Inositol: Natürliche Hilfe bei PCOS und Insulinresistenz - Cellavent Healthcare

Inositol: Natural help for PCOS and insulin resistance

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Imagine there was a natural substance that could help your body better cope with hormonal imbalances , insulin resistance , and even fertility problems . Sounds almost too good to be true?


That's exactly what inositol can do! Women, especially those with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) or gestational diabetes, report positive effects of inositol on their health. In this article, you'll learn what inositol is, how it works, and why it can support you.

The most important points in brief

Inositol , especially myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol, plays a central role in cell communication and glucose metabolism.

It is frequently used in cases of PCOS and insulin resistance , as it regulates hormone levels and improves ovarian function.

Inositol is considered safe and well-tolerated. However, medical advice should be sought before taking it during pregnancy.

What is inositol?

Inositol may sound exotic, but it is a natural substance that our bodies can produce. There are several forms of inositol, but myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol are the most important. These play crucial roles in cell communication and glucose metabolism —processes that are essential, especially for women with hormonal disorders such as PCOS or insulin resistance [1,2,3].


The two main forms of inositol:

  • Myo-inositol : An important component of the cell membrane that correctly transmits signals in the body.
  • D-Chiro-Inositol : Supports the action of insulin and promotes glucose uptake into cells.

Although our bodies can produce inositol, this is often insufficient to meet the needs of individuals with health conditions such as PCOS . Furthermore, inositol is found in many plant-based foods such as fruits , beans , and nuts , but not always in adequate amounts. In such cases, supplementation may be beneficial [4].

Young woman holds a capsule up to the camera and smiles.

How does inositol work?

Inositol, especially the combination of myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol , has a central function in cell communication.

  • Myo-inositol : It is a precursor of hormone-regulating messenger substances, the so-called "second messengers". These amplify and regulate signals arriving in the cells and ensure an optimal cellular response [5,6].
  • D-Chiro-Inositol : Promotes insulin action and enables better uptake of glucose into cells [7].
Pregnant woman in a field of flowers

Did you know?

Inositol was originally known as vitamin B8 . However, scientists later discovered that our bodies can produce inositol themselves . For this reason, it is now classified not as a vitamin, but as a substance naturally produced by the body .

Inositol for PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by a hormonal imbalance. Typical symptoms include:

  • Irregular or absent menstrual cycles
  • Increased hair growth in unusual places
  • acne
  • Unfulfilled desire to have children

Many women with PCOS also suffer from insulin resistance , which increases the risk of diabetes and obesity .


The role of inositol:

Inositol improves insulin resistance and regulates hormonal imbalance [8,9].

  • Studies show that myo-inositol can promote ovulation and improve ovarian function.
  • The exact mechanism of action is not fully understood, however, inositol optimizes the signal transmission of insulin and FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) .

Scientific findings:

  • A meta-analysis showed that myo-inositol can improve fertility in women with PCOS [10].
  • When combined with an anti-insulin drug, inositol shows a stronger effect: hormone levels stabilize faster and insulin resistance is reduced more effectively [11,12].

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Inositol in gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes often occurs due to hormonal changes that disrupt glucose metabolism and lead to insulin resistance [13,14].


Scientific studies:

  • Studies suggest that myo-inositol reduces insulin requirements during pregnancy.
  • It can also reduce the risk of premature births [15,16].
  • The use of myo-inositol during pregnancy shows promise . However, further research is needed to confirm these results.

Important: Women who wish to take inositol during pregnancy should definitely consult their doctor [17].

A pregnant woman sits and looks at an ultrasound image.

How safe and well-tolerated is inositol?

The combination of myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol has proven particularly effective in regulating hormonal imbalances and metabolic problems such as insulin resistance or menstrual irregularities . A deficiency in inositol can impair essential bodily processes, potentially leading to fertility problems , irregular cycles , or impaired glucose metabolism.

Inositol is a natural substance that is well tolerated by the body [18,19]:

  • No serious side effects have been observed so far.
  • The combination of myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol is particularly effective.

Conclusion

Inositol may be a relatively unknown substance , but its effects should not be underestimated. Women with PCOS , insulin resistance , or gestational diabetes, in particular, benefit from inositol supplementation.

Whether used alone or in combination with other therapies, inositol offers a natural way to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. If you are affected, inositol could be the crucial step towards boosting your well-being.

Our expert

Portrait of Sharleen Omara

Sharleen Omara, MD

doctor

Key areas:
Gynecology | Nutritional Medicine | Public Health

What is inositol and what is it used for?

Inositol is a naturally occurring substance that plays an important role in cell communication and glucose metabolism . It is often used to treat PCOS , insulin resistance , and gestational diabetes to regulate hormone levels and improve ovarian function.

Is inositol the same as vitamin B8?

Inositol was formerly known as vitamin B8 . Today we know that the body can produce inositol itself, which is why it is no longer considered a vitamin, but rather a substance produced by the body .

How does inositol help with PCOS?

Inositol, especially myo-inositol , can balance hormone levels , promote ovulation , and improve ovarian function. It also helps reduce insulin resistance , a common problem in PCOS.

What are the benefits of inositol for gestational diabetes?

Inositol may help reduce insulin requirements and the risk of premature birth in women with gestational diabetes. However, consulting a doctor before taking it is advisable.

In which foods is inositol found?

Inositol is found in fresh plant-based foods such as fruits , beans, and nuts . However, diet is often insufficient to meet the needs of individuals with health problems.

Are there any side effects when taking inositol?

Inositol is considered safe and well-tolerated . No serious side effects have been observed to date. Nevertheless, medical consultation is advisable for those with certain pre-existing conditions.

