Inositol
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Evidence Summary
Inositol, particularly myo-inositol, is a naturally occurring sugar with significant research evidence supporting its use in metabolic and endocrine health. The most robust evidence supports its efficacy in managing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and preventing gestational diabetes.
Evidence by Condition
Meta-analyses demonstrate that inositol is effective in improving hormonal and metabolic parameters, as well as assisting in reproductive outcomes for women with PCOS.
Evidence suggests that myo-inositol supplementation may be effective in preventing the onset of gestational diabetes.
Research indicates significant differences in myo-inositol levels between treatment-resistant and treatment-responsive schizophrenia patients.
Studies are investigating the effects of inositol, often in combination with selenium, on autoimmune characteristics and thyroid function.
Preliminary research explores the use of inositol in combination with other supplements to improve metabolic profiles and liver function.
Effective Doses
Dose ranges are not explicitly detailed in the provided research abstracts.
Key Findings
- Inositol is effective for improving hormonal and metabolic parameters and assisting reproduction in women with PCOS (PMID: 38163998, 36285403).
- Myo-inositol supplementation is a potential intervention for preventing gestational diabetes (PMID: 36790138).
- There is a measurable difference in myo-inositol levels between treatment-resistant and responsive schizophrenia (PMID: 37925074).
Limitations
Much of the current research focuses on inositol as part of a combination therapy rather than monotherapy, and there is a lack of large-scale evidence for its use in neurological or thyroid conditions.
Safety & Interactions
No specific contraindications or drug interactions were identified in the provided research abstracts.
AI-generated summary from 32 peer-reviewed studies. Not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider.
Claims vs. Evidence
| Claim Type | % of Products | Evidence Required | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Other | 99% | Tier D (Unclassified) | ✅ Supported |
| Structure/Function | 78% | Tier C (DSHEA Structure/Function (no pre-approval)) | ✅ Supported |
| Nutrient | 22% | Tier D (Unknown) | ✅ Supported |
Research by Topic
Research Evidence (32)
**Smucny et al., 2024** | Biol Psychiatry Cogn Neurosci Neuroimaging | Meta Analysis Smucny Jason, Carter Cameron S, Maddock Richard J. Greater Choline-Containing Compounds and Myo-inositol in Treatment-Resistant Versus Responsive Schizophrenia: A 1H...
**Fitz et al., 2024** | J Clin Endocrinol Metab | Meta Analysis Fitz Victoria, Graca Sandro, ... Ee Carolyn. Inositol for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis to Inform the 2023 Update of the International Evidence-based P...
BACKGROUND: Gestational diabetes with onset or first recognition during pregnancy is an increasing problem worldwide. Myo-inositol, an isomer of inositol, is a naturally occurring sugar commonly found in cereals, corn, legumes and meat. Myo-inositol ...
**Unanyan et al., 2022** | Gynecol Endocrinol | Meta Analysis Unanyan Ara, Pivazyan Laura, ... Ishchenko Anatoly. Effectiveness of inositol, metformin and their combination in women with PCOS undergoing assisted reproduction: systematic review and me...
**Fatima et al., 2023** | Ir J Med Sci | Meta Analysis Fatima Kaneez, Jamil Zainab, ... Ochani Sidhant. Effects of myo-inositol vs. metformin on hormonal and metabolic parameters in women with PCOS: a meta-analysis. Ir J Med Sci. 2023-Dec;192(6):2801...
**Showell et al., 2018** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Showell Marian G, Mackenzie-Proctor Rebecca, ... Farquhar Cindy. Inositol for subfertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018-Dec-20;12(12):CD0123...
**Pkhaladze et al., 2021** | Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci | Rct Pkhaladze L, Russo M, ... Khomasuridze A. Treatment of lean PCOS teenagers: a follow-up comparison between Myo-Inositol and oral contraceptives. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2021-Dec;25(23):7...
**Nordio et al., 2019** | Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci | Rct Nordio M, Basciani S, Camajani E. The 40:1 myo-inositol/D-chiro-inositol plasma ratio is able to restore ovulation in PCOS patients: comparison with other ratios. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 20...
BACKGROUND: This study aimed to systematically review the effect of selenium and inositol combination on thyroid function, autoimmune characteristics in thyroid diseases. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: To identify eligible studies, a systematic search ...
This study aims to evaluate the effects of myo-inositol supplementation on gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) rates and body water distribution in overweight non-obese women. 223 overweight non-obese women pregnant were randomly assigned to the trea...
BACKGROUND: Nutritional intervention before and throughout pregnancy might promote healthy infant weight gain; however, clinical evidence is scarce. Therefore, we examined whether preconception and antenatal supplementation would affect the body size...
**Peng et al., 2024** | Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) | Systematic Review Peng Bingcong, Wang Weiwei, ... Shan Zhongyan. Effects of different supplements on Hashimoto's thyroiditis: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Front Endocrinol (Lausa...
BACKGROUND: To compare the effects of α-lipoic acid (ALA), myo-inositol (MI) and propolis supplementation on metabolic parameters and liver function in obese patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) METHODS: Ninety-two obese patients w...
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with cardiovascular risk factors, such as insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia, hypertension and abdominal obesity. Given the growing need to investigate food supplements with positive health effects, this study w...
