Myo-Inositol Uses, Effects and Safety Review

Myo-inositol is the most prevalent of the nine stereoisomers of inositol. The two terms are very often used interchangeably. All nine inositol isomers have the same molecular makeup, only their spatial arrangements differ.

Myo-inositol is sometimes referred to as Vitamin B8, however the current consensus is that this compound does not meet the definition of a vitamin. Instead, you will find it referred to as a pseudo-vitamin.

The best food sources of inositol include whole grain breads, citrus fruits, meats and dairy products. Structurally, myo-inositol is a simple sugar alcohol that is similar to glucose.

The primary biological function of inositol is to enhance secondary cellular signaling efficacy. It is also very important as a building component for the membranes of cells.

Myo-inositol supplements are used for mood enhancement, anxiety, OCD, weight loss, insulin sensitivity, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

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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What is Myo-inositol?

Inositol is found in every cell in the human body and in all other animals and most plants.

It plays an important role alongside phospholipids in the cellular membranes throughout the body.

It is involved in signal transduction, nutrient transfer, metabolic function, and more. By supporting the health of cell membranes, this compound facilitates communication and the transmission of nerve impulses.

Researchers have found links between low inositol levels and a number of mood disorders, including depression, OCD, and bipolar disorder. Increasing levels of myo-inositol can also have benefits for women who are diagnosed with PCOS. In research studies on women with PCOS, inositol supplementation has been seen to decrease serum triglyceride levels, decrease testosterone levels, modestly decrease blood pressure, increase insulin sensitivity, induce ovulation, and reduce androgenic side effects (excessive body hair growth, acne, etc).

Some of the reported effects of myo-inositol observed in research studies include:

• Decreasing the severity and frequency of panic attacks
• Lessening the frequency and severity of depressive episodes, particularly in those with bipolar disorder
• Increasing levels of circulating HDL-C (high density lipoprotein cholesterol), lowering LDL-C and decreasing total cholesterol levels
• Decreasing circulating triglycerides
• Regulating glucose levels in the blood
• Reliably reducing fasting concentrations of insulin
• Decreasing body fat composition, especially in overweight, but not obese, women
• Increasing adiponectin levels, thereby speeding up the breakdown of fatty acids
• Decreasing the symptom expressions of bulimia and binge eating
• Reducing general oxidation effects throughout the body
• Reducing the chances of developing gestational diabetes
• Decreasing insulin secretion in insulin resistant patients
• Reducing symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Improving the symptoms associated with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder)

Myo-inositol is used for a number of other health benefits. Some of these include improving acne, increasing plasmalogens, decreasing the risks for developing lung cancer, and decreasing symptoms of hirsutism (abnormal hair growth).

Most of these purported uses of myo-inositol have not yet been demonstrated by clinical research studies. Some of these benefits may have been observed in laboratory or animal studies, but not yet in human research trials.

Myo-inositol for PMS

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe and often debilitating form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that can interfere with work, relationships, and social activities. Symptoms include severe depression, irritability, and tension preceding menstruation. In one research study, 4000 mg doses of myo-inositol administered orally three times daily was reported to improve symptoms. 12 grams daily reduced depressive episodes when taken for six months.

Clinical and subjective markers were improved in the women given myo-inositol, compared to a placebo group. Many women also use myo-inositol supplements to reduce symptoms of PMS including heavy bleeding, irregular cycles, headaches, backaches, and fatigue.

Myo-inositol for PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition in which cysts on the ovaries cause hormonal imbalances. In turn, these imbalanced hormones may cause other symptoms, including changes in appearance, acne, diabetes type 2 mellitus, hirsutism, and more.

Improvements in PCOS symptoms have been noted with varying myo-inositol doses ranging between 200 mg daily and 4000 mg daily. In general, higher dosages are associated with a greater benefit. However, you should speak to your doctor if considering myo-inositol use for PCOS.

Myo-inositol for Bipolar Disorder

In one clinical trial, 12 gram doses of myo-inositol were administered daily to bipolar subjects. Over the course of six weeks, depressive episodes were reduced in frequency by 17.4%.

Notably, there have been no improvements reported concerning the manic phases of bipolar. Although there does seem to be some benefit for treating the symptoms of bipolar disorder, the effects seem relatively minor.

The Natural Medicines database has rated Inositol as Possibly Effective for improving lithium-induced side effects, OCD, panic disorder, PCOS, and respiratory distress syndrome in premature infants. While research on myo-inositol has been promising, more large-scale double-blind placebo-controlled human studies are still needed to determine the full effects supplemental inositol 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.

Safety of Myo-Inositol

Myo-inositol supplementation is rated as Likely Safe, even at high doses levels over long time periods. When using high doses, mild gastrointestinal upset is possible. Tiredness, dizziness, and headaches are also possible.

Typical doses for myo-inositol range from between 2 and 18 grams daily. Higher dosages are generally used for neurological conditions and mood disorders. For improving fertility and insulin sensitivity, smaller doses between 2 and 4 grams daily are common. Speak with your doctor to determine the best dosage for your needs.

There are no known negative interactions between myo-inositol and foods or herbal supplements. However, there is a risk for adverse interactions with various pharmaceutical agents.

Do not use myo-inositol supplements in conjunction with drugs that contain carbamazepine, lithium, or valproic acid. Myo-inositol may interfere with the absorption of some minerals including calcium, zinc and/or iron.

Although myo-inositol is prevalent in the human body, and well tolerated, it is still advisable to speak with a doctor about supplementation. This is especially true if you are pregnant, nursing, have a surgery scheduled, or have a pre-existing condition or disease.

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