Orthomolecular - Myo-inositol

Question 1

Myo-inositol

Answer 1

Myo-inositol is the most predominant of nine different stereoisomer forms of inositol, a six-carbon sugar alcohol. It accounts for over 90% of cellular inositol.
* Myo-inositol provides structure to body cells, acts as an intracellular second messenger and regulates a number of hormones including insulin.
* It is synthesised in the body and can also be obtained in the diet.
stereoisomer =two or more compounds that only differ in the configuration of their atoms

Question 2

Food sources

Answer 2

• Plant sources: Whole grains, beans, fresh fruit (e.g. prunes, melon, oranges) and vegetables (e.g. okra, aubergine)
• Animal sources: Grass-fed meats, eggs.

Question 3

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

Answer 3

Therapeutic uses:
* PCOS is characterised by insulin resistance and ↑ androgens.
* Myo-inositol improves insulin sensitivity as it is a secondary messenger of insulin signalling and promotes mobilisation of GLUT4 vesicles.
* It increases SHBG to reduce bioavailable testosterone.
* Also improves menstrual cycle regularity, oocyte quality and overall female fertility.
* Dosage: 2–3 g daily. It should be used with folate.
oocyte =cell which matures into an ovum, or female egg

Question 4

Type 2 and gestational diabetes

Answer 4

Therapeutic uses:
* As per above. It improves the ability of cells to respond to insulin and helps regulate blood glucose.
* Dosage: 4 g daily.

Question 5

Anxiety and depression

Answer 5

Therapeutic uses:
* Inositol is linked to a number of CNS receptor signalling systems in the CNS, including the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine.
* Decreases anxiety symptoms and panic attack frequency.
* Decreases depression symptoms including that associated with PMS.
* Dosage: 12–18 g daily.

Question 6

Supplementation

Answer 6

• Safety: Generally well tolerated up to 12 g. About 5% incidence of mild GI symptoms observed at higher doses.
• No adverse effects noted when used in pregnancy (up to 4