Inositol Helps PCOS Women Control Inflammation

The favorable research about the B-vitamin inositol for PCOS continues to roll in. The European Journal of Endocrinology just published an article showing that supplemental inositol reduces "oxidative stress" in women who have polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Oxidative stress is a form of inflammation. Chronic inflammation has been identified as a major cause of polycystic ovary syndrome.

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Oxidative stress is damaging to every organ and cell in your body, and makes your symptoms worse. Oxidative stress creates problems in your ovaries, liver, pancreas and elsewhere.

Women with polycystic ovarian syndrome have higher levels of oxidative stress than other women do. It is partly caused by insulin resistance, and partly by environmental factors such as chemical pollution and poor diet.

In this study, 26 women with polycystic ovarian syndrome were given 1,200 mg of inositol for 12 weeks. (1,200 mg. is about 1/3 teaspoonful of inositol powder). After 12 weeks, the women experienced reduced insulin resistance, lower testosterone, and reduced oxidative stress.

Previous studies have shown that women taking inositol had improved egg quality and egg maturation. This is important for reducing risk of miscarriage, and for improving pregnancy chances if undergoing ovulation stimulation with drugs like Clomid.

Inositol has also been shown to improve skin problems, such as acne and unwanted hair growth (hirsutism). It can also improve mood.

Inositol is Safe and Effective for PCOS, But Shop Carefully

Inositol is quite safe. You would have to take a huge amount, about 12,000 milligrams per day, before you might encounter some GI discomfort.

You might be wondering why you need supplemental inositol. Several studies of PCOS women have suggested that you do not metabolize and utilize inositol the same way as other women. This may be the reason why inositol has had such good results with those suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome.

Please note: According to research, most inositol products contain less inositol than the label says. Please shop carefully. Only buy from a supplier who can verify the quality and potency of their product.

We offer an inositol powder that is verified by independent laboratory analysis to be as potent as the label says.

A product closely related to inositol powder is the d-pinitol formula, designed by a MD and a pharmacist for helping with PCOS. The formula contains chromium, vitamin D and d-pinitol, which is a molecular cousin of inositol.

Sources:
Dona G et al, Inositol administration reduces oxidative stress in erythrocytes of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome, Eur J Endocrinol. 2012 Jan 5. [Epub ahead of print]
Papaleo E et al, Myo-inositol products in polycystic ovary syndrome treatment: quality, labeling accuracy, and cost comparison. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2011 Feb;15(2):165-74.