You might get questions about inositol, an increasingly popular ingredient used to help treat polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) symptoms and improve fertility. PCOS is a leading cause of infertility – which is a growing segment in the dietary supplement market. Here’s what you should know.
Inositol is a sugar alcohol found in foods like legumes, citrus fruits, and meat. It’s also made in the body. Meta-analyses of studies in patients with PCOS show that taking inositol by mouth helps normalize the menstrual cycle and hormonal imbalances. And when taken along with folic acid, it might improve ovulation in people with anovulatory PCOS. But despite the claims you might see in popular marketing campaigns, it doesn’t seem to increase the chance of getting pregnant.
While it’s important to manage expectations about its impact on pregnancy rates, explain that inositol might offer other potential benefits for patients with PCOS. In addition to its effects on hormones and ovulation, it might help improve body mass index (BMI) and cholesterol levels. As for safety, inositol has been used safely in doses of 6 grams daily for 10 weeks. Diarrhea, gas, and nausea are the most common side effects. Note that there are nine different forms of inositol – myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol are the most well-studied and commonly used in supplements.
Check out our recently updated inositol monograph to learn more.
The information in this brief report is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions. Copyright © 2024 NatMed. Commercial distribution or reproduction prohibited. NatMed is the leading provider of high-quality, evidence-based, clinically-relevant information on natural medicine, dietary supplements, herbs, vitamins, minerals, functional foods, diets, complementary practices, CAM modalities, exercises and medical conditions. Monograph sections include interactions with herbs, drugs, foods and labs, contraindications, depletions, dosing, toxicology, adverse effects, pregnancy and lactation data, synonyms, safety and effectiveness.