How is inositol taken?

Inositol is available in the form of dietary supplements , usually as a powder or capsules. A combination of myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol has proven to be particularly effective.

References for further reading:
  1. Chemie.de: Inosite https://www.chemie.de/lexikon/Inosit.html (accessed on 27.08.2023).
  2. DocCheck Flexikon: Inosit https://flexikon.doccheck.com/de/Inosit (accessed on 27.08.2023).
  3. Mohammad Haris, Kejia Cai, Anup Singh, Hari Hariharan, Ravinder Reddy, In vivo mapping of brain myo-inositol, NeuroImage, Volume 54, Issue 3, 2011, Pages 2079-2085, ISSN 1053-8119, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2010.10.017.
  4. Clements RS Jr, Darnell B. Myo-inositol content of common foods: development of a high-myo-inositol diet. At J Clin Nutr. 1980 Sep;33(9):1954-67. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/33.9.1954. PMID: 7416064.
  5. Bizzarri M, Carlomagno G. Inositol: history of an effective therapy for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2014 Jul;18(13):1896-903. PMID: 25010620.
  6. Pocket Atlas of Human Biochemistry. Koolman J, Röhm K, eds. 5th, completely revised edition. Stuttgart: Thieme; 2019. doi:10.1055/b-006-161663.
  7. Gambioli R, Montanino Oliva M, Nordio M, Chiefari A, Puliani G, Unfer V. New Insights into the Activities of D-Chiro-Inositol: A Narrative Review. Biomedicines. 2021 Oct 2;9(10):1378. doi: 10.3390/biomedicines9101378. PMID: 34680494; PMCID: PMC8533370.
  8. Wojciechowska A, Osowski A, Jóźwik M, Górecki R, Rynkiewicz A, Wojtkiewicz J. Inositols' Importance in the Improvement of the Endocrine-Metabolic Profile in PCOS. Int J Mol Sci. 2019 Nov 18;20(22):5787. doi: 10.3390/ijms20225787. PMID: 31752081; PMCID: PMC6888190.
  9. Eberle C. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In: Gätje R, Eberle C, Scholz C, Lübke M, Solbach C, Muschel K, Kissler S, Siedentopf F, Weissenbacher T et al., eds. Concise textbook of gynecology and obstetrics. 2nd, updated edition. Stuttgart: Thieme; 2015.
  10. Azizi Kutenaei M, Hosseini Teshnizi S, Ghaemmaghami P, Eini F, Roozbeh N. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2021 Apr;25(7):3105-3115. doi: 10.26355/eurrev_202104_25565. PMID: 33877679.
  11. Zhao H, Xing C, Zhang J, He B. Reprod Health. 2021 Aug 18;18(1):171. doi: 10.1186/s12978-021-01207-7. PMID: 34407851; PMCID: PMC8371888.
  12. Facchinetti F, Unfer V, Dewailly D, Kamenov ZA, Diamanti-Kandarakis E, Laganà AS, Nestler JE, Soulage CO; Group of 'Inositol in PCOS and Reproduction'. Inositols in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: An Overview on the Advances. Trends Endocrinol Metab. 2020 Jun;31(6):435-447. doi: 10.1016/j.tem.2020.02.002. Epub 2020 Mar 9. PMID: 32396844.
  13. Scholz C. Gestational diabetes. In: Gätje R, Eberle C, Scholz C, Lübke M, Solbach C, Muschel K, Kissler S, Siedentopf F, Weissenbacher T et al., eds. Concise textbook of gynecology and obstetrics. 2nd, updated edition. Stuttgart: Thieme; 2015.
  14. Graefe K. Gestational diabetes. In: Graefe K, Lutz W, Bönisch H, eds. Dual Series Pharmacology and Toxicology. 2nd, completely revised edition. Stuttgart: Thieme; 2016.
  15. Wei J, Yan J, Yang H. Inositol Nutritional Supplementation for the Prevention of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Nutrients. 2022 Jul 9;14(14):2831. doi: 10.3390/nu14142831. PMID: 35889788; PMCID: PMC9318937.
  16. Liu Q, Liu Z. The efficacy of myo-inositol supplementation to reduce the incidence of gestational diabetes: a meta-analysis. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2022 Jun;38(6):450-454. doi: 10.1080/09513590.2022.2071865. Epub 2022 May 16. PMID: 35575290.
  17. Motuhifonua SK, Lin L, Alsweiler J, Crawford TJ, Crowther CA. Antenatal dietary supplementation with myo-inositol for preventing gestational diabetes. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2023 Feb 15;2(2):CD011507. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD011507.pub3. PMID: 36790138; PMCID: PMC9930614.
  18. Mendoza N, Diaz-Ropero MP, Aragon M, Maldonado V, Llaneza P, Lorente J, Mendoza-Tesarik R, Maldonado-Lobon J, Olivares M, Fonolla J. Comparison of the effect of two combinations of myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol in women with polycystic ovary syndrome undergoing ICSI: a randomized controlled trial. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2019 Aug;35(8):695-700. doi: 10.1080/09513590.2019.1576620. Epub 2019 Mar 16. PMID: 30880505.
  19. Mendoza N, Diaz-Ropero MP, Aragon M, Maldonado V, Llaneza P, Lorente J, Mendoza-Tesarik R, Maldonado-Lobon J, Olivares M, Fonolla J. Comparison of the effect of two combinations of myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol in women with polycystic ovary syndrome undergoing ICSI: a randomized controlled trial. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2019 Aug;35(8):695-700. doi: 10.1080/09513590.2019.1576620. Epub 2019 Mar 16. PMID: 30880505.
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