Over the past few decades, the use of inositols in clinical practices has been continuously growing. Inositol is a polyol naturally found in fruits, beans, grains, nuts, and also in animals. The most common forms are inositol hexaphosphate, myo-inositol, and subsequently, D-chiro-inositol. Inositols are found in phospholipids, which act as cellular signal mediators, playing a role in cell metabolic regulation.
Due to its function as an insulin-sensitizing molecule, inositols have positive effects on the treatment of:
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Gestational Diabetes (GDM)
Inositols, as dietary supplements, offer promising benefits for improving women’s health.
Myo-Inositol, D-Chiro-Inositol, Inositol Hexakisphosphate (InsP6) are utilized in various therapeutic fields. They also play a significant role in male fertility, thyroid function recovery, and the reduction of metabolic syndrome and anxiety.
PCOS:
The pivotal role of inositols in mediating various insulin actions for the treatment of PCOS has been thoroughly demonstrated.
Effectiveness of Myo-Inositol:
Several studies strongly confirm the effectiveness of:
- Myo-Inositol
- D-Chiro-Inositol
- Inositol Hexakisphosphate (InsP6)
whether used alone or in combination with other inositols. These findings show improvements in spontaneous ovulation and fertility enhancement in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
Insulin Resistance in Women:
The use of inositols as an insulin-sensitizing agent to regulate metabolism and enhance ovulation is considered a valuable and therapeutic approach. Inositols improve hormonal disorders such as hyperandrogenism and metabolic disturbances caused by Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
Benefits of Inositol Supplements:
Inositol supplements improve sensitivity to clomiphene citrate, thereby enhancing ovulation and pregnancy rates in women with PCOS.
Inositols as a Valuable Alternative to Metformin:
Since Metformin is one of the first approaches for treating PCOS, researchers have compared its therapeutic role with inositols. Interesting findings showed that in insulin-resistant patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, inositols can be a valuable replacement for Metformin as a treatment for insulin resistance. When used in the doses prescribed by a specialist, no side effects are observed.
Infertility:
Worldwide, about one-third of infertility cases can be attributed to:
- Reduced sperm count
- Sperm motility
- Sperm morphology changes
Medications, assisted reproductive technologies, and surgery are common treatments for male infertility. Inositols, whether taken orally or incubated with semen, improve sperm quality, thus increasing the potential success of spontaneous pregnancies.
GDM:
During the first trimester of pregnancy, the onset of:
- Glucose intolerance
- Insulin resistance
can be a risk factor for GDM, the most common pregnancy complication associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Inositols have also been tested for preventing and treating gestational diabetes in several clinical trials.
High doses of inositols may cause minor side effects such as nausea and diarrhea. However, a case report by researchers showed that this molecule, even at high concentrations:
- 4 grams of inositol
- 3 times per day for 3 weeks
is safe. Moreover, its effectiveness in reducing blood glucose levels has been proven. These findings provide new insights into the use of inositols in the treatment of GDM.
Thyroid Disorders:
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is the most common autoimmune disorder globally, affecting more than 10% of women and 2% of men. The quality of life is often disrupted by the symptoms of this disease. However, no specific treatment has been established for autoimmune thyroiditis. Two studies examined the effects of combining inositol and selenium in Hashimoto’s patients with subclinical hypothyroidism and those with chronic euthyroid for six months. The findings of these studies matched and showed a reduction in the levels of:
- Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
- Autoantibodies after treatment with inositols
The use of inositol supplements in conjunction with selenium was evaluated, and the result indicated a decreased risk of hypothyroidism. Therefore, according to the findings, the use of inositol and selenium supplements is a beneficial treatment for autoimmune thyroiditis.
Oncology:
Several preliminary studies have investigated the involvement of inositols in aiding cancer treatment. Inositols, especially inositol hexaphosphate (InsP6), have antioxidant effects and are effective in reducing inflammatory activities. This is a chemical immune factor.
Proietti and colleagues examined the anticancer effects of inositol hexaphosphate during chemotherapy, specifically focusing on its effectiveness in preventing chemotherapy-related complications and improving the quality of life in women with breast cancer.
Conclusion:
This highlights the significant attention scientists are paying to ongoing research on the use of inositols in clinical practice. This section covers many areas, showing advancements and new therapeutic approaches in women’s health, endocrinology, and oncology.
References:
Unfer, V. and Facchinetti, F., 2017. Editorial–Update on inositol(s). European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences, 21(2), pp.1-3