Inositol is a compound similar to glucose (sugar). It plays an important role in helping cells in your body make cell membranes and respond to messages in their environment. It also helps with insulin function. 1 Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood glucose in your body.
What are the benefits of inositol?
Your body needs inositol for the functioning and development of your cells. While research is still ongoing, people also use inositol for many different health reasons. Inositol benefits may include:
- Lowering your risk for metabolic syndrome.
- Helping relieve the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
- Reducing your risk of gestational diabetes and preterm birth.
- Lowering high cholesterol.
- Helping your body better process insulin.
- Potentially relieving the symptoms of depression and other mood disorders.
What is inositol used for?
People use inositol for many different health conditions. Research has shown that the supplement may help with the following:
Metabolic syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is a group of risk factors that increase your chances for chronic disease, including diabetes, heart disease and stroke. These risk factors include:
- Excess fat in your abdominal area.
- High triglyceride levels in your blood.
- Low “good” HDL cholesterol levels.
- High blood pressure (hypertension).
- High blood sugar (hyperglycemia).
By taking an inositol supplement, you may be able to better manage these metabolic risk factors. Some research suggests that you may see an improvement in your blood pressure, as well as your triglyceride, cholesterol and blood sugar levels. But more research is needed. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider before you start a supplement for metabolic syndrome.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common kind of hormone disorderaffecting women and people assigned female at birth. Enlarged ovaries with cystscan cause:
- Infertility.
- Irregular periods.
- Acne.
- Weight gain.
- Excess hair growth (hirsutism).
Studies show that by taking an inositol supplement, especially with folic acid, you can improve many of the symptoms of PCOS. This includes improved blood sugar, reduced blood pressure and lower triglyceride levels. It may also promote ovulation and increase pregnancy rates. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider before you start a supplement for polycystic ovary syndrome.
Gestational diabetes (GD) and preterm birth
Gestational diabetes (GD) can occur when your blood sugar is too high during your pregnancy. GD can cause many complications during your pregnancy and includes the risk of preterm birth. A preterm birth occurs when your baby is born before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Studies show that taking an inositol supplement with folic acid during your pregnancy may prevent GD and lower your risk of preterm birth. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider before you start taking any new supplements during your pregnancy.
Depression
Depression is a common mental health condition that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. Some research suggests that people with depression have low levels of inositol in their brains. Some studies suggest taking an inositol supplement might help balance important hormones in your brain, including serotoninand dopamine. More research is needed, but this may help improve the symptoms of depression. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider before you start a supplement for depression.
Panic disorder
Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder in which you have many unexpected panic attacks, which are sudden, temporary feelings of fear with strong physical reactions. Research is limited, but some studies suggest that by taking an inositol supplement, you may be able to reduce the number and severity of panic attacks you experience. Don’t stop taking your medications as prescribed, and be sure to talk with your healthcare provider before starting a new supplement for panic disorder.
Bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes intense shifts in mood, thinking patterns, energy levels and behavior. Research is limited, but some studies state that by adding an inositol supplement to your prescribed treatment, you may be able to reduce the symptoms of bipolar disorder. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider before you start a supplement for bipolar disorder.
Other health conditions
People use inositol for other health conditions, but the following don’t have as much scientific evidence to back up their use.