Myo-inositol - what effect does it have on us?

The human body can produce myo-inositol itself. This vitamin plays a major role in various metabolic processes. But what happens if we can no longer produce it in sufficient quantities? We explain the far-reaching consequences here.

What is myo-inositol?

Inositol is a vitamin-like substance ("vitaminoid") and is known in various forms; there are 9 inositol isomers. The most important is called myo-inositol, followed by D-chiro-inositol. They all have the same structure and differ only in the spatial arrangement of the atoms.

Inositol can have an effect on fat and sugar metabolism as well as hormone balance. It can therefore also play a role in an unfulfilled pregnancy [1]. If there is an increased requirement, e.g. due to PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) or the menopause, if you want to have children, if you are not getting pregnant or other fertility-related issues, various studies have shown that it can be useful to take inositol as a dietary supplement, as explained below.

Inositol in the body

Inositol is a component of the cell membrane and is involved in fat metabolism and the formation of new cells. It is a precursor of the secondary hormone messengers gonadoliberin, TSH and insulin. As a secondary messenger in the brain, it influences the activity of neurotransmitters.

The body's own production of inositol mainly takes place in the kidneys (around 4 g per day) and the liver. However, the highest concentration of it is found in the brain, as it is produced there as an intermediate product of cell metabolism [2]. It circulates in the blood and is absorbed in this way by the cells that cannot produce it themselves. When ingested with food or food supplements, it mainly reaches the brain, heart muscle, skeletal muscles, gonads and bones, where it can take effect.

PCOS and insulin resistance

PCOS stands for polycystic ovary syndrome and refers to a hormonal disorder in women of childbearing age. The symptoms include: Acne, hair loss, increased body hair, insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes, obesity, infertility or unfulfilled desire to have children, cysts in the ovaries, high androgen levels (male sex hormones, e.g. testosterone), lack of ovulation.

Research has made interesting findings with regard to insulin resistance, blood lipid levels and high blood pressure. After a period of 16 weeks, the administration of inositol was found to have a positive effect on insulin resistance and insulin and blood sugar levels, as well as increasing fertility when trying to conceive [3]. Elevated blood pressure and blood lipid levels could also be improved by taking inositol, as a study with menopausal women (i.e. without PCOS) recognised [4].

What does myo-inositol do?

Researchers from England and Australia demonstrated in 2017 in numerous studies that inositol therapy for PCOS delivered promising results [5]. It was shown that inositol was able to regulate the menstrual cycle in women and promote ovulation in relation to the fulfilment of the desire to have children. Other complaints such as metabolic disorders, increased insulin resistance, obesity and high blood pressure were also improved. There have also been studies on sperm quality. These showed that the administration of inositol had a positive effect on the number and motility of sperm [6].

Inositol and the menopause

In the menopause, around 30 to 50 per cent of women who previously had PCOS with insulin resistance develop a metabolic syndrome: high blood lipid levels, high blood pressure, obesity and increased insulin resistance [7]. This study also showed a significant improvement in the values by taking inositol. The cells in the body were re-sensitised to the effect of insulin and high blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol and insulin levels were significantly improved.

Fertility and desire to have children

Inositol can promote the menstrual cycle in women with PCOS, increase fertility and also improve sperm quality in men. Many studies now show a link between this form of therapy and improvements in affected patients [8].

How can I take inositol through my diet?

An unhealthy diet makes it difficult to take in a sufficient amount of myo-inositol. A high-sugar diet can cause impaired glucose metabolism, which can make inositol absorption more difficult.

In general, plant-based foods contain a higher amount of inositol, in contrast to animal products, which only have a low inositol content.

Some examples are:

120 ml grapefruit juice: 470 mg
30 g peanut butter: 91 mg
100 g green beans: 54 mg
100 g Brussels sprouts: 40 mg
40 g roast beef: 9 mg
40 g ham: 5.7 mg
120 ml skimmed milk: 5 mg

Myo-inositol in the form of dietary supplements

Affected patients take the active ingredient daily via dietary supplements, e.g. in the form of capsules. For example in the form of capsules, the dosage can be much more precise and the effect on the body can be better adjusted. Capsules with myo-inositol offer the body a high level of bioavailability. Which capsules or which powder is best to take and which dosage should be included depends on the desired effect. We recommend consulting your doctor.

