Studies have found that people with depression, anxiety, and OCD may have lower levels of inositol in their brain. This negatively impacts serotonin and dopamine and overall neurotransmitter health.
Myo-Inositol (MI) and D-Chiro-Inositol (DCI) are different forms of inositol. Which is a carbocyclic sugar found in the B vitamin family, and a component of the cell membrane. Inositol is found in foods such as beans, grains, fruits, and nuts. But it’s also created within the body, although to a much smaller degree than can be found in supplements.
Further, those who supplemented with 2g of inositol taken twice daily reduced blood triglyceride levels by 34% and total cholesterol by 22%. As well as improving blood pressure and blood sugar.
Both forms of Inositol work as messengers within the body relaying information regarding insulin levels. It’s believed that women suffering from PCOS may have a defect in their ability to convert the MI form to the DCI form. This leads to insulin resistance and infertility, and proper supplementation can improve insulin signals as well as other factors of metabolic health.
The positive impact of inositol supplementation on women with PCOS, especially those trying to conceive, is very encouraging.
A recent study of over 3600 women with PCOS tested their response to MI supplementation for 2-3 months. Almost 70% showed improvement in their ovulatory and menstrual cycles. In other studies, women have improved ovulation rates as well as reduction of hyperandrogegism, presenting with the appearance of acne and excess unwanted hair growth.
Both MI and DCI forms have been tested for their possibility of creating the same positive outcome. Some research has show they both improved metabolic profile. But DCI was shown to lead in the reduction of hyperandrogegism. While other research shows that having a greater ratio (40:1) of MI to DCI is more favorable for insulin management, especially in PCOS.
MI has also been a positive impact for women undergoing IVF. Showing that those who supplemented with it prior to starting had better egg and embryo quality with less ovarian hyper-stimulation. Another argument against favoring DCI is its negative effect on oocyte quality and ovarian response, relative to the ratio of DCI to MI in supplementation.
Inspired by this research, scientists have looked into the result of supplementing MI for those without PCOS. Finding that low levels of MI in the follicular fluid is associated with the quality of the egg likely being poor. MI may directly influence follicle stimulating hormone signaling, which drives egg maturation.
Myo-Inositol may also reduce the risk of gestational diabetes (GDM). As women with PCOS are often at an increased risk of GDM in pregnancy, a research study showed that supplementing with MI throughout pregnancy is effective at reducing this risk. Significant to note, especially for overweight women, those in the study done in Gynecology Endocrinology showed those who used MI with GDM only came to 17% while those in the control group (not using MI), 54% had GDM. Though there is limited research on inositol in pregnancy, a combination of 4g MI and 400 mcg of folate may be helpful in preventing GDM when taken daily. The same combination was taken daily for three months in an Italian study from 2014 induced ovulation in 62% of women tested.
Knowing the above, we formulated Baseline+ with 2000mg (2g) quality Myo-Insitol per daily serving. Baseline+ isn’t exclusively designed for women with PCOS or those actively trying to conceive. But will definitely support those with the goal of managing insulin levels and improving hormone balance around conception goals. As well as any women who may need additional support with serotonin and dopamine levels.
Because inositol is also naturally occurring in plant foods, we do encourage a healthy, plant based diet. As with any supplement, make sure to check with your trusted physician who understands your health history and goals to make sure Baseline+ is a great fit for you.
The contents of this blog should not be taken as medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health problem-nor is it intended to replace the advice of a physician. Always consult your physician or qualified health professional on any matters regarding your health. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
