Myo-Inositol

Myo-inositol is the most abundant form of inositol, a sugar-like molecule that the body makes and that we also get from fruit, legumes and grains. It is involved in transmitting the signals of hormones such as insulin and FSH.

Quick facts

  • The body itself makes inositol from glucose

Myo-inositol is one of the most researched ingredients in the field of female hormonal health and fertility.

What is myo-inositol?

Inositol is a polyol with a structure similar to glucose. For a time it was called "vitamin B8", although it is not a vitamin because the body can make it. There are nine forms, and the two most important are myo-inositol, the most abundant, and D-chiro-inositol.

How does it work?

It is one of the so-called second messengers: molecules that transmit the signal of certain hormones, such as insulin or FSH (the hormone that stimulates follicle development in the ovary), into the cell. In the ovary, myo-inositol is found at a much higher concentration than D-chiro-inositol.

What does the science say?

Most studies have been carried out in women with menstrual cycle irregularities and in women trying to conceive, and have assessed hormonal and metabolic parameters. A 2017 meta-analysis reported favourable results on these parameters (Unfer 2017). Its role in glucose metabolism is also being researched (Bevilacqua and Bizzarri 2018).

Myo-inositol has no authorised health claims in the European Union. If you have a medical diagnosis, follow your specialist's advice.

Which foods contain inositol?

Citrus fruit (especially oranges), melon, legumes, whole grains and nuts. The diet provides about 1 g a day, below the amounts used in studies.

Dose and how to take it

  • Studies usually use 2 to 4 g of myo-inositol a day, often split into two doses.
  • When combined with D-chiro-inositol, the most studied ratio is 40:1.
  • At IVB, Myo-Inositol Plus provides 4 g of myo-inositol with NAC, zinc and copper, and FertiUp combines it with folate, CoQ10 and other micronutrients.

Safety

  • It is very well tolerated up to 4 g a day. At much higher doses, nausea, wind or loose stools may occur.
  • If you take glucose-lowering medication or are pregnant, talk to your healthcare professional.

Frequently asked questions

What is myo-inositol used for?

It is a molecule involved in the signalling of hormones such as insulin and FSH. It has been researched mainly in female hormonal health and fertility. It has no authorised health claims in the EU.

When should I take myo-inositol?

It is usually dissolved in water and taken away from main meals or split into two doses, according to the product directions.

What is the difference between myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol?

They are two forms of inositol with different functions. The body converts part of the myo-inositol into D-chiro-inositol, and each tissue maintains its own ratio.

Can men take myo-inositol?

Yes. It is also present in semen and has been studied in the male preconception stage.

References
  1. Unfer V, Facchinetti F, Orrù B, Giordani B, Nestler J. Myo-inositol effects in women with PCOS: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Endocr Connect. 2017;6(8):647-658.
  2. Bevilacqua A, Bizzarri M. Inositols in insulin signaling and glucose metabolism. Int J Endocrinol. 2018;2018:1968450.