Sushma Gumma
Myo inositol is the trending buzzword in the health industry for quite some time now. While there have been many debates on the effectiveness of this supplement in regards to helping women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), it is still being vouched by many health professionals.
We have invited Sushma, an award-winning nutritionist to throw some light on Inositol for women’s health along with listing down its benefits, side effects, history, dosage, and the best inositol brands for PCOS.
Table of Contents
Origin of Inositol
Inositol was discovered more than 150 years ago in the human body. Inositol has 9 different variants that also include D-chiro-inositol, the most widely used form of inositol for women suffering from PCOS.
In short, it is a form of glucose, which means it is a natural sugar that is broken down easily to be used as an energy source in the body.
Role of Inositol in PCOS
The most widely known benefit of Inositol is its ability to treat PCOS. It is also one chemical that has been thoroughly researched for treating PCOS.
PCOS is a hormonal dysfunction where the ovaries produce an abnormal amount of androgens. This syndrome is the main cause of ovulation disorders, infertility, and hyperandrogenism due to dysfunction of ovaries.
To know more about PCOS and its natural treatment, read the below article.
13 PCOS Symptoms You Should Not Ignore & Natural Treatment
The 3 important characteristics of PCOS are hyperandrogenism, oligomenorrhea, and polycystic ovaries.
Hyperandrogenism, as the name suggests, is when the ovaries produce an excessive amount of male hormones i.e testosterone. This mainly causes acne, alopecia ie male pattern baldness, increased body and facial hair also known as hirsutism.
Oligomenorrhea is when there are irregular periods or inconsistent menstrual flow.
Myo-inositol is said to help with increasing insulin sensitivity, decrease hyperandrogenism, and improve egg quality during ovulation.
People suffering from PCOS have insulin resistance hence it is very important to manage it for treating this condition and use of supplements like Myo-inositol can be effectively used to improve insulin sensitivity.
It is found that the combination of Myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol, in a 40:1 ratio increases insulin sensitivity.
It is very important to manage PCOS as women suffering from this syndrome are at a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, mood disorders, heart diseases, sleep apnea, high levels of cholesterol, and non-alcoholic fatty liver.
Studies have found that Inositol can normalize ovulation and improve egg quality. This in turn helps with improving fertility in women.
Benefits of Inositol for PCOS in Women
1. Inositol Can Regularize Menstrual Cycle
For people suffering from PCOS, metformin is generally prescribed to help improve insulin sensitivity and decrease androgen levels. But it comes with its own set of side effects. The most common ones are related to issues with the gastrointestinal tract.
Studies have shown that Myo inositol leads to a decrease in Luteinizing hormones and androgen levels, as well as reducing insulin resistance. This helps restore periods.
Hyperinsulinism, on the other hand, increases the sensitivity of follicles to LH. When ovulation is induced in PCOS women with hyperinsulinism, Myo Inositol reduces the risk of multi follicular development.
Myo Inositol reduces androgen levels and regularizes normal menstrual cycles.
2. Inositol Helps With Ovulation
Most of the women having PCOS do not ovulate every month or do not ovulate at all. Research has found out that supplementing with myoinositol has significantly helped increase ovarian sensitivity index (OSI) in women.
D-chiro-inositol increases insulin activity in people suffering from polycystic ovarian syndrome thereby improving ovulation.
3. Inositol’s Role In Improving Egg Quality
Women with PCOS have been shown to produce less mature eggs than those not suffering from it. Supplementing with inositols can help improve egg quality. However, researchers warn using the correct formula is important since too high a dose of D-chiro-inositol can result in negative consequences.
4. Inositol may help control Metabolic Syndrome risk factors
As mentioned previously, there are five different conditions associated with metabolic syndrome. They are listed below:
- Excessive fat in the abdomen region
- High triglyceride levels (cholestrol) in blood
- Less good HDL cholestrol levels
- High blood pressure
- High blood sugar
A study conducted found that inositol could successfully lower triglyceride levels, blood pressure, and sugar.
D-chiro-inositol is also associated with a reduction in cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure.
5. Inositol is used to treat Gestational Diabetes
It is a known fact that women with PCOS are more susceptible to diabetes than women not having it. They also are at a higher risk of gestational diabetes. Inositol is particularly helpful in treating this. Some studies have found that suggest that a combination of 4 grams of Myo-inositol and 400 mcg of folic acid can be helpful in preventing Gestational diabetes.
6. Inositol May Aid In Weight Loss
Inositol can help you lose weight when combined with other lifestyle changes such as exercise and diet, and that this combination may work better than exercise and diet alone. A study found that women trying to lose weight with PCOS shed weight when adding myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol to their weight loss plan.
Dosage & Side Effects of Inositol
In general, the dosage of Myo-inositol for PCOS ranges from 1500 milligrams to 4000 milligrams per day.
Inositol supplements are consumed in 2 different forms :
- Powder
- Capsules
Capsules are used for smaller doses and generally, women suffering from PCOS prefer this form.
If you need a very large dose, then powders are preferred.
Depending on what you want to accomplish, your doctor will prescribe the dosage for you.
The 4000 milligrams per day dose seems to be the most effective, especially when taken with D-chiro-inositol in the 40:1 ratio. The suggested dosage is a 4000-milligram dose of Myo-inositol, 100 grams of D-chiro-inositol per day ). This ratio is favorable in relieving metabolic issues that come with PCOS like blood pressure, triglycerides, and cholesterol, as well as restoring ovulation.
Generally, no side effects have been observed. Side effects are only associated with very large doses that include mild gastrointestinal disturbances like headache, tiredness, nausea, and dizziness.
Inositol Food Sources
Myo-inositol is found abundantly in fresh fruits and vegetables. The highest concentration of inositol is found in beans, fruits, corn and, nuts.
Other Food Sources Including Inositol
- Sprouted Whole Grains
- Oats and Bran
- Bell Peppers
- Tomatoes
- Potatoes
- Green Leafy Vegetables like Kale, Spinach
- Bananas and Potassium-rich foods
- Oranges
- Organic Eggs
Best Inositol Supplements For PCOS in USA , Singapore, and India
Premium Inositol Supplement – Myo-Inositol and D-Chiro Inositol Plus Folate and Vitamin D By Optify for PCOS
THERALOGIX Ovasitol Inositol Powder 90 Day Supply | Optimal 40:1 Blend of 4,000mg Myo Inositol & 100mg D-Chiro Inositol Daily
Myo-Inositol & D-Chiro Inositol Blend For PCOS By Wholesome Story
Unived PCOS Management, 40:1 Ratio 2000mg Myo-Inositol to 50mg D-Chiro-Inositol with Natural Caronisitol®, for Acne, Facial Hair, Insulin Resistance, & Hormonal Balance
Biofinest Myo-Inositol (Vitamin B8) 1000mg – (120 vegetarian capsules)
Disclaimer
It’s important to remember that Inositol shouldn’t replace any medical treatments recommended by your doctor. If you do choose to use the supplement as part of your treatment plan, make sure to first discuss it with your doctor.
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For more Health, Beauty, Fashion and Singapore related content, follow Top5listicle on Pinterest and Instagram.
Shweta Raamanujam, Founder of Top5listicle & T5L Digital
Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for DIY health and beauty videos!
Wish to get featured in our listicles?
Work with us(Award Winning Website) and improve your brand’s presence through our Digital Marketing and Influencer Marketing Expertise.
Check our portfolio here!
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