Inositol is a type of sugar that our bodies make and is also present in some foods. There are nine different types of inositol, but myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol are the ones most often found in supplements.

Inositol may help balance chemicals in the body to improve mental health issues like panic attacks, depression, and OCD. It might also help insulin work more effectively. People often use inositol for metabolic syndrome, PCOS, and lowering the risk of early birth. It’s also used for sleep problems, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and other conditions.

Inositol is a group of nine different chemical forms, but it’s mostly used to refer to the common type called myo-inositol. Myo-inositol is a type of sugar alcohol that comes from corn kernels. It is made by extracting, precipitating, and breaking down a compound found in corn.

Research indicates that taking an inositol supplement, particularly with folic acid, can help with many PCOS symptoms. It can help control blood sugar, lower blood pressure, and reduce triglycerides. It might also help with ovulation and boost the chances of getting pregnant.

Inositol is usually taken by adults in doses of up to four grams per day. It is often taken with 200-400 mcg of folic acid daily. Talk to a doctor to determine the right dose for your needs.

There’s a low chance of taking too much inositol. It’s thought to be safe to use in small amounts for up to 10 weeks. Some mild side effects might include diarrhea.

Studies show that it often takes around 12 weeks, or three months, of regularly taking inositol supplements to notice better insulin sensitivity, improved metabolism, and reduced PCOS symptoms. However, this timeline can change depending on personal factors

Inositol is a type of carbohydrate naturally found in the body and some foods. In the US, the average diet includes about one gram of inositol daily. There is no proof that inositol causes weight gain or blood sugar spikes even though it is a sugar/carbohydrate.

Inositol is a dietary supplement, so the FDA doesn’t regulate it like it does with medicines. There’s no specific recommended dose, but studies suggest it is safe if a small amount is taken daily for up to 10 weeks.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal issue that affects women of reproductive age, usually starting in their teen years. The symptoms can change over time. Treating PCOS with substances called inositols, which are similar to vitamins and are a type of sugar in the body, has shown good results. Inositols can help people with PCOS manage their blood sugar levels and improve their chances of getting pregnant. They may help balance hormone levels by promoting insulin sensitivity, which reduces the ovaries’ exposure to insulin. Inositols also can affect other hormones, like androgens, and those involved in ovulation, such as FSH.

Inositol, similar to glucose, acts inside cells to pass messages from neurotransmitters to the cell nucleus. This indicates that inositol may help with panic disorder, OCD, and depression.

Using certain natural ingredients from supplements and herbal medicines to treat PCOS has shown good results without side effects. Four natural ingredients in particular have been well studied: curcumin, vitamin D, inositol, and CoQ10. These ingredients can help reduce insulin sensitivity and inflammation, improve ovarian function, balance hormones, and regulate the menstrual cycle. These are all important for women dealing with PCOS.

Inositol might help with acne in women who have PCOS, but it’s not as clear if it works for people without PCOS. It could be helpful because it helps control insulin and hormones, which might also change how acne forms.

For PCOS, fertility, and insulin resistance, the suggested dose is two grams in the morning with breakfast and two grams at night with dinner, but it is important to only follow the dosage regime of the prescribing health practitioner.

Inositol might help with fertility by making the body use insulin better. This may help women with PCOS have regular periods and improve the quality of their eggs.

Inositol is usually safe for adults. Some mild side effects might happen, like nausea, stomach ache, tiredness, headache, or feeling dizzy. These side effects mostly happen on doses of more than 12 grams a day.