Inositol is a type of carbohydrate that is an end-product of glucose metabolism. It is popularly known as a B-complex vitamin and is found in many nutritional supplements.
Inositol is important for cell function and fat metabolism, as well as optimal nervous system and insulin functioning. It can be indicated to aid in the treatment of diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome or depression.
In addition to dietary supplements that can be purchased in pharmacies or drugstores, inositol can also be found in various citrus fruits, dark green vegetables, beans, peas, brewer's yeast, wheat germ or nuts.
Health benefits
Inositol is a substance that is present in various nutritional supplements and can offer many health benefits such as:
- Keeping cells healthy
- Regulating the amount of calcium inside cells
- Reducing blood glucose in cases of diabetes
- Reducing levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood
- Increasing fat burning
- Helping to treat depression, panic syndrome or obsessive compulsive disorder
- Improving memory
- Strengthening hair strands
Inositol supplements may also be prescribed to increase fertility in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. This substances can reduce insulin resistance, which is a common finding in PCOS that interferes with fertility.
Does inositol help you lose weight?
Inositol can help you lose weight because as it can impact how fat is metabolized. It can increase fat burning and improve the action of insulin in the body. It can help to regulate sugar levels in the body, which can impact your appetite.
Therefore inositol can play a role in losing weight, especially in those with diabetes. However, using inositol should not replace medical treatment, nor the need for a balanced diet and active lifestyle.
How to take it
Inositol should be taken orally, with a meal. The normally recommended doses of inositol are 500 to 1000 mg per day.
This nutritional supplement should only be used as prescribed by a doctor or registered dietitian, with doses and treatment duration determined on a case by case basis.
Possible side effects
Inositol is considered to be safe for adults when taken in the quantities and frequencies prescribed by a doctor or registered dietitian. Although they are rare, this supplement can cause side effects like nausea, stomach pain, fatigue, headache or dizziness.
Contraindications for use
Inositol should not be used by anyone allergic to inositol or any other component in its formula.
In addition, the use of inositol by children, or during pregnancy or breastfeeding, should only be done as approved by a doctor.
Inositol can reduce sugar levels in the blood and enhance the effect of antidiabetic medications like glimepiride, insulin, pioglitazone or chlorpropamide. Therefore, blood glucose levels should be monitored frequently when taken by diabetics, especially when starting.