Indications

Inositol SAP may be effective in the treatment of PCOS and its related morbidities including hypercholesterolemia, hyperandrogenemia, hyperinsulinemia, hirsutism, acne, menstrual irregularity, in the restoration of ovarian activity and infertility

Ingredients

Each scoop contains:
Inositol (myo-inositol) ... 4 g

Contains no: Preservatives, allergens, artificial flavour or colour,
sweeteners, wheat, gluten, soy, starch, yeast, citrus, egg or dairy.

Description

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause of ovulatory disorders and female infertility. Signs and symptoms of PCOS may include anovulation or menstrual irregularities; ovarian cysts on ultrasound; hyperandrogenism including hirsutism, acne and alopecia; insulin resistance and obesity. Insulin resistance and secondary hyperinsulinemia appear to play a causative role in the development of PCOS. Myo-inositol has been suggested as a first-line therapy in the treatment of PCOS, and has been shown to be effective in mitigating the symptoms of this syndrome and its associated comorbidities POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME (PCOS) Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause of ovulatory disorders and female infertility. It is estimated that this syndrome affects 6–10% of women of childbearing age. Increased insulin levels and impaired glucose tolerance may play causative roles in the development of hyperandrogenemia, the metabolic and reproductive changes in PCOS through its synergism with luteinizing hormone (LH) to enhance androgen production.(1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10) Comorbidities, signs and symptoms of PCOS commonly include features of metabolic syndrome including insulin resistance, obesity, and dyslipidemia, in addition to hyperandrogenemia, reflected in hirsutism, alopecia and acne. Insulin resistance appears in both obese and non obese women diagnosed with PCOS.(2, 5) Since the association of hyperinsulinemia, impaired glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity with PCOS was realized, conventional treatments of this disorder have included pharmaceutical insulin-sensitizing drugs such as metformin, oral contraceptives for the regulation of menstruation, antiandrogenic agents such as spironolactone to address hirsutism, and clomiphene to induce ovulation if desired. Inositol-containing phosphoglycans (IPGs) have been discovered to play a role in activating enzymes that control glucose metabolism.(1, 2, 3) It is speculated that a decrease in the availability or utilization of IPG mediators may contribute to insulin resistance in the pathogenesis of PCOS. Up to 50–70% of women diagnosed with PCOS demonstrate insulin resistance and impaired glucose tolerance.(3, 4, 5) METABOLIC, LIPID AND HORMONAL EFFECTS OF MYO-INOSITOL Myo-inositol has been shown in multiple prospective studies to significantly reduce plasma LH, testosterone, free testosterone, HOMA index and insulin levels within 3 months.(6, 7) Constantino et al. performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial using myo-inositol and found that myo-inositol supplementation at 4 g/d significantly reduced blood pressure, cholesterol, triglyceride, testosterone, and SHBG levels.(8) Minozzi et al. compared the effects of 4 g/d myo-inositol in combination with oral contraceptives versus oral contraceptives alone, and found that combination therapy may be more effective than oral contraceptives alone at modulating pertinent hormone levels in PCOS.(9) HIRSUTISM, ACNE & SKIN DISORDERS Myo-inositol has been shown to reduce symptoms of hirsutism and acne associated with PCOS after 3 months. The decrease in the number of cases exhibiting hirsutism of all severities in this study was statistically significant at 3 month, and 6 month follow-ups. 30 % of cases exhibited complete remission of hirsutism symptoms by the 6 month follow-up. The decrease in the number of cases exhibiting acne also significantly decreased over the 6 month trial with complete disappearance being reported in 53% of cases.(6) FERTILITY In a study by Genazzani et al., 2 g/d myo-inositol supplementation over 6 months restored menstrual cyclicityin in all amenorrheic and oligmennorheic subjects.(7) 88% of amennorheic subjects supplemented with 4 g/d myo-inositol in a study by Papaleo et al. achieved at least one spontaneous menstrual cycle within 6 months. 40% of subjects in the same study achieved clinical pregnancy with no incidence of multiple pregnancy.(10) Raffone et al. compared the efficacy of 4 g/d myo-inositol and metformin in combination and alone and concluded that myo-inositol alone is more effective than metformin alone as first-line treatments for the restoration of normal menstrual cycles and in the treatment of infertility.(3) Furthermore, Morgante et al. establish that metformin alone, or in combination with clomiphene, has no advantage in inducing ovulation in patients with PCOS, and should be reserved for patients exhibiting glucose intolerance.(2) It is believed that myo inositol may improve oocyte quality and ovarian function via modification of calcium signaling, required especially in the final stages of oocyte maturation.(3, 11, 12 )

Dose

Adults: Take 1 to 3 scoops daily mixed into juice or water, or as directed
by your health care practitioner.

Potential side effects/Safety

Myo-inositol is generally well tolerated. At therapeutic doses up to
4 g/d, no significant adverse events have been reported for the oral
supplementation of myo-inositol in studies for up to 6 months.

References

"Show references"

"Hide references"

1. Eur Rev Med Pharm Sci. 2010;14:1101-1105.
2. FertSteril. 2011 (DOI:10.1016/j.fernstert.2011.01.035).
3. GynecolEndocrinol. 2010;26:275-280.
4. FertilSteril. 2009;91:456-488.
5. Int Health Pract. 2009;83-87.
6. GynecolEndocrinol. 2009;25:508-513.
7. GynecolEndocrinol. 2008;24:139-144.
8. Eur Rev Med Pharm Sci. 2009;13:105-110.
9. GynecolEndocrinol. 2011 (DOI:10.3109/09513590.2011.564685).
10. GynecolEndocrinol. 2007;23:700-703.
11. Eur J ObstGynecolRepr Biol. 2009;147:120-123.
12. Eur Rev Med Pharm Sci. 2007;11:347-354.