Inositol is a carbohydrate found in the body and in food. Though research is limited, inositol supplements may help support the treatment of certain conditions, including some metabolic and mental health conditions.
There are various forms of inositol, and it plays a role in many bodily processes. Inositol may also be referred to as “vitamin B8,” as it was initially thought to be a vitamin due to its nutritional benefits.
However, it’s now known to be a sugar with a chemical structure similar to glucose. It’s produced mainly in the kidneys, but you can get it from your diet, too. However, currently, there is no recommended dietary requirement for inositol.
Let’s take a look at what scientists know about the benefits of inositol.
Insulin: A hormone that manages blood sugar levels in your body.
Inositol: A carbohydrate that plays an important role in the insulin signaling pathway. It’s a “secondary messenger” that boosts the action of insulin.
Insulin resistance happens when your body cannot properly respond to insulin. This problem is associated with conditions like metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.
Since inositol acts as a key messenger in the insulin signaling pathway, increasing inositol levels may help your cells respond better to insulin, thus reducing insulin resistance.
A 2019 systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials suggests that supplementing with inositol can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar. This effect occurred regardless of the participants’ weight.
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Studies suggest inositol may be beneficial for women with PCOS. Scientists have often debated inositol as a potential alternative to metformin in treating PCOS.
Problems with insulin sensitivity may be one of the causes of reduced fertility in women with PCOS. Since inositol may improve insulin sensitivity, scientists have studied it as a potential treatment.
Inositol and vitamin D have been investigated for their possible benefits for PCOS and show promise. However, more studies must be done to confirm the benefits.
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However, a later review notes that evidence is limited and inconclusive. The authors here suggest that people should discuss their individual situations with their doctor to decide together if inositol may help with their PCOS.
While early studies found lower than usual levels of inositol in the cerebrospinal fluid of people with depression, later research did not support this finding.
However, inositol may help with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
More research is needed to confirm any potential benefits of inositol for depression. It’s always best to consult a healthcare professional before using inositol for depression symptoms or to support treatment for any other condition.
A note on supplements
Talk with a healthcare professional before trying any kind of supplement or changing your prescription medication dosage.
Some supplements can cause side effects or interact with your current medication. And keep in mind, taking too many vitamins and minerals can be harmful to your body.
Vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements aren’t regulated by the FDA in the United States. And remember that the dosage, ingredient, and source information on the bottle may not be completely accurate.
Read more about how to safely choose supplements.
Inositol is a naturally occurring carbohydrate found in the body and food. It helps improve the way our cells respond to insulin, which can reduce blood sugar levels and support weight management. You can also buy inositol as a supplement.
Though research results are mixed, inositol may help with symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and fertility issues related to the condition. More research is also needed to determine its effects on mental health conditions, such as depression and PMDD.
If you are considering trying inositol supplements to support the treatment of any condition, speak with your doctor first.