Inositol is often referred to as vitamin B8, it is a vitamin-like substance, but it is a type of sugar that influences the insulin response and several hormones associated with mood and cognition. It is found in many plants and animals and it can also be made in a laboratory. Inositols occur in 9 different stereoisomers, among which DCI (D-chiro-inositol) and MYO (Myo-inositol) are the ones with biological activity. This molecule functions as a second messenger of insulin. Inositol is used for treating insulin resistance, mental health challenges, high cholesterol, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women, Alzheimer’s disease, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), etc. It also has antioxidant properties that fight against free radicals in the body.
The synthesis of DCI in our body starts from another inositol, called Myo-inositol (MYO), using a transformation process by an enzyme called epimerase. The ratio of Myo-inositol to D-chiro-inositol can be used to predict and measure insulin resistance. Many studies suggest that a deficit in the production of DCI might lead to insulin resistance, which is a poor response of the organism to the signal sent by the insulin receptor. The more MYO and less DCI in the urine, the more likely insulin resistance can occur. DCI is important for energy production in the mitochondria, it helps generate energy from sugar. It also plays an important role in healthy ovarian function.
D-chiro-inositol makes the hypothalamus gland in the brain more sensitive to insulin. This changes how the hypothalamus responds to steroid signals and restores a normal LH to FSH ratio in women with PCOS. DCI increases the activity of a pathway that reduces blood sugar and promotes the growth of new cells and tissues.
Myo-inositol can effectively mimic the glucose-lowering effect of insulin and also increases the body’s sensitivity to insulin. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune enhancer properties. It also helps prevent a variety of cancers and slow or stop tumor progression in cancer patients. For women with PCOS, Myo-inositol can reduce acne and facial hair, restore a normal menstrual cycle, and improve insulin sensitivity. It also regulates levels of TSH and FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), which increases fertility. For people with hypothyroidism, Myo-inositol makes thyroid hormones more efficient and balances thyroid hormones.
Both Myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol improve insulin sensitivity and help restore women’s menstrual cycles. However, Myo-inositol had a stronger effect on insulin and DCI had a stronger effect on hyperandrogenism. Women with PCOS and other hyperandrogenic disorders tend to have excess body hair and acne due to high levels of testosterone and other “male” hormones. For combinations of Myo-inositol and DCI, the common ratio is 40:1. This combination may improve PCOS symptoms more effectively than the single one on its own.
Here are some amazing health benefits of inositol.
- Help restore hormone balance in women with PCOS
- Reduce acne in women with PCOS
- Increase insulin sensitivity and prevent diabetes
- Prevent diabetes in pregnancy
- Improve fertility rate
- Reduce anxiety and panic attacks
- Reduce metabolic syndromes
Inositol is generally considered safe in adults. Side effects tend to be mild and may include nausea, stomach pain, tiredness, headache, and dizziness. Most side effects occur with doses greater than 12 grams per day.
Foods that contain a high concentration of inositol include lima and Navy beans, citrus fruits, cantaloupe, and whole grains. D-chiro-inositol can be found in buckwheat, pumpkin seeds, and a type of squash called Cucurbita ficifolia. Myo-inositol is present in beans, nuts, and fruits.
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