Sources:
[1] https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10304-018-0223-x#Sec2
[2] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1053811910013091?via%3Dihub
[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19499845/
[4] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25245999/
[5] https://obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1471-0528.14754
[6] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/andr.12025
[7] https://journals.lww.com/menopausejournal/Effects_of_myo_inositol_supplementation_in.20.aspx
[8] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32396844/

Matching Products

14.87 %

Myo-Inositol 1000 mg (120 caps)

Nervous system support Inositol, also known as vitamin B8, is one of the vitamins because it has some similarities to B vitamins. This is now considered obsolete because it has been found that the body can produce inositol on its own - from glucose. In the past, inositol was also known as "muscle sugar" for its sweet taste. Inositol is found in almost all tissues of the human body and is needed for the proper functioning of cell membranes and the nervous system. The highest concentrations of inositol are found in the brain, where inositol plays the role of a messenger. Unfortunately, due to legal requirements, we are not allowed to provide any information about the use and effectiveness of our products. For more information, contact your doctor or healer or check the professional literature and websites on the Internet. Consumption recommendation Take 1 capsule daily with sufficient water. Important information The recommended daily dose must not be exceeded. Keep out of reach of small children. Food supplements are not a substitute for a balanced and varied diet and a healthy lifestyle. Storage information Keep the container tightly closed after use. Store in a cool, dry place, at a temperature not exceeding 25 degrees. Contents Food supplement with myo-inositol 86 % myo-inositol, vegetable capsule shell: hydroxypropylmethylcellulose Ingredients PRODUCT INFORMATION PER CAPSULE Myo-Inositol 1000 mg

Content: 0.1396 Kilogramm (€164.04* / 1 Kilogramm)

€22.90* €26.90* (14.87% saved)

Pcs

Inositol + Folic Acid (200 g)

More than just sweetnessInositol, also known as vitamin B8, is considered a vitamin because it has some similarities to B vitamins. This fact is now considered obsolete because it has been found that the body can produce inositol itself - from glucose. In the past, inositol was also known as "muscle sugar" for its sweet taste. Inositol is found in almost all tissues of the human body and is needed for the proper functioning of cell membranes and the nervous system. The highest concentrations of inositol are found in the brain, where inositol plays the role of a messenger. Folic acid plays a role in cell division and contributes to normal mental function and the normal function of the immune system. Unfortunately, due to legal requirements, we are not allowed to provide any information about the use and effectiveness of our products. For more information, contact your doctor or healer or check the professional literature and websites on the Internet. Consumption recommendation Stir 2,4 g (equivalent to one coated measuring spoon) in 100 ml of water twice a day. Important information The recommended daily dose must not be exceeded. Keep out of reach of small children. Food supplements are not a substitute for a balanced and varied diet and a healthy lifestyle. Storage information Keep the container tightly closed after use. Store in a cool, dry place, at a temperature not exceeding 25 degrees. Contents Food supplement with myo-inositol and folic acid 99.9 % Myo-inositol, pteroylmonoglutamin acid Ingredients PRODUCT INFORMATION PER 2 MEASURING SPOONS %NRV* Myo-inositol 4.8 g ** Folic acid 800 µg 400 % * Nutrient reference value (NRV) according to Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011**No NRV available.

Content: 0.2 Kilogramm (€124.50* / 1 Kilogramm)

€24.90*

Pcs

Choline + Inositol 450/450 mg (60 Kps)

A powerful combinationCholine is a semi-essential nutrient. The body is able to partially make it itself, but not in sufficient quantities. Choline should therefore be ingested in food, it is mainly found in animal products. Choline plays an important role in the body. It is part of the phospholipids that are needed to build the cell membrane. The best known is lecithin, also known as phosphatidylcholine. Choline also contributes to normal lipid metabolism and normal liver function. It is also needed for the production of acetylcholine. In our product we use plant choline bitartrate, which the body can use very well. In this way, vegetarians and vegans can supplement their diet with choline. Inositol, also known as vitamin B8, was once considered a vitamin because it has some similarities to B vitamins. This fact is now considered obsolete, as it has been found that the body can make inositol on its own - from glucose. In the past, inositol was also known as "muscle sugar" due to its sweet taste. Inositol is contained in almost all tissues of the human body and is necessary for the proper functioning of cell membranes and the nervous system. The highest concentrations of inositol can be found in the brain, where inositol plays a role as a transporter. Since both active substances are mutually reinforcing, we use choline + myo-inositol in our product in an ideal ratio of 1:1. Unfortunately, due to legal requirements, we are not allowed to provide any information about the use and effectiveness of our products. For more information, contact your doctor or healer or check the professional literature and websites on the Internet. Consumption recommendation Take 2 capsules daily with sufficient water. Important information The recommended daily dose must not be exceeded. Keep out of reach of small children. Food supplements are not a substitute for a balanced and varied diet and a healthy lifestyle. Storage information Keep the container tightly closed after use. Store in a cool, dry place, at a temperature not exceeding 25 degrees. Contents Food supplement with choline and myo-inositol 60.8 % choline bitartrate, 24.3 % myo-inositol, vegetable capsule shell: hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, filler: rice flour Ingredients PRODUCT INFORMATION PER 2 CAPSULES Choline 450 mg Myo-Inositol 450 mg

Content: 0.0555 Kilogramm (€232.43* / 1 Kilogramm)

€12.90*

Pcs