Inositol is a type of carbohydrate found in plant and animal food as well as in the human body.
Despite not truly being a vitamin, it is frequently referred to as vitamin B8.
Almost all body tissues can produce a certain amount of inositol. Inositol is primarily produced by the testes, heart, pancreas, ovaries, and placenta.1
Helps blood glucose control
Reduces the risk of metabolic syndrome
Helps relieve anxiety and depression
Inositol influences the body’s insulin response and plays a role in blood glucose control. Inositol helps cells “recognise” insulin and assists with its attachment, thus improving its signalling and action. 2
Inositol is involved in glucose and fat metabolism in the body. It inhibits glucose absorption in the gut and at the same time improves muscle glucose uptake. Many clinical studies support the ability of Inositol to improve fat metabolism. Inositol supplementation shifts blood lipid profile towards reducing dangerous atherogenic fat fractions, while increasing healthier fat content.4
All the above effects of Inositol act towards diabetic and heart disease risk factors reduction.
The intake of Myo-inositol can be as low as 250 mg or as high as 1650 mg/day from a 2,000-kcal diet. Depending on the need, Inositol doses of 18 g for 3 months or 4 g for 12 months have been noted to be safe and well-tolerated.3
Food that are rich in Inositol offers fibre and nutrients needed for good, long-term health. Fruits, beans, grains, and nuts, as well as oats, bran, sesame seeds, and fruits, are examples. Most citrus fruits contain Inositol apart from lemons. Another non citrus fruit that contains the ingredient is cantaloupe.
Inositol is also sold in supplement form. It is used as a complementary therapy to treat a wide range of medical conditions, including metabolic and mood disorders.
Hair loss
Skin issues
Mood disorders
Hyperlipidaemia
Lack of Inositol can cause alopecia (hair loss). It can also cause skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis (extremely dry, itchy skin).
A deficiency in Inositol is linked to mental health symptoms such as trouble with sleep, mood, anxiety, and constipation.
Inositol deficiency can increase hyperlipidaemia (too many fats such as cholesterol or triglycerides in the blood), and muscle weakness.
Individuals with prediabetes, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and gestational diabetes often have weakened insulin signalling and may benefit from Inositol supplementation. 2
References:
1 Dinicola S et al. Int J Mol Sci. 2017 Oct 20;18(10):2187
2 Chatree S et al. Molecules. 2020 Nov 1;25(21):5079.
3 DiNicolantonio JJ et al. Open Heart. 2022 Mar;9(1):e001989.
4 Tabrizi et. Al. Lipids Health Dis.2018, 17:123
SG.2022.33234.AND -PND.1 (v1.1)
Research has shown that inositol supplementation can help individuals cope with the symptoms of diabetes. Read more to find out how.
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