Inositol Reviews for Anxiety, OCD, Depression and PCOS

Inositol is a dietary supplement that is commonly used to enhance mood, control anxious thoughts, improve sleep patterns, help users relax, and improve focus.

Its effects are similar to members of the B-vitamin class of compounds and is a simple carbohydrate that plays an important role throughout the body.

It helps to facilitate fat metabolism and transportation by breaking down fat particles, especially in organs such as the liver.

It alongside choline forms an integral component in cell membranes, particularly in the brain. Inositol also aids in nerve transmission and may prevent problems linked to low Serotonin levels.

Inositol reviews posted online are generally positive. One top rated product on Amazon.com has a 4.7 out of 5 star user rating, and most other products are rated at an average of 4 out of 5 stars.

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

Top Inositol Products* ❯

View User Ratings* ❯

What Is Inositol?

Scientifically, Inositol is the name given to a group of nine stereoisomer molecules known as cyclohexane-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexol.

In nature and in nutritional supplements, the myo-inositol form is most prominent, however other forms such as d-chiro-inositol have been noted for specific therapeutic benefits.

Inositol was previously thought of as a member of the B-complex vitamin family and was given the name Vitamin B8.

However, more recent research shows that it does not actually meet the specific definition for a vitamin and that our bodies are able to create small amounts of this nutrient from other dietary compounds. It is also found in a number of food sources like beans, nuts, cabbage, bananas, raisins, oranges, and legumes.

Inositol Effects for Depression, Anxiety, and OCD

The link between Inositol and mood is complex, but research studies have found that this supplement may alleviate symptoms of depression, panic attacks, OCD, and other mood disorders. Individuals with depression have been found to exhibit low inositol levels in their cerebrospinal fluid.

In one study, patients given 12 g a day of Inositol reported significant improvements in their depression compared to a control group. In another study, individuals prone to panic attacks experienced a reduction in frequency and severity of attacks with minimal side effects when taking Inositol.

Researchers have suggested that the effects of Inositol are similar to those of a natural Serotonin selective re-uptake inhibitor. This compound is theorized to increase the sensitivity of Serotonin receptors in the brain. It may also reverse desensitization of receptors, which is seen in cases of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.

Finally, taking Inositol is believed to raise levels of Serotonin in the brain, resulting in a calming effect and improved sleep patterns.

The Natural Medicines database has rated Inositol as Possibly Effective for improving lithium-induced side effects, OCD, panic disorder, polycystic ovary syndrome, and respiratory distress syndrome. While research has been promising, more large-scale double-blind placebo-controlled studies are still needed to fully understand the effects exogenous Inositol supplements may have.

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.

Inositol User Reviews

User reviews of Inositol posted online provide further evidence of positive benefit claims. Jarrow Formulas Inositol Powder has received 429 reviews on Amazon as of this date, with an average rating of 4.1.

Reviewers state that this supplement has improved symptoms of OCD, anxiety, depression, social anxiety, and PCOS. Some reviews also cite improved cholesterol levels, help for weight loss, and reduction in nerve pain linked to Diabetic neuropathy.

Below are some of the comments shared in Inositol reviews posted on Amazon:

I ordered this for my PCOS after learning that it can be very effective at managing insulin and testosterone levels. After just over a month, my PCOS symptoms dramatically decreased. Very impressed! – mcteenie

I put close to 8g in my tea every morning to help me with anxiety and depression, and I’ve seen a huge improvement. – Marianne C.

Wow! After some rough patches in life I ordered Inositol to help. Well today I used the recommended amount and I have been smiling, happy, and laughing all day. I have social anxiety and panic attacks but today ( a Saturday) I walked into two crowded libraries and did not. A year ago I contemplated suicide, now I feel free. – ADiamondToo

This powder is a blessing. My 90 yr old father has obsessive/compulsive tendencies. This form makes it simple to add to his smoothies twice a day. No dissolving a tablet or opening a capsule. It is effective in helping him with the issue. – Kara

I have been on this supplement for 6-8 months now and I have noticed no more bloating, experienced some weight loss (increased H20 intake also) and my cycles and somewhat more predictable, my skin has improved and crazy hair growth has declined. PCOS is a bitch and I can’t tolerate metformin and I don’t have insulin resistance so between this product and a low carb/no carb diet I feel so much better. Possible Side effect: my sex drive has dropped. – Kiera Lewis

It really does help with my mood AS LONG as I remember to take it regularly. I have to make sure I take a bit every few hours. – Elle

I want to make a short review of this amino acid-inositol. I have had depression/anxiety for many years. As an adult this condition has had me on various types of meds, which I will not go into. But I have tried other holistic formulas too, to little help. But, this amino acid, taken regularly, has helped my condition. I do feel better. I have more energy, and seemingly can workout harder in the cardio areas. It has also helped my depression somewhat. I tried this Jarrow formula out of the previous reviews only. Try it, and maybe it will help you regain energy and feel better about your affairs. I have tried many other holistic powders etc, and Jarrow Inositol HAS helped! – Shawn

Negative Reviews of Inositol

There are a small number of negative user reviews of Inositol on Amazon, amounting to approximately 7% of total reviewers. Negative reviews typically say that this product did not help their mood and they experienced no notable benefits.

Some reviews mention side effects such as diminished sex drive, feeling fatigued, headaches, and irritability as the reason they are unhappy with the supplement. These side effects are often transient, typically improving with continued use at a lower dosage, and cease when usage of the product is discontinued.

There are few known side effects linked to inositol, and no serious side effects have been reported. It is generally well tolerated by the majority of users, however headaches, dizziness, stomach discomfort, and diarrhea have been reported in some cases.

Some individuals may be contraindicated for Inositol usage and all supplements should be discussed with your doctor before you begin using them. Contraindications may include interactions with other drugs being used or certain health conditions.

Inositol Usage

Inositol dosages generally range between 500 mg to 5000 mg per day. Higher dosages are primarily reserved for individuals suffering from severe cases of OCD, depression and anxiety. Speak to your doctor to determine the right dose for you.

User reviews recommend that you split your dosage into 2-4 administrations per day to ensure the benefits last all day long. Inositol reviews also recommend stacking this product with a form of choline to increase its effectiveness for controlling mood.

New users are advised to start with the lowest effective dosage and only increase after you have determined that no side effects occur.

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