Inositol Benefits, Side Effects, Dosage, Interactions

Inositol Benefits, Side Effects, Dosage, Interactions Holistic Health Print The Health Benefits of Inositol Natural compound may help boost mood and metabolism By Cathy Wong Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Caitilin Kelly, MD on January 29, 2020 Caitilin Kelly, MD, is a clinical physician at  Indiana University  Health Bloomington Hospital and is board-certified in internal medicine. Learn about our Medical Review Board Caitilin Kelly, MD Updated on February 03, 2020 More in Self-Improvement Holistic Health Happiness Meditation Stress Management Spirituality Inspiration Brain Health Technology Relationships View All Inositol is a substance found naturally in cantaloupe, citrus fruit, and many fiber-rich foods (such as beans, brown rice, corn, sesame seeds, and wheat bran). It is also sold in supplement form and used as a complementary therapy to treat a wide range of medical conditions, including metabolic and mood disorders. Inositol is often referred to as vitamin B8, but it is not actually a vitamin. Its a type of sugar that influences the insulin  response and several hormones associated with mood and cognition. Inositol also has antioxidant properties that fight the damaging effects of free radicals in the brain, circulatory system, and other body tissues. D-chiro-inositol, inositol hexaphosphate (often referred to as IP6) and the compound  myo-inositol are the  most widely used inositol supplements.  They are generally considered safe if taken appropriately. Commonly Known As inositolD-chiro-inositolinositol hexaphosphate (or IP6) myo-inositol Verywell / Cindy Chung Health Benefits Alternative health providers recommend inositol supplements for a wide range of health conditions, including: AnxietyDepressionDiabetesHigh cholesterolMetabolic syndromePanic disorderPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) In addition, inositol is believed by some to slow the progression of Alzheimers disease and prevent certain cancers. Some people also use inositol to promote hair growth or overcome insomnia. Research, however, is lacking. According to the latest research, inositol may be beneficial for some disorders, including mental health issues, PCOS, and metabolic disorders. Heres a closer look at the science. Mood and Anxiety Disorders Inositol is believed to improve depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders by stimulating the production of the feel-good hormones serotonin and dopamine. The hypothesis is largely supported by research in which myo-inositol concentrations in blood is suggested a reliable marker for clinical depression. The benefits have mostly been seen in people with panic disorder (PD) in whom depression is common. A small study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology investigated the effect of myo-inositol on 20 people with PD. After being provided a daily 18-gram dose of myo-inositol for four weeks, the participants were given a daily 150-mg dose of Luvox (fluvoxamine)â€"a commonly prescribed psychiatric drugâ€"for the four weeks. When compared to a matched set of individuals not given myo-inositol, those who did had an average of 2.4 fewer panic attacks per week. A number of other studies have investigated the use of inositol with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) used to treat a variety of depressive and anxiety disorders. The results have thus far been inconclusive. While an earlier double-blind study found that a daily 12-gram dose of inositol improved depression scores compared to people provided a placebo, the results have not been replicated elsewhere. In addition to panic disorder, inositol may be useful in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) given its effect on serotonin and dopamine levels. Metabolic Disorders There is evidence to suggest inositol can correct may metabolic disorders that contribute to the development of high blood pressure, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. A 2016 pilot study published in the International Journal of Endocrinology reported that people with type 2 diabetes given  myo-inositol and d-chiro-inositol daily along with their anti-diabetes drugs had a significant drop in their fasting blood glucose (192.6 mg/dL down to 160.9 mg/dL) and A1C (8.6 percent down to 7.7 percent) after three months. Another small study published in the journal Menopause suggested that myo-inositol may aid in the treatment of metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women. According to the research, women assigned to six months of myo-inositol supplements experienced significantly greater improvements in blood pressure and cholesterol levels than women provided a placebo. When treated with myo-inositol, women with metabolic syndrome experienced an 11 percent drop in diastolic blood pressure, a 20 percent drop in triglycerides, and a 22 percent increase in good high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. All of these values translate to an improvement of metabolic syndrome as well as a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) D-chiro-inositol may help manage PCOS, according to a small study published in  Endocrine Practice. For this study, 20 women with PCOS were given either a placebo or 6 grams of D-chiro-inositol once daily for six to eight weeks. The results revealed that D-chiro-inositol helped treat several abnormalities associated with PCOS, including high blood pressure and elevated levels of blood fats. In addition, elevated testosterone levels (consistent with PCOS-related hormone imbalances) decreased by 73 percent compared to 0 percent for those given a placebo. Generally speaking, a normalization of hormonal balances translates to an improvement of PCOS symptoms. Other Benefits Inositol has also been found to reduce psoriasis symptoms in people taking lithium, a drug commonly prescribed to treat bipolar disorder, depression, schizophrenia, and eating disorders. Depending on the usage, lithium-induced psoriasis can affect anywhere from 3 percent to 45 percent of users. Possible Side Effects Inositol is  generally considered safe in adults. Side effects, if any, tend to be mild and may include nausea, stomach pain, tiredness, headache, and dizziness. Most side effects occur with doses greater than 12 g per day. The metabolic effects of inositol may not be appropriate for everyone. Even in people with diabetes, the prolonged use or overuse of inositol may lead to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Although there are some studies to suggest inositol may be helpful in bipolar disease, there is also concern about it possibly causing a manic or hypomanic episode. A current NIH study is evaluating the effect of inositol hexaphosphate in subjects with bipolar disorder. There is also some concern that high doses of inositol hexaphosphate may reduce the bodys ability to absorb zinc, calcium, iron, and other essential minerals, triggering a nutritional deficiency even if youre eating a balanced diet. As a dietary supplement, inositol products are not tested for safety, and its effect on  pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children has not been established. As such, it is best to speak with your doctor before trying this or any other natural remedy. Dosage and Preparation Inositol supplements are sold as tablets and capsules. There is no recommended daily allowance for inositol and there is no standardized dosing schedule. Manufacturers recommend the following doses for supporting individual conditions: Metabolic Syndrome: 2 gram twice dailyPCOS: 2 gram twice dailyLithium-Related Psoriasis: up to 6 grams once dailyAnxiety and Panic Attacks: up to 12 grams daily What to Look For Widely available for purchase online, inositol supplements can also be found in natural foods stores and those specializing in dietary supplements.  To ensure quality and safety, always look for products tested and approved by an independent certifying body like the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP), NSF International, or ConsumerLab. If you decide to take an inositol supplement, speak with your doctor to ensure that its appropriate based on your health and medical history. Other Questions Can I get inositol from food? Yes! Foods rich in inositol also offer fiber and nutrients needed for good, long-term health. This includes fruits, beans, grains, and nuts. Cantaloupe, oats, bran, and citrus fruits (other than lemons) are especially rich in myo-inositol. Cooking or freezing fruits and vegetables reduces their inositol content. There is very little inositol in milk or yogurt.   Can inositol cure autism? While inositol is sometimes touted as a treatment for autism, there is no scientific evidence to support those claims. It may, however, help to ease symptoms of anxiety, a common co-morbidity of autism. Will inositol regrow hair? The supplement is often touted as a cure for thinning hair and balding, but the research is lacking. There is some evidence that inositol helps to reduce testosterone and balance hormones in women with PCOS, which may help reverse thinning hair associated with the condition. A Word From Verywell Due to the lack of quality research, it is too soon to consider inositol supplements as an effective, standalone treatment for any health condition. With that being said, inositol is generally well tolerated if taken in moderation.