking at this time.

There are, however, strong correlations between inositol, its derivatives and various factors that are known to directly affect an individual’s capacity to lose excessive weight.

Inositol and its derived forms are responsible for many functions throughout the body and brain. It plays a role in lipid metabolism and supports healthy breakdown of fats, together with choline.

Inositol was previously considered a B complex vitamin, however it is now not classified as such. This simple carbohydrate is an alcohol sugar that is similar to glucose and is plentiful throughout nature, being readily found in plants and animals alike.

Inositol is a vital constituent necessary for developing and maintaining structural integrity in our individual cells. It regulates cell migration and apoptosis and helps to form the phospholipid bilayers that envelop and protect our cells.

Inositol

Nutrient Supplement

Brain Health

Mood

Weight Loss

How It Works:

• Supports brain & liver health
• Involved in mood regulation & nerve signalling
• Improves insulin sensitivity for PCOS, fertility & weight loss

Dosage:

Between 500 mg - 18 g per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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Inositol for Weight Loss

Clinical studies are ongoing about a wide range of inositol-related health benefits.

It is believed to be at least partially responsible for a long list of body and brain functions including, but not limited to:

• Accommodating neurotransmission signaling via its role as a secondary messenger for major primary messengers like Serotonin, Dopamine, and Norepinephrine
• Emulsifying fats, like LDL cholesterol, making them easier to expel from the body
• Synthesizing glucose to provide the energy we need for basic metabolic processes
• Preventing the building up of fatty acids in the heart, liver and other vital areas

When taken together with B-Complex vitamins, Inositol can help your body break down fats that accumulate in the liver. It is known as a lipotropic agent and may promote the redistribution of fat when an individual is losing weight.

As a component of lecithin, inositol and choline have earned a reputation for preventing weight gain, but there have been limited studies conducted to analyse the specific effects of inositol in this regard. It is theorized that taking inositol before bed might promote fat burning during the night.

Studies have shown that using D-chiro inositol can improve insulin sensitivity, triglyceride levels in the blood, and blood pressure in overweight women with PCOS. In another study, administering 4 g myo-inositol together with 400 mcg folic acid was found to promote significant weight loss and reduced leptin levels in individuals with PCOS.

There are limited studies on the effects of inositol for weight loss in the general population though, and large-scale placebo-controlled studies are needed to fully determine Inositol’s effects. At this time Inositol is available as a dietary supplement only, and the FDA has not approved Inositol as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions.

Why Take Inositol Supplements?

Inositol is classified as a conditionally essential sugar alcohol. It is considered conditionally essentially because typically the body does produce it on its own, but under certain circumstances this production may not be enough for the body’s needs. Inositol is produced mainly in the kidneys at a rate of about 2 grams daily.

Additionally, there are many dietary sources that can be ingested to increase inositol levels naturally. As well, it can be purchased in supplement form.

Supplementation is known to be virtually free of side effects. The human body has been using it very efficiently for a very long time and is quite well adapted to its presence.

It is true that deficiencies of inositol are very rare. However, that does not mean that inositol levels cannot be diminished. There are a variety of factors which are known to cause inositol levels to drop including:

• Alcohol
• Coffee
• Smoking Tobacco Products
• Chronic Stress
• Estrogen
• Sulfa Drugs
• Lithium

Supplementation can help to maintain consistent available levels, especially in individuals who are prone to being affected by those diminishing factors listed above.

More Research into Inositol Properties

Inositol is currently receiving significant research attention. Interest in inositol stems from its role as a secondary signaling messenger for the neurotransmitters that determine moods, sleep patterns, metabolism, libido and much more.

There is strong support for this agent in the treatment of a variety of mental illnesses, especially those that involve depression and/or mood disorders.

The mood-enhancing effects of inositol may further support weight loss effects. When individuals are trying to lose weight, it can be a constant mental struggle. This is amplified by the fact that eating a calorie-restricted diet often results in decreased supply of precursors needed to produce neurotransmitters like Serotonin and Dopamine in the brain.

By getting sufficient levels of inositol alongside other vitamins, it may be possible to balance neurotransmission activity in the brain so that weight loss goals are more attainable.

Conclusion

Inositol may play a part in helping overweight and obese individuals lose weight. However, this compound is just a nutrient that may help the body lose weight, and cannot be the only step taken in a weight loss strategy. Healthy diet and activity levels are key to staying in shape. In order to effectively lose weight and then keep it off for the long run, the same rules apply to everyone.

It is important to eat a healthy, varied diet and to limit consumption so you do not eat too much. It is also important to get daily exercise, rest, and to manage stress. Adequate hydration and nutrient intake is also vital. Weight loss is about a holistic approach to living and must be approached as such.

If you are considering buying inositol for weight loss reasons, then you should consult with your doctor. Very few side effects have ever been reported concerning inositol supplementation. When side effects were reported, they were mild, like upset stomach, slight headaches and such. Although inositol is a naturally-occurring safe substance, it is always good to discuss any supplementation program with your physician first.

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