Exploring the Health Benefits of Inositol Supplements
Ever wondered about the incredible health perks offered by inositol? This easily accessible over-the-counter supplement can do wonders for both your body and mind.
Inositol, a naturally produced sugar stored predominantly in the brain, kidneys, and liver,[1] is also obtainable through our diet. However, standard diets often fall short, leaving many deficient, particularly those on low-fiber diets.[2]
Considering this, a daily inositol supplement can be beneficial for many. So, let's explore the many health advantages it offers.
What's the Role of Inositol?
Inositol plays a crucial role in shaping cell membranes, preserving their structure and integrity.[3] It also enhances cell responsiveness to signals, both from neighboring cells and the surrounding environment.
Moreover, it contributes to regulating blood sugar levels and influences specific brain chemicals, impacting our thoughts and emotions. In essence, it is a key player in cellular function and neurochemical balance.
Who Benefits from Inositol Supplements?
While inositol supplements provide health benefits for everyone, they can be particularly advantageous for those dealing with specific health conditions. This includes individuals with anxiety, depression, OCD, bipolar disorder, PCOS, gestational diabetes, prediabetes, Type 2 diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Inositol's Support for Your Health
Given its role in regulating cell structure and metabolism, inositol's effects are widespread throughout the body. Let's explore some key health benefits of inositol supplements:
1. Improved Metabolic Health
Inositol enhances insulin sensitivity, reducing blood glucose levels. This makes it a promising option for individuals with diabetes or prediabetes.[4] Additionally, it aids in weight management by accelerating fat cell breakdown and decreasing appetite, potentially reducing BMI and improving body composition.[5]
Studies also show its positive impact on PCOS and gestational diabetes, indicating a reduced risk of complications during pregnancy and conception.[6] [7]
2. Enhanced Mental Health
Inositol regulates the production of essential brain chemicals, such as serotonin and dopamine, crucial for our emotional well-being and cognitive abilities. Individuals with mental health conditions often exhibit lower inositol levels, making supplementation beneficial.[8]
Research supports its role in reducing symptoms of depression[9], anxiety[10], and OCD[11]. Additionally, inositol may help to promote healthy sleep, which is essential for keeping us physically and mentally well.
3. Support for Healthy Liver Function
Inositol aids in maintaining healthy liver function by regulating fat and cholesterol metabolism, facilitating toxin excretion, and possessing potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Embrace the Everyday Benefits of Inositol
Recognized as safe and efficient, inositol supplements are an excellent addition to your health routine alongside a balanced diet and lifestyle. Remember that consulting with your medical doctor before starting any new supplements is always advisable. So, give inositol a shot – your body will thank you!
PLEASE NOTE: Here at Pristine’s, we care about your health. Therefore, Pristine’s recommends that you consult with your doctor before embarking on any significant alterations in your eating habits, nutritional supplement intake, or exercise routine. Our blogs are not able, nor intended, to substitute for professional, personalized medical advice. We ask that you discuss any points of interest raised in these blogs with a trusted medical professional.
We wish you optimal longevity and health.
References
[1] Kiani, A. K., Paolacci, S., Calogero, A. E., Cannarella, R., Di Renzo, G. C., Gerli, S., Della Morte, C., Busetto, G. M., De Berardinis, E., Del Giindice, F., Stuppia, L., Facchinetti, F., Dinicola, S., & Bertelli, M. (2021). From Myo-inositol to D-chiro-inositol molecular pathways. European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences, 25(5), 2390-2402.
[2] Dinicola, S., Minini, M., Unfer, V., Verna, R., Cucina, A., & Bizzarri, M. (2017). Nutritional and Acquired Deficiencies in Inositol Bioavailability. Correlations with Metabolic Disorders. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 18(10), 2187.
[3] Michell R. H. (1975). Inositol phospholipids and cell surface receptor function. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta, 415(1), 81–47.
[4] Corrado, F., D'Anna, R., Di Vieste, G., Giordano, D., Pintaudi, B., Santamaria, A., & Di Benedetto, A. (2011). The effect of myoinositol supplementation on insulin resistance in patients with gestational diabetes. Diabetic medicine: A Journal of the British Diabetic Association, 28(8), 972–975.
[5] Zarezadeh, M., Dehghani, A., Faghfouri, A. H., Radkhah, N., Naemi Kermanshahi, M., Hamedi Kalajahi, F., Mohammadzadeh Honarvar, N., Ghoreishi, Z., Ostadrahimi, A., & Ebrahimi Mamaghani, M. (2021). Inositol supplementation and body mass index: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Obesity Science & Practice, 8(3), 387–397.
[6] Motuhifonua, S. K., Lin, L., Alsweiler, J., Crawford, T. J., & Crowther, C. A. (2023). Antenatal dietary supplementation with myo-inositol for preventing gestational diabetes. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2(2), CD011507.
[7] Greff, D., Juhász, A.E., Váncsa, S., et al. (2023). Inositol is an effective and safe treatment in polycystic ovary syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, 21(1), 10.
[8] Robillard, R., Lagopoulos, J., Hermens, D. F., Naismith, S. L., Rogers, N. L., White, D., Carpenter, J. S., Kaur, M., Scott, E. M., & Hickie, I. B. (2017). Lower In vivo Myo-Inositol in the Anterior Cingulate Cortex Correlates with Delayed Melatonin Rhythms in Young Persons with Depression. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 11, 261682.
[9] Levine, J., Barak, Y., Gonzalves, M., Szor, H., Elizur, A., Kofman, O., & Belmaker, R. H. (1995). Double-blind, controlled trial of inositol treatment of depression. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 152(5), 792–794.
[10] Concerto, C., Chiarenza, C., Francesco, A. D., Natale, A., Privitera, I., Rodolico, A., Trovato, A., Aguglia, A., Fisicaro, F., Pennisi, M., Bella, R., Petralia, A., Signorelli, M. S., & Lanza, G. (2023). Neurobiology and Applications of Inositol in Psychiatry: A Narrative Review. Current Issues in Molecular Biology, 45(2), 1762-1778.
[11] Levine J. (1997). Controlled trials of inositol in psychiatry. European Neuropsychopharmacology : The Journal of the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology, 7(2), 147–155.