Ingredient Repository · Ingredient

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Ingredient

Myo-Inositol

A carbocyclic polyol nutrient that regulates insulin signaling, ovarian function, and hormonal balance in women.

What it is

Myo-Inositol is a naturally occurring carbocyclic sugar polyol and key structural precursor for second messengers in cellular signal transduction pathways. Formerly categorized as Vitamin B8, myo-inositol is an essential component of phosphatidylinositol membrane phospholipids. It mediates intracellular signaling for insulin, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). In female health formulations, myo-inositol restores insulin sensitivity, supports ovulation, promotes oocyte quality, and balances ovarian androgen production in women preparing for conception.

Also known as: Inositol, Vitamin B8, cis-1,2,3,5-trans-4,6-cyclohexanehexol

What it does

  • Restores intracellular insulin receptor sensitivity and glucose cellular uptake.
  • Supports ovarian follicle maturation, oocyte quality, and regular ovulation.
  • Helps normalize serum androgen levels and metabolic parameters in women.

Amplified by probiotics

Myo-Inositol is absorbed in the small intestine via sodium-dependent myo-inositol transporters (SMIT1/SLC5A3 and SMIT2/SLC5A11). Metabolic endotoxemia resulting from intestinal hyperpermeability impairs insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) phosphorylation and alters SMIT transporter expression. Microencapsulated probiotic strains (Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium) improve intestinal tight junction assembly (ZO-1, occludin), lowering systemic lipopolysaccharide (LPS) transvasation and chronic inflammation. This restored gut barrier and SCFA-mediated microenvironment optimizes intestinal myo-inositol transport, synergizing with myo-inositol to improve systemic insulin sensitivity, ovarian follicle responsiveness, and reproductive endocrine balance in women.

Typical dose

2,000–4,000 mg/day

The evidence

Evidence: strong

Consensus position papers and systematic reviews demonstrate that myo-inositol supplementation significantly improves ovulation rates, oocyte quality, insulin resistance, and clinical pregnancy rates in women with polycystic ovary syndrome or undergoing fertility support (Unfer et al. 2017, Gynecol Endocrinol; Facchinetti et al. 2015, Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol).

  1. Unfer V, et al. Myo-inositol effects in women with PCOS: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2017;33(1):39-46. PubMed ↗
  2. Facchinetti F, et al. Results from the International Consensus Conference on Myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol in Obstetrics and Gynecology: the physiological ratio. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol. 2015;11(10):1581-1593. PubMed ↗

Safety & who should check first

Extremely safe with high tolerability. Minor GI symptoms occur rarely at high doses (>12 g/day). Safe during preconception and early pregnancy.