**Fruzzetti et al., 2017** | Gynecol Endocrinol | Rct Fruzzetti Franca, Perini Daria, ... Gadducci Angiolo. Comparison of two insulin sensitizers, metformin and myo-inositol, in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Gynecol Endocrinol. 2017-Ja...
**NCT ID**: NCT06715527 **Phase**: NA **Status**: COMPLETED **Enrollment**: 30 **Completion**: 2025-03-14
**NCT ID**: NCT07380841 **Phase**: NA **Status**: COMPLETED **Enrollment**: 192 **Completion**: 2026-01-13
**Zhao et al., 2021** | Reprod Health | Other Zhao Han, Xing Chuan, ... He Bing. Comparative efficacy of oral insulin sensitizers metformin, thiazolidinediones, inositol, and berberine in improving endocrine and metabolic profiles in women with PCOS:...
OBJECTIVE: Better preconception metabolic and nutritional health are hypothesized to promote gestational normoglycemia and reduce preterm birth, but evidence supporting improved outcomes with nutritional supplementation starting preconception is limi...
PURPOSE: To compare the effects of insulin sensitizers metformin (MET) and myo-inositol (MI) on adiponectin levels and metabolic characteristics in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with respect to their body mass index (BMI). METHODS: In t...
OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a combined myo-inositol, probiotics and micronutrient nutritional supplement impacts time-to-natural-conception and clinical pregnancy rates. DESIGN: Secondary outcomes of a double-blind randomized controlled trial. SE...
OBJECTIVE: Insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia plays an important role in pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Metformin, Myoinositol and d-chiro-inositol acts as insulin sensitizers and exerts a beneficial effects in PCOS. The objec...
AIM: Myo-inositol supplementation from ~13 weeks' gestation reportedly improves glycaemia regulation in metabolically at-risk women, with speculation that earlier supplementation might bring further improvement. However, the NiPPeR trial of a myo-ino...
BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a common condition that is characterized by metabolic impairments. Exercise therapy has proven effective in improving the physiological and psychological states of patients with T2DM; however, the influe...
INTRODUCTION: PCOS, beyond being characterized by reproductive disturbances, is a complicated rapid expanding metabolic and endocrinologic disorder of the recent times. Nearly 70% PCOS women show resistance to insulin. AIM: The aim of the study is to...
PURPOSE: Myo-inositol (MI) is an insulin-sensitizing dietary supplement, enhancing the transfer of glucose into the cell. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is characterized by abnormal glucose tolerance, which is associated with elevated insulin re...
This study aimed to evaluate the comparative efficacy of Myo-inositol (MI) and D-chiro-inositol (DCI) with metformin in enhancing ovarian function, promoting ovulation, and reducing perceived stress in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). ...
Our aim is to evaluate the effect of a structured stress reduction intervention based on mindfulness during pregnancy on the maternal brain. We report a secondary analysis of IMPACT BCN, a randomized clinical trial including pregnant women randomly a...
OBJECTIVES: Asprosin, a novel adipokine primarily secreted by white adipose tissue, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction. Its elevated levels characterize patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCO...
**NCT ID**: NCT04019899 **Phase**: NA **Status**: COMPLETED **Enrollment**: 120 **Completion**: 2019-05-31
**Formuso et al., 2015** | Minerva Ginecol | Rct Formuso C, Stracquadanio M, Ciotta L. Myo-inositol vs. D-chiro inositol in PCOS treatment. Minerva Ginecol. 2015-Aug;67(4):321-5 AIM: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disor...
**Zhang et al., 2021** | Gynecol Endocrinol | Other Zhang Jiaqi, Xing Chuan, ... He Bing. The effectiveness of coenzyme Q10, vitamin E, inositols, and vitamin D in improving the endocrine and metabolic profiles in women with polycystic ovary syndrome...
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is inositol and what are its main benefits?
Inositol, specifically myo-inositol, is a naturally occurring sugar used to support metabolic and endocrine health. There is strong evidence for its use in managing PCOS and moderate evidence regarding its role in preventing gestational diabetes.
Does inositol help with PCOS?
Yes, there is strong evidence that inositol is effective for women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). It has been shown to improve hormonal and metabolic parameters and assist with reproductive outcomes.
Can inositol prevent gestational diabetes?
There is moderate evidence suggesting that myo-inositol supplementation may be an effective intervention for preventing the onset of gestational diabetes.
Is inositol effective for treating schizophrenia or thyroid issues?
There is currently insufficient evidence to support using inositol for treating schizophrenia or thyroid disorders. While researchers have noted differences in inositol levels in certain schizophrenia patients, more study is needed to determine its effectiveness.
What is the recommended dose of inositol?
The provided research does not explicitly detail specific effective dose ranges. You should consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate dosage for your specific health needs.
Are there any known drug interactions or safety concerns with inositol?
There are no documented drug interactions or specific contraindications for inositol in the current research. However, it is always important to consult your doctor before starting a new supplement.
Who should avoid taking inositol?
No specific groups were identified as needing to avoid inositol in the available research. However, because evidence for its use in conditions like NAFLD and thyroid disorders is still insufficient, individuals with these conditions should seek medical guidance.
Answers generated from research evidence. Not medical advice.