Myo Inositol Uses for Mood, Fertility and Insulin Sensitivity

The list of myo inositol uses and benefits continues to grow as research discovers just how important this vitamin-like substance is.

Myo inositol is scientifically named cis-1,2,3,5-trans-4,6-cyclohexanehexol. It is the most common stereoisomer of the inositol group and it is often called simply inositol.

Myo inositol supplements are taken for a number of different reasons related to mood, schizophrenia, ADHD, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), diabetic nerve weakness and pain (diabetic peripheral neuropathy), insomnia, high cholesterol, sleep, skin and hair health, and many more.

Inositol is naturally manufactured in the kidneys, averaging about 2 grams of production daily as dictated by biological necessity.

Myo inositol phosphate-1 is isomerized from G6P (glucose-6-phosphate) by ISYNA1, a gene that encodes inositol-3-phosphate synthase. It is then dephosphorylated via inositol monophosphatase (IMPase) to form homogenous myo inositol.

Myo-inositol conducts a wide variety of duties in every area of the body. Its presence is vital to create and sustain the very structure of all eukaryotic cells. This article will discuss some of the most common myo inositol uses, common dosages, and possible side effects of this supplement.

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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Myo Inositol Uses

Myo inositol is used by the brain and CNS to convey messages from major neurotransmitters.

Major neurotransmitters like Norepinephrine, Serotonin, Acetylcholine, and Dopamine rely on myo inositol and other inositol derivatives to open calcium channels and accommodate informational exchange.

When receptors on a neuron are triggered, this chemical relays that information to the nuclei of the cell as well as other systems to stimulate the appropriate response.

Low levels of inositol have been identified as a source for issues related to inadequate serotonergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission. Myo inositol is also beaning investigated for its potential benefits in addressing a number of common health concerns.

Major health problems like obesity, heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, hypertension, atherosclerosis and many other debilitating conditions all are at least somewhat correlated to factors including high triglycerides, high LDL cholesterol and high levels of saturated and/or trans fats in the blood.

Myo inositol has been shown to lower triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, help to elevate HDL cholesterol and emulsify fatty acids in the blood. This can contribute to improved cardiovascular health and possible weight loss.

Women who suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are finding assistance from using myo inositol supplements.

The starting cause of PCOS is still unknown, but the condition is related to insulin insensitivity. Because the body has insulin insensitivity and does not recognize the insulin present, the pancreas will overproduce insulin to try and compensate. The elevated levels of insulin cause the ovaries to overproduce testosterone. The resulting double surplus of testosterone and insulin causes issues with ovulation, menstruation, and the development of healthy eggs.

There are also a number of PCOS symptoms related to hyperandrogenism (excess levels of androgens, such as testosterone), including hirsutism (excessive body hair growth), acne, alopecia, and others. In clinical studies, Myo inositol supplementation in PCOS women has been shown to increase sensitivity to insulin, reduce serum triglycerides, reduce testosterone (and related androgenic effects), and induce ovulation, particularly when used together with D-Chiro Inositol.

Another of the most common myo-inositol uses is taking the supplement for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). One crossover study found that the Yale-Brown Compulsive Scale scores of patients with OCD were significantly improved when they took 18 g of inositol daily for 6 weeks compared to their scores when they took a placebo. However, this trial was quite small in its sample size (13 patients) and larger trials are needed to confirm these results.

The Natural Medicines database has rated Inositol as Possibly Effective for improving lithium-induced side effects, OCD, panic disorder, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and respiratory distress syndrome in premature babies. While research has been promising, more large-scale trials are still needed to determine all of the effects of supplemental inositol.

At this time, the FDA has not approved Inositol as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions, and myo-inositol is available as a dietary supplement only.

Myo Inositol Dosages

What is the best myo-inositol dosage to use? That depends largely on the reason this supplement is being used.

You can speak to your doctor for personalized advice on how much to take. Amounts of between 2 – 4 grams per day have been found effective for certain conditions in clinical studies.

In 2009, a placebo-controlled double-blind study was performed on 42 women with PCOS. Half the women were given 4 grams of myo inositol daily plus the placebo, and the other half were given only the placebo.

After ten weeks, the group receiving the myo inositol supplement showed a dramatic increase in sensitivity to insulin. They also showed significantly reduced triglyceride and LDL cholesterol levels. Ovulation frequency was greatly improved among the supplemented group.

In another study from 2007, in Italy, 92 women with symptoms of PCOS were studies for 14 weeks. All were given 4 grams of myo inositol along with 200 mcg of folic acid. More than 50% of the subjects showed significant weight loss. Additionally, leptin levels in all subjects were decreased. Leptin is known to assist in controlling the appetite.

In a 2008 European study, 20 PCOS women were given 2 grams of myo inositol daily plus 200 mcg of folic acid. The placebo group was given only the 200 mcg of folic acid.

After twelve weeks, androgen levels were reduced significantly in the treatment group, but not in the control group. Further, insulin sensitivity increased in the treatment group. Lastly, every member of the control group experienced a full return to normal menstruation cycles and fertility.

Also in 2009, a study was conducted concerning the capacity of myo inositol to treat hyperandrogenic symptoms like hirsutism and acne. 50 women with polycystic ovarian syndrome were studied over a six-month period. This study was conducted on a longer time frame to give researchers ample time to study the slower-changing properties of hirsutism.

After 6 months of observation and myo inositol supplementation at 2 grams daily, the conclusion was that myo inositol works very well to reduce hyperandrogenic symptoms including acne and hirsutism.

Myo Inositol Side Effects

Like all of the inositol stereoisomers, myo inositol use is considered very safe as a dietary supplement. There have never been any serious reports of side effects associated with therapeutic levels of usage. The few minor side effects reported include headaches, upset stomach, and vomiting, but those are very rare.

If you are considering supplementing for any of the many possible myo inositol uses, then please consult with your doctor first to determine whether this supplement is safe for you to use. Make sure your doctor is aware of any medications or supplements you may be taking as well as any history of medical conditions.

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