I N O S I T O L
Inositol is considered an amino acid, but is also part of the B group family and is traditionally used in vitamin B
complexes. More recently, using inositol to regulate insulin resistance commonly seen with infertility issues, has
become popular with practitioners who specialize in fertility management.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and Fertility:
 Taking a particular form of inositol (isomer D-chiro-inositol) by mouth seems to lower triglyceride and
testosterone level and modestly decrease blood pressure. To promote ovulation in obese or insulin resistant
women with polycystic ovary syndrome, Myo inositol is the preferred form of inositol used by practitioners. A
recent 2017 trial on fertility showed, inositol’s potential during a recent randomized controlled tria.l
Researchers pitted 1500 mg per day of metformin up against 4000 mg per day of myo-inositol. In this direct
comparison that included patients both with and without insulin resistance, myo-inositol outperformed
metformin when it came to reducing testosterone levels, hirsutism, and markers of inflammation
Panic disorder:
 Inositol shows some promise for controlling panic attacks and the fear of public places or open spaces
(agoraphobia). One study found that inositol is as effective as a prescription medication. However, largescale clinical trials are needed before evaluating the effectiveness of inositol for panic attacks.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD):
 There is some evidence that people with OCD who receive inositol by mouth for 6 weeks experience
significant improvement. The dose of inositol is very high (see below) to achieve this improvement and
should be done gradually and to tolerance
Interesting FYI’s: Inositol has resolved breathing problems in premature infants known as acute respiratory distress
syndrome when given intravenous.
Inositol can improve the symptoms of Psoriasis when it is a side effect of lithium drug therapy. Inositol doesn’t seem
to help psoriasis in people not taking lithium.
Caution:
Bipolar disorder: There is some concern that taking too much inositol might make bipolar disorder worse. There is a
report of a man with controlled bipolar disorder being hospitalized with extreme agitation and impulsiveness (mania)
after drinking several cans of an energy drink containing inositol, caffeine, taurine, and other ingredients (Red Bull
Energy Drink) over a period of 4 days. It is not known if this is related to inositol, caffeine, taurine, a different
ingredient, or a combination of the ingredients.
Dosage:
 For panic disorder: 12 to 18 grams per day
 For obsessive-compulsive disorder: inositol 18 grams per day.
 For treating symptoms associated with polycystic ovary syndrome: Myo inositol: 2 -4 gram per day. Some
fertility specialists also recommend the addition of the D – Chiro form of inositol alongside of the myo form.
 For treating lithium-related psoriasis: 6 grams daily