Inositol is a substance that can have many beneficial effects on your body. But how exactly does it work, what is Inositol used for and what does it all mean for your personal health?
This post will explain what is inositol, where you can find it, and how it is used by your body.
What is Inositol?
Inositol is commonly referred to as vitamin B8, it is actually a vitamin-like substance and a sugar that plays an important role in cell structure and the health and maintenance of cell membranes.
It also plays a role in balancing hormones like insulin and can impact the function of chemical messengers in the brain. Keep reading to understand what is Inositol used for.
Where Does Inositol Come From?
Inositol is a substance that has many different forms. The specific type of inositol we will be focused on for the purposes of this article is myo-inositol.
This inositol is produced in the body, the foods we eat, and the supplements we take.
In the body, myo-inositol is synthesized from the carbohydrates you eat. It is found in our tissues, particularly the muscles and the brain.
Inositol is also present in a number of foods. You can find it in things like citrus fruit, cantaloupe, kidney beans, peas, grains like bran, sesame seeds, almonds, and prunes.
But it is worth noting that even when consuming dietary sources of inositol, it is possible that you still need to supplement. For example, if you are looking to take inositol for PCOS, it is recommended that you get 4 grams per day. Eating a healthy diet, even one packed with inositol-rich foods will still only get you about a quarter of the way there. Read below to undestand what z
What is Inositol Used For in the Body?
Inositol is used in the body to carry out a number of important functions.
Inositol influences insulin, which helps blood sugar regulation and it has even been found to influence mood-stabilizing chemicals like dopamine and serotonin.
But it is perhaps easiest to look at how inositol is used by the body to address specific health concerns and conditions.
Inositol Can Improve Cognition
Maintaining cognitive health, especially as we age, is important.
Cognition includes memory and decision making but can also have related impacts on mood and anxiety levels.
Inositol is a phospholipid. Phospholipids are frequently recommended for older adults experiencing memory problems. Researchers believe these effects are caused by inositol’s impacts on cell growth regulation and cell membrane regulation.
Inositol has also been shown to be effective at controlling mood and managing depressive episodes in people with Down Syndrome.
Studies have found that inositol is effective for improving memory in adults without dementia and may be an effective treatment for mental health conditions like depression and panic disorder.
Inositol Can Improve Fertility
For women experiencing infertility, inositol may provide welcome relief.
A woman’s ovarian cycle relies on a particular internal balance. Hormone levels, androgen levels, insulin resistance, and even bodyweight can disrupt this balance and make it more difficult for ovulation to occur, thereby reducing the chances of conception.
Inositol supplementation can reduce the number of androgens circulating through the body, helping to restore a regular ovarian cycle. Some studies have actually shown a reduction in free-testosterone levels after taking inositol.
Insulin resistance can also impact fertility. And while we’ll discuss inositol and insulin resistance in greater detail below, we can say that reduced insulin resistance can improve the hormonal balances in the body, reduce metabolic dysfunction, and return the body to more ideal, fertile conditions. Inositol can support these changes.
Inositol Can Improve PCOS
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a complicated condition that impacts many facets of a woman’s life. From an inconsistent menstrual cycle and reduced fertility to increases in weight gain, insulin resistance, hair growth, and inflammation, there are lots of things to consider with this condition.
The good news is that inositol has been found to be an effective supplement in the treatment and management of PCOS symptoms.
A systemic review of randomized controlled trials related to the effects of inositol in PCOS patients, it was found that it had a positive effect on hormone levels, including insulin.
It was found that inositol:
- Reduced symptoms related to PCOS
- Improved glucose to insulin ratios
- Reduced risk of developing insulin-related health issues
- Contributed to weight loss
And for some of the more visible symptoms of PCOS, like acne, alopecia, hirsutism (excessive hair growth, particularly on the face, chest and back), inositol shows some promise.
In one look at the impact of inositol on cutaneous disorders in young women with PCOS, after 6 months of inositol treatment, hirsutism and acne were reduced.
Inositol Can Improve Insulin Resistance
Insulin resistance is a condition that impacts at least a quarter of the Australian population. This is a concerning statistic as insulin resistance can lead to type 2 diabetes and an increased risk of developing a cluster of illnesses known as metabolic syndrome.
For people with insulin resistance, the body is unable to properly process glucose in the blood. Typically, insulin is created in the pancreas to help the liver, muscles, and fat cells absorb glucose for energy. These processes do not happen in insulin-resistant individuals. The result is elevated blood sugar levels and the risks we listed above.
There are a handful of factors that can lead to insulin resistance including genetics, PCOS, and lifestyle.
Insulin resistance can be managed, and even reversed, through natural interventions. Dietary changes and increased exercise can go a long way to helping but so, too, can taking an inositol supplement.
Inositol can produce molecules that play a role in the way insulin is used by the cells, improving insulin sensitivity.
Multiple studies have found inositol to provide benefits. One study of menopausal women with metabolic syndrome found that supplementing with 4 grams of inositol per day, for 6 months, improved insulin sensitivity, lowered blood pressure, and improved cholesterol when compared to a placebo.
Another study of women with gestational diabetes found inositol displayed benefits for insulin resistance and blood sugar regulation.
Get Inositol Powder from Inositol Australia
Inositol may not be officially classified as an essential vitamin but its benefits seem perfectly clear. The upsides are particularly impactful for people with health conditions like insulin resistance.
Inositol Australia has a GMO-free Inositol powder, with dosing instructions specific to insulin resistance, that can get you moving in the right direction.
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