Health Benefits of Inositol

Inositol is a carbohydrate found in the body and food. Inositol supplements may help treat anxiety and fertility disorders, as well as help promote better health. Although it’s often referred to as vitamin B8, inositol is not a vitamin but rather a type of sugar with several important functions.

There are various forms of inositol, and it plays a role in many bodily processes. Each molecule has a chemical structure similar to the main sugar found in your blood — glucose. Therefore, it has been studied for its potential health benefits.

The Health Benefits of Inositol Include:

Brain Health

It can affect the neurotransmitters in your brain, including serotonin. High doses may be beneficial for treating some forms of anxiety disorders, such as panic disorders. However, mixed results have been reported, and more research is needed.

Insulin Sensitivity

It plays a role in insulin signaling and may improve the body’s sensitivity to insulin in some cases. Benefits have been seen in individuals with metabolic syndrome, women at risk for gestational diabetes and women with PCOS.

Bipolar Disorder

Though more research is needed, inositol shows potential as an alternative treatment option for mental health conditions, including panic disorder, depression and bipolar disorder.

Depression

Some research has shown reductions in depression with inositol, the results are mixed. Inositol may not improve symptoms in those taking medication or those who don’t respond to standard medication.

Metabolic Syndrome Risk Factors

Metabolic syndrome is a group of conditions that raise your risk of chronic disease, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Specifically, five conditions are associated with metabolic syndrome.

  • Excess fat in the stomach area
  • High levels of triglycerides in the blood
  • Low “good” HDL cholesterol levels
  • High blood pressure
  • High blood sugar

Clinical studies suggest inositol supplements may be beneficial for those with metabolic syndrome.

Other Potential Benefits

Besides those already mentioned, research suggests inositol may be helpful in the following conditions:

  • Respiratory distress syndrome: In preterm infants, inositol appears to be helpful for treating breathing issues from underdeveloped lungs.
  • Type 2 diabetes: A preliminary study suggests that inositol and folic acid taken daily for 6 months may aid blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes.
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): A small study suggests that 18 grams of inositol taken daily for 6 weeks may reduce symptoms of OCD. 

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