Fri, Jun 04, 21

Inositol: What Is It And What Are The Benefits?

* Verified by a US-based board-certified doctor.

What is Inositol?

Inositol, otherwise known as vitamin B8, is a type of carbohydrate naturally found in the human body, along with particular foods and dietary supplements. It is also a nootropic that has been shown to decrease symptoms related to anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), mood swings, and panic attacks. The brain utilizes inositol as a secondary messenger to facilitate communication between the cells in your brain. All significant neurotransmitters are reliant on inositol to work effectively.

Related: Bacopa Monnieri: What is it and What are its Benefits

Effective Benefits of Inositol

Inositol provides a wide array of benefits for both the mental and physical health of those who choose to take it regularly. Several studies have indicated that inositol has a great deal of potential to serve as an effective treatment for various mental health conditions and particular physical ailments. While more research is strongly needed before scientists and doctors can fully understand the extent of its beneficial effects, the research that has already been conducted has shown promising results.

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Mental Health 

 

A woman in a white office holding her head while dealing with anxiety and depression.

 

Studies have indicated that taking inositol can potentially assist with several different mental health conditions, including:

Anxiety Disorders

Inositol can affect the brain processes that cause the development of neurotransmitters, specifically serotonin. This neurotransmitter plays a significant role in people’s overall mood and behavior, and research has indicated that inositol supplements can potentially help improve various anxiety disorders related to serotonin. These disorders include anxiety, panic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, considerably more research is needed before researchers can be sure of inositol’s effects on these conditions.

Depression

Due to the effects that inositol has on neurotransmitters, researchers have started to explore its potential to treat symptoms of depression. One study indicated that taking 12 grams of inositol each day for a month can reduce symptoms of depression. Another study suggested that 6 grams of inositol per day improved depression in 9 out of 11 study participants. However, the evidence indicates that inositol alone does not improve depression symptoms more than medication and instead should be taken alongside depression medication.

Related: Honey: What is it And What Are The Benefits

Physical Health

 

A person with diabetes pricking their finger to test their blood sugar with a glucometer. 

 

Some studies have indicated that taking inositol can assist with relieving the effects of certain physical conditions. These conditions include:

Gestational Diabetes (GDM) & Type 2 Diabetes

In some cases, pregnant women can experience high blood pressure due to a condition known as gestational diabetes (GDM). Animal studies have indicated that inositol is directly related to the way insulin can function within the body’s cells and can help regulate blood sugar levels. While only a small number of studies have been conducted on the supplement’s effects on improving GDM in human beings, they have shown a considerable deal of promise. 

They suggest that taking a combination of 400 mcg of folic acid and 4 grams of Myo-inositol may help prevent GDM if taken daily throughout a woman’s pregnancy. Additionally, preliminary studies of inositol have shown that taking it alongside folic acid daily for six months can help those with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar levels.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is a type of syndrome that can develop in women whose bodies produce abnormally high levels of certain hormones- specifically testosterone. Women diagnosed with this specific condition are at a much higher risk of developing certain diseases. They also tend to experience several fertility issues due to problems with insulin sensitivity. Inositol has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, and some studies have shown that it may be effective in improving ovarian function and overall fertility in women diagnosed with PCOS. These studies utilized daily 2-4 gram doses of inositol, and positive effects were witnessed no matter the women’s weight.

Preterm Birth Complications

Many preterm infants develop a range of problematic health issues, including respiratory distress syndrome. Some studies have indicated that inositol may help treat breathing issues resulting from underdeveloped lungs. Other trials have demonstrated that repeated doses of inositol were also able to reduce instances of neonatal death significantly. However, considerably more research needs to be conducted to understand inositol’s effects in these particular cases fully.

Controlling Risk Factors for Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome consists of conditions that can potentially raise a person’s risk of developing certain chronic diseases, including heart disease. Five primary conditions associated with metabolic syndrome include; high blood sugar and blood pressure, low “good” HDL cholesterol levels, excess fat in the stomach, and high triglyceride levels. A year-long study on 80 women with metabolic syndrome saw significant reductions in triglyceride and cholesterol levels when 2 grams of inositol were taken twice a day.

Related: Citicoline - What Is It And What Are The Benefits?

Points of Consideration

Inositol is a fascinating nootropic that has shown to have promising effects on a number of mental health conditions and physical disorders, including anxiety disorders, PCOS, GDM, type 2 diabetes, and several others. More research is needed regarding inositols effects on each of these conditions to fully understand its full range of capabilities, however. If you think it may be beneficial for you, please consider talking with your regular physician prior to taking it in supplemental form. And if you’re interested in learning about and trying some other effective nootropics or nootropic stacks, consider trying out Magic Mind. It’s the world’s first productivity drink made with twelve specialized, active ingredients to help stimulate energy and focus while boosting mood and motivation.

Do you need something new and delicious to help you make it through your morning routine? Take a look at Magic Mind to learn all about the world’s first productivity drink that can provide the energy you need to get through the day.

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