Inositol Supplementation & Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

Admin
Feb 15, 2023
2 min read

Updated: Sep 12

Keep reading for more information about Inositol supplementation and whether it is an evidence based and effective treatment option for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).

Inositol Supplementation & Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

One of the major symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is insulin resistance.

This can be mediated by changes in diet and lifestyle, as well as the addition of medication.MYO-Inositol is currently being researched as a supplement that may aid in blood sugar regulation.Inositol, otherwise known as vitamin B8, is made naturally in the kidneys. Inositol is also found in foods, however, it can be difficult to absorb.

In clinical trials, 1-4g of supplemented MYO- inositol when taken daily led to improved:

Menstrual regularity
PMS symptoms
Blood lipid panels
Insulin resistance
HbA1c
Acne
Male pattern hair growth
Metabolic syndrome

Notes on currently available research studies

Studies looking at PCOS and its relationship with inositol are limited and often are conducted on small groups of women, typically ranging from 10-20 participants per study and for 3-6 months.
Even though studies with inositol are promising, the benefits of inositol supplementation and PCOS needs to be researched further to have sound, long-term, and conclusive data.

Inositol Rich Foods for Women with PCOS

While it is possible to consume inositol through food, it can be difficult to meet inositol intake goals exclusively through foods that are considered the highest sources of inositol.

The standard Western diet consists of about 300 mg of inositol consumption per day. In an 1800 kcal diet specifically designed to be abundant in inositol-rich foods, total inositol consumption came out to 1.2 gm per day.

Although you may not meet recommendations from diet alone, it is still worth prioritizing inositol-rich foods in the diet.

Inositol (mg) per Serving: