Inositol is a vitamin-like substance that is naturally produced in our bodies and found in many foods. In recent years, inositol has increasingly attracted attention, particularly in connection with women's health, PCOS, and blood sugar regulation.
What is Inositol?
Inositol was once considered one of the B vitamins. Today, however, it is known that the body can also produce it. It is mainly produced in the kidneys, which produce about 4 g daily.
However, the body's own production is often insufficient. Therefore, it can be quite useful to supplement it from external sources. This is why inositol is now considered a vitaminoid, or vitamin-like substance.
There are 9 different forms of inositol, so-called isomers, all of which are very similar. Myo-inositol is the most common form.
Inositol in Foods
Inositol occurs naturally in many foods, especially plant-based ones. Good sources include fruit, vegetables, legumes, grains, nuts, and seeds.
What Does Inositol Do in the Body?
Inositol has many different functions:
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Sugar Metabolism: Inositol is important for blood sugar regulation, as it mediates the effects of the blood sugar-lowering hormone insulin.
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Fat Metabolism: Inositol inhibits the absorption of fats on the one hand and promotes the formation of metabolically active brown adipose tissue on the other.
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Nerves: Inositol is important for the function of the autonomic nervous system. These are the nerves that control unconscious muscle activities, such as the heartbeat. In the brain, inositol is involved in controlling attention and behavior.
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Immune System: Inositol is important for the development and function of immune cells.
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Fertility: Inositol regulates sex hormones in men and women.
What Can Inositol Help With?
Inositol is available as a dietary supplement, and its effects are currently being investigated.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is a hormonal disorder in women characterized by excessively high androgen levels, which can lead to hair loss, acne, increased body hair, insulin resistance, and cysts in the ovaries.
PCOS is a common cause of infertility.
Several studies on women with PCOS have shown that inositol may help promote ovulation and alleviate PCOS symptoms.1
Insulin Resistance
Inositol may also be helpful for insulin resistance, which is understandable given its role in sugar metabolism. Studies suggest that inositol may counteract insulin resistance and also alleviate associated symptoms such as high blood pressure and elevated blood lipid levels.2
Infertility
Inositol appears to be helpful not only for female but also for male infertility. Some studies suggest that inositol may increase the number and motility of sperm.3
Buy Inositol
As with other dietary supplements, you should also pay attention to the quality of inositol. The Viktilabs preparation contains pure myo-inositol (the most common form in the body). It is free from fillers, binders, sweeteners, preservatives, and other unnecessary additives.
The product is also tested for contaminants by an independent laboratory.
Click here to purchase myo-inositol from Viktilabs.
