Benefits of Inositol for Fertility and Pregnancy
TL;DR
What is Inositol?
Often referred to as vitamin B8 despite not being a true vitamin, Inositol is a naturally occurring sugar-alcohol that plays a crucial role in various cellular functions within the body.
Inositol is known to influence chemical messengers in your brain (1) and contribute to the regulation of blood sugar metabolism (the process that manages sugar levels from the food you eat) (2).
It’s involved in everything from hormones to neurotransmitters!
Studies show that inositol helps with the growth and release of eggs in your ovaries, their fertilization, and the early stages of an embryo's development (3).
In supplement form, inositol has been studied for its potential benefits in conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), gestational diabetes, insulin resistance, and some mental health conditions.
Myo-inositol and D-Chiro-Inositol
Although there are nine different forms of inositol, we will focus on two: myo-inositol (MI) and D-chiro-inositol (DCI).
MI and DCI are almost identical at the molecular level, but their subtle differences allow them to play distinct roles in insulin signaling in your body.
MI is the most widely found form of inositol found in nature (4) and can be converted into DCI in the body in an enzyme-driven process with the help of insulin. Think of MI as a basic building block that can be transformed into DCI when your body needs it.
Sources of Inositol
Some food sources of inositol include:
- Beans/legumes
- Miso
- Whole grains (bran, brown rice, etc.)
- Cantaloupe
- Peas
- Nutritional yeast
- Organ meats like liver
- Nuts
According to research, while many foods contain inositol, you may still need to supplement with d-chiro-inositol and myo-inositol to get the amounts that offer a broad range of health benefits.
Fertility Benefits of Inositol (and More!)
Inositol offers a range of benefits including supporting fertility, hormonal balance, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.
Inositol May Improve Egg Quality
Studies show that:
- Having more MI and estradiol (a form of estrogen) in the fluid surrounding the egg may assist with follicle maturity and egg quality (5).
- MI helps your body respond better to insulin and supports egg quality and your ovaries (6).
- MI supports egg and embryo quality in individuals undergoing IVF treatment (7).
Inositol May Support Healthy Thyroid Function
- MI has been shown to lower levels of thyroid antibodies and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) to support healthy thyroid function in individuals with autoimmune thyroiditis (8).
Myo-inositol May Support Ovarian Health
- MI taken alongside melatonin, may lower the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation in women undergoing IVF (7). Ovarian hyperstimulation happens when the ovaries get too stimulated causing them to swell and cause discomfort or pain, usually because of fertility treatments like IVF. More research is needed, however, to support this.
Additional Benefits of Inositol for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Taking myo-inositol may offer additional benefits for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS):
Can I Take Inositol if I Don’t Have PCOS?
Yes, you can take inositol even if you don't have PCOS. Inositol, especially in the forms of MI and DCI, offers various health benefits that extend far beyond managing PCOS as discussed above.
What is the Ratio of Myo-Inositol to D-Chiro Inositol for Women with PCOS?
Several studies looking at the effects of different ratios of inositols found that a ratio of 40:1 MI to DCI, stands out as the most effective for supporting ovulation, hormonal balance, and blood sugar metabolism in individuals with PCOS (13,14).
There is also a wealth of research demonstrating the benefits of MI alone, so if cost is a consideration for you, this is worth taking into account.
Will Taking Inositol Upset My Menstrual Cycle and/or Ovulation?
As we outlined above, inositol can help support your menstrual cycle and ovulation by improving insulin sensitivity and supporting healthy hormone levels.
Is Inositol Safe?
Yes! The safety of inositol supplementation has been demonstrated in both animal and human studies (15).
Studies looking at over 250 participants taking MI for different lengths of time found that the side effects linked to MI mainly involve digestive issues like nausea, gas, loose stools, and diarrhea, but that these only occur at doses of 12 grams per day or higher (16).
Even at higher doses of 30 grams per day, the intensity of these side effects remains unchanged (16).
The commonly used clinical dose of 4 grams per day of inositol has been found to be free of adverse side effects (16).
Can I Take Inositol for Fertility?
Yes, you can take inositol while trying to conceive. In fact, as we mentioned above inositol, particularly MI and DCI, are regularly used to support fertility and reproductive health.
Can I take Inositol While Pregnant?
Studies in pregnant women have shown that taking up to 4 grams of inositol daily is possible without adverse side effects (17,18,19). Additionally, a 2019 review of clinical trials where MI was given to pregnant women found that there were no reported adverse side effects (19). Further research is planned to continue exploring its safety and benefits.
How Much Inositol is Safe to Take for Fertility or Pregnancy?
Studies in pregnant women have found that taking up to 4 grams of inositol daily is safe and free of any harmful side effects (17,18,19). However, we always recommend that you follow your healthcare practitioners advice to find the right dosing for you.
Inositol in our Women’s Prenatal Multivitamin
We include 150 mg of myo-inositol in our prenatal, one of two forms of inositol that have been well-studied as beneficial regardless of whether or not you have PCOS.
Some people may even need more on top of this which is something to work out with your healthcare practitioner.
If you’re on the hunt for one, check out our Practitioner Directory!
