You might have heard about of supplements when it comes to PMOS/PCOS. The discussion about PCOS is always incomplete without discussing some supplements. There’s one supplement which is always and again and again mentioned everywhere, which is INOSITOL.
But do you actually know what Inositol actually is? Why do all the Dietitians and Researchers emphasize Inositol when it comes to PMOS/PCOS? What is the connection between Inositol and insulin resistance? Does it really work or is it just another trend?
We will be discussing all these things in this article today:
What is Inositol?
According to research done in 2023 by Cleveland Clinic, Inositol is naturally occurring sugar (carbohydrates) in your body, in some foods and as supplements. It is often known as Vitamin B8, or “vitamin-like” due to its role in metabolic functions, controlling nerve signalling, hormone regulation and fat breakdown. Inositol is very commonly found in some foods like citrus fruits, nuts and seeds, corn, legumes, beans, meat, fruits etc. It has many forms like Myo-inositol and D-Chiro-inositol, which are also commonly found in supplements. Researchers got interested in inositol due to its important role in insulin signalling.
MI (Myo-inositol): It focuses more on glucose uptake on cellular level and egg quality
DCI (D-chiro-inositol): It focuses more on insulin management and glycogen synthesis
There is a certain ratio in which these two forms are taken. A normal healthy ovary maintains a ratio of 40:1 of Myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol. In women with PCOS/PMOS, this ration changes itself, even sometimes to 0.2:1. This imbalance creates disbalance in ovarian function as well. So as clinically proven, 40:1 of myo-inositol and D-Chiro-inositol is the most natural, common and effective approach to restore hormonal balance.
Right now there is very limited data regarding the inositol supplementation for lactating or nursing mothers. The dose should always be consulted with a doctor first because breast milk is already high in inositol. As for the doses during pregnancy, 4000mg of myo-inositol is considered safe for both mother and the baby.
Why is Inositol so Frequently Mentioned for PCOS/PMOS?
According to NIH (National Institutes of Health), Inositol acts as a natural sensitizer that gets to the root cause of metabolic and hormonal imbalances. The shortage of inositol starts with its “leakage”, because women with PMOS/PCOS release excess inositol through urination, which causes the shortage. Normally, insulin attaches itself to the cell, inositol makes the cell open and absorb glucose. But when there is not enough inositol, the cell doesn’t respond to glucose. The pancreas pumps out more and more insulin, which is also called hyperinsulinemia, just to push glucose into the cells. Now this elevated insulin negatively affects the ovaries and ovarian hormonal function including egg development and ovulation. In addition, both hyperglycemia and insulin resistance have been found to modify the relative ratio in which different inositol isomers are present in these tissues. Seeing this mechanism and the connection of insulin resistance and PMOS/PCOS, researchers started studying more about Inositol and if its supplementation can do any better for women suffering worldwide with hormonal and metabolic conditions.
What Research says about Inositol and PCOS?
Research done by NIH, clearly shows that inositol (especially myo-inositol and D-Chiro-inositol) help manage PCOS/PMOS by improving insulin resistance, hormone signalling, regular menstrual cycles, and lowering androgen levels.
According to Minthami Sharon P, in Cureus Part of Springer Nature, can help in managing fasting insulin, lowers triglyceride levels, improves HOMA-IR and aids in weight management . Its supplementation also helps manage the hormonal imbalance created by lowering free testosterone levels and hyperandrogenism and the symptoms associated with them, symptoms like severe acne, hirsutism/excess body hair, male pattern hair thinning. Women worldwide with PCOS/PMOS were seen having regular menstruation again along with restored ovulation due to improved FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone). This improved egg quality and maturation was also seen in women going through IVF, leading to better fertilization rates.
Can Inositol Replace Nutrition Needs?
The straight answer is NO, Inositol is a powerful supplement but it acts in support and is not seen as a replacement to other nutrition needs. It does not work individually. The dietary and lifestyle changes are important to make alongside supplements. Nutrition remains as one of the most important sustainable approaches for PMOS/PCOS.
Inositol will help with insulin receptors but nutrition sees the bigger picture and will focus on the kind of glucose entering your bloodstream and cells too. Only relying on supplements reduces its effect slowly, because without treating the whole condition with nutrition, supplements will keep fighting the inflammation and regular insulin spikes. Inositol supplement cannot treat gut dysbiosis created, inflammation and all the deficiencies caused by skipping out on proper nutrition.
Are there any Side Effects Included?
Inositol is seen as a very well-tolerated supplement with very minimal side effects through clinical trials and real life experiences. The reason behind very low side effects or risks is because insulin is water soluble so most of it is excreted through urination, so there is mild to no chances of toxicity in the body.
A few temporary side effects seen are:
- Mild Digestive Discomfort (Nausea, bloating, gas, loose stools or Diarrhea)
- Very Mild Headaches
This is why discussing or consulting with a dietitian or healthcare provider, before starting on with any supplementation is very important. The doses should be adjusted accordingly.
When to seek Professional Guidance for PMOS/PCOS:
Supportive care from dietitians help you understand patterns and build routines that are not only realistic, easy to follow and sustainable.
A clinical dietitian will help you with:
- Symptom Tracking
- Lab Interpretation
- Meal Planning
- Blood Sugar Support
- Nutrients/Supplements Guidance
- Long-term Wellness support and coaching
One of the most comprehensive articles on inositol I have come across. Appreciate how thoroughly you covered the benefits and proper usage of inositol for PCOS. Keep up the good work!