This Natural Compound Can Relieve Anxiety and Depression
Inositol is a naturally occurring sugar in
your body that plays an important part in maintaining the structural
integrity of cells. It can be found in a variety of foods, including
fruits, meat, grains, beans, and legumes. Inositol is often referred to
as vitamin B8, though it is not actually a vitamin.
Research suggests that inositol plays a
role in vital processes. Apart from its role in cell membrane
development, inositol may impact insulin and neurotransmitters in the
brain, potentially affecting metabolic and mental health management.
This article discusses the potential health benefits and uses of
inositol.
1. May reduce anxiety
Inositol affects the processes that lead to
the synthesis of neurotransmitters, which are vital chemicals that
allow the brain to communicate.Serotonin is one of these
neurotransmitters that is impacted by inositol.
Serotonin has many different functions in the body and has a major
effect on mood and behavior. This includes anxiety disorders such as
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder
(OCD), and panic disorder. Research suggests that inositol may offer a
potential avenue for reducing the frequency of panic attacks in
individuals with panic disorders.
2. Can help with depression
The potential of inositol as a remedy for
depression is rooted in its effects on brain neurotransmitters. Studies
show that a daily consumption of 12 grams over a four-week period can
effectively reduce depression symptoms relative to a placebo,
highlighting its promising therapeutic impact. Also, the findings of a
small-scale study indicated that the use of 6 grams of inositol per day
showed a positive effect on depression, benefiting 9 out of 11
participants.
3. Can improve fertility prospects for women battling PCOS
When a woman's body overproduces certain
hormones, it can lead to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Those
grappling with PCOS not only have an elevated risk of several diseases
but may also encounter difficulties achieving fertility.
Reduced fertility in women with PCOS may stem from issues with insulin
sensitivity. Studies have shown that inositol, at doses of two to four
grams per day, may have a beneficial effect on ovarian function and
fertility in women with PCOS. There have been positive results observed
across normal-weight, overweight, and obese women, demonstrating its
potential to enhance menstrual cycle regularity, ovulation, and
pregnancy rates in this population
4. Benefits for metabolic disorders
Research suggests that inositol has
benefits for metabolic diseases that are associated with conditions like
high blood pressure, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. When
myo-inositol and d-chiro-inositol were taken daily in addition to
anti-diabetes medications, people with type 2 diabetes saw significant
improvements in their fasting blood glucose levels (from 192.6 mg/dL to
160.9 mg/dL) and A1C levels (from 8.6% to 7.7%) after three months. This
was based on a pilot study that was published in the International
Journal of Endocrinology in 2016.
5. May help with blood sugar control
Insulin plays a vital role in regulating
blood sugar levels in the body. Generally, insulin resistance happens
when the body is unable to absorb insulin. It is often associated with
conditions such as metabolic syndrome. In addition to improving insulin
sensitivity and reducing insulin resistance, inositol helps cells
produce molecules that are essential for insulin to function.
The results of a six-month study involving
80 postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome revealed that the daily
consumption of 4 grams of inositol led to notable improvements in
insulin sensitivity, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels when
compared to a placebo. Likewise, research focusing on women with
gestational diabetes has also highlighted the favorable impact of
inositol on insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control.
Possible side effects of Inositol
Inositol is considered safe for adults, and any potential side effects
are typically mild, consisting of symptoms such as nausea, stomach pain,
fatigue, headaches, and dizziness. These side effects are more likely
to occur with doses exceeding 12 grams per day.
Consult a physician before taking inositol or any other supplement. As
inositol may cause reactions with other medications, substances, or
supplements you take, let your doctor know about all of them. When
treating a medical or mental health issue, inositol should never be used
in place of established therapies.
Sources and dosages
Found in a diverse array of foods, inositol
is most abundant in beans, fruits, nuts, and grains. Depending on the
items you eat, the amount typically consumed each day might range from
less than 1 gram to a few grams.
Inositol supplements are available in tablet and capsule forms. They do
not come with a prescribed daily intake or a standardized dosing
timetable.
The most popular inositol supplements are D-chiro-inositol, inositol
hexaphosphate (commonly abbreviated as "IP6"), and the complex
myo-inositol. They are generally deemed safe when consumed as directed.
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