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.
Inosito
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 of 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.