What is myo-inositol used for?

Inositol is a naturally occurring water-soluble compound that is chemically similar to glucose and belongs to the class of sugar alcohols. Widely found in food and the human body, the most common form of inositol, myo-inositol, accounts for more than 90% of natural inositol.

Food sources: Whole grains (brown rice, oats), citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruit), legumes, nuts (peanuts, almonds), animal liver. The average diet is about 300-1000 mg per day, with higher intake for vegetarians.

Human synthesis: The kidneys can synthesize about 2-4 grams per day, but may not be sufficient in case of disease or metabolic abnormalities.

1.Improves metabolism and insulin sensitivity

Involvement in insulin signaling may help regulate blood sugar and be beneficial for people with pre-diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or insulin resistance.

Fasting insulin levels drop by about 50%, increasing ovulation rates. 67% of patients returned to regular ovulation. Androgens are reduced, testosterone levels are significantly reduced, and acne and hirsute symptoms are reduced. Therefore, the combination effect of inositol and D-chiral inositol is better, which can improve egg quality and pregnancy rate.

For these effects, PCOS patients were supplemented with 4 grams of inositol +400μg of folic acid daily for 6 months.

2.Relieve anxiety and depression

As effective as antidepressants, it can reduce panic attacks. In some patients, the anxiety scale score was reduced by 40%, which improved emotional stability.

Suggestion:6 grams of inositol per day may reduce the risk of postpartum depression and may be associated with regulating serotonin levels.

3.Skin health management

Reduce sebum production by about 30%, reduce inflammatory acne, and can reach a 50% improvement. Therefore, myo-inositol may indirectly inhibit sebum hypersecretion by regulating insulin signaling and androgen activity.

4.Adjuvant therapy metabolism

Liver fat is reduced, triglycerides are reduced by 25%, and waist circumference can be reduced to 5-7 cm. For obese patients with insulin resistance, a daily supplement of 2 grams of inositol for 1 year can achieve the above effect. Commonly used is a complex formula, with n-acetylcysteine made into capsules, synergistic antioxidant, improve insulin resistance.

This capsule form of formula, Xi 'an Tongze can provide raw materials, custom formulation services.

5.Improve mental health

Relieve anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and panic disorder.

Inositol affects nerve conduction by modulating serotonin receptor sensitivity. It can reduce the symptoms of people with OCD. It is recommended to supplement 18 grams of inositol daily for 6 weeks to achieve this effect.

myo-inositol is generally safe, but can cause side effects when used in excess or in special populations.

1. Abdominal distension, diarrhea, nausea, and gastrointestinal discomfort, usually >6 g/day, and some sensitive people appear in 2-4 g/day.

Recommendation: Take it in batches with meals, or reduce the dose to a tolerable range.

2. Risk of dizziness or fatigue

A small number of people experience mild dizziness after taking 3 grams for the first time, which resolves 1-2 days later.

3.Hypoglycemia risk

Inositol increases insulin sensitivity and may induce hypoglycemia when combined with hypoglycemic agents such as metformin and insulin.

Especially for diabetic patients, after supplementing 4 g/day of inositol, the insulin dose needs to be reduced by about 10-15%.

4.Special population risk

1)Pregnant and lactating women

If a PCO patient is pregnant, the dose should be evaluated by the doctor (usually ≤2 g/day). Because high doses may affect fetal development.

2)myo-inositol is metabolized by the kidney, and severe renal dysfunction may accumulate poisoning, so those with renal insufficiency should avoid supplementation or strictly follow medical advice.

In summary:

Side effects of myo-inositol are usually mild and manageable, with core risks centered on high dose abuse, drug interactions, and specific populations. Key recommendations:

Give priority to obtaining natural inositol through diet (whole grains, citrus);

Start the supplement at a low dose and take it in separate doses with meals;

Consult your doctor before long-term use or combination of medications, especially if you are pregnant or have mental or metabolic disorders.

1.Unfer, V., et al. (2017). "Myo-inositol effects in women with PCOS: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

2.Levine, J. (1997). "Controlled trials of inositol in psychiatry." European Neuropsychopharmacology, 7(2), 147-155

3Zheng, Y., et al. (2020). "Inositol supplementation reduces sebum production in acne patients: a randomized controlled trial." Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 31(5), 504-509.

4.Carlomagno, G., & Unfer, V. (2011). "Inositol safety: clinical evidences." European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences, 15(8), 931-936.

5.Teede, H. J., et al. (2018). "International evidence-based guideline for the assessment and management of polycystic ovary syndrome." Human Reproduction Update, 24(5), 1-25.

6.Croze, M. L., & Soulage, C. O. (2013). "Potential role and therapeutic interests of myo-inositol in metabolic diseases." Biochimie, 95(10), 1811-1